No person, firm, corporation or other entity shall own or operate
a cannabis establishment, cannabis distributor or cannabis delivery
service without first having acquired a properly adopted resolution
of local support and a zoning compliance affidavit in accordance with
the provisions of this chapter.
A. Application. All applicants requesting proof of local support required
under the CREAMM Act shall submit a completed application form and
supply all items requested by local officials in a manner prescribed
by the Township. Said application must include a nonrefundable fee
of $2,500 for the administrative review of the applicant's concept
plan, and any other information deemed necessary to determine the
suitability of the specific cannabis establishment, cannabis distributor
and/or cannabis delivery service and activities related to its business
operations for the proposed cannabis facility.
B. An application for a resolution of local support shall be deemed
incomplete, and shall not be processed by the Township, until all
documents and application fees are submitted. In order to be deemed
complete, the applicant shall submit a fully executed application
and proof of all of the following:
(1) The proposed location of the cannabis facility, including a copy
of a concept plan and proof that the applicant has or will have lawful
possession of the premises proposed for the cannabis facility, which
proof may consist of a deed, a lease, a real estate contract contingent
upon successful licensing, or a binding letter of intent by the owner
of the premises indicating an intent to lease the premises to the
entrant contingent upon successful licensing;
(2) A description as to why the proposed location of the cannabis facility
is an appropriate location;
(3) The applicant's owners' or principals' qualifications
and experience operating in highly regulated industries, including
cannabis, healthcare, pharmaceutical manufacturing, retail pharmacies,
or other relevant industries, with preference to experience operating
such businesses within the State of New Jersey;
(4) The applicant's business plan, including the value proposition
for consumers, an overview of proposed financing for the business,
product(s), market analysis, its regulatory compliance plan, and its
ability to obtain liability insurance;
(5) A description of the proposed business activities/operations to be
conducted at the cannabis facility, including all principal and accessory
uses;
(6) The applicant's qualifications and experience related to public
safety and security, including any of the applicant's owners'
or principals' experience in law enforcement and drug enforcement;
(7) A summary of the applicant's plans for storage of products and
currency, physical security at the cannabis facility, video surveillance,
security personnel, and visitor management;
(8) A summary of the applicant's environmental impact, mitigation
and sustainability plan, including water management practices, odor
mitigation practices, pest control and disease management practices
(pesticides, nutrients, and additives), solid and hazardous waste
disposal practices, and use of renewal energy;
(9) A description of the applicant's commitment to the local community
and commitment to social responsibility; and
(10)
Any other information which the applicant feels would be relevant
to the Township's evaluation of the suitability of issuing a
resolution of local support.
C. All applications for a resolution of local support shall be subject
to review by Township officials and, if deemed necessary, the Redevelopment
Committee. Township officials and/or the Redevelopment Committee shall
issue its recommendations to the Township Council, which shall adopt
a resolution to either approve or deny the request of support, which
may include conditions for approval. The Township Council reserves
the right to reject any application for any reason at its sole discretion.
D. Land use compliance required. The adoption of a resolution of local
support does not constitute a zoning permit or land use approval,
and no property or part thereof hereafter may be used and no building
or part thereof hereafter may be demolished, erected, constructed,
reconstructed, moved, extended, converted, altered, maintained or
used except upon receipt of all applicable permits, licenses, and
other approvals and in conformity with the provisions of this chapter,
Ordinance No. 2075-2022, as amended, Township ordinances, and all other applicable
government requirements, conditions, and approvals.
E. Expiration of resolution of local support. All resolutions of local
support shall expire one year from the date of issuance unless:
(1) The Township has, by resolution, extended the expiration date of
the resolution of local support; or
(2) The applicant has received a state license.
F. Appeal. In the event of the denial of a resolution of local support,
the applicant may appeal to the Township Council for a hearing. The
appeal shall be filed, in writing, with the Township Clerk within
14 calendar days after notification of the denial. The Township Council
shall hold its hearing within 30 calendar days thereafter, and its
decision shall be final.