No person, firm, corporation, or other entity shall own or operate a cannabis establishment without first having acquired a properly adopted resolution of local support from City Council and a zoning compliance affidavit in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
A.
Application review. The Economic Development and Community Development committee of the City of Salem, in conjunction with the Administrative Officer, shall receive and review all applications for a resolution of local support for cannabis retailer, medical cannabis dispensary and Salem-based cannabis delivery and shall provide a report and recommendation on whether or not City Council shall issue a resolution of local support. The City Council reserves the right to reject any application for any reason at its sole discretion.
B.
The application fee for endorsement of a cannabis retailer, medical cannabis dispensary or Salem-based cannabis delivery operation shall be $2,500 for the administrative review of the application, and any other information deemed necessary to determine the suitability of the specific cannabis establishment, and activities related to its business operations for the proposed cannabis facility. If the applicant applies for more than one class of license, where permitted by law, the nonrefundable application fee shall be determined as follows: the applicant shall first pay $2,500 for the first class of license sought in its application and the applicant shall pay $1,000 for each additional class of license sought in its application.
C.
All applications for endorsement shall be accompanied by an escrow fee of $3,000 to be used by the Review Board to pay professionals for services rendered during the application process, such as review and preparation of documents, transcripts, and inspections. If review costs exceed the escrow deposited, the applicant shall pay the additional amount within 15 days of the request for additional funds. Where the review costs are less than the amount of the escrow deposit, the difference shall be returned to the applicant within 120 days of final disposition of the application.
D.
An application for a resolution of local support shall be deemed incomplete, and shall not be processed by the City, 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)
List of applicant's owners' or principals' and their 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)
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, statement of hiring practices, organizational chart, 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)
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 (inventory control) and currency, physical security at the cannabis facility, video surveillance, security personnel, and visitor management;
(8)
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;
(10)
New Jersey entity registration certificate;
(11)
Any other information which the applicant feels would be relevant to the City's evaluation of the suitability of issuing a resolution of local support;
(12)
For a license applicant that is a minority-owned business, certification that the license applicant is a minority business, women-owned business, or disabled veteran-owned business, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 17:30-6.4; and
(13)
For a license applicant that is a social equity business, attestation for a qualifying owner or passive investor attesting to the qualification of the person under the social equity business criteria pursuant to N.J.A.C. 17:30-6.6.
E.
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, City ordinances, and all other applicable government requirements, conditions, and approvals.