Code of Massachusetts Regulations 974 CMR - DEVENS ENTERPRISE COMMISSION
Here’s a comprehensive overview of 974 CMR – Devens Enterprise Commission:
📘 What is 974 CMR?
974 CMR is the section of the Code of Massachusetts Regulations governing the Devens Enterprise Commission (DEC)—a special permitting authority overseeing redevelopment in the Devens Enterprise Zone. Enacted under St. 1993, c. 498, DEC performs roles typically handled by municipal bodies like planning boards and health departments (mass.gov).
📂 Table of Contents
The Title is subdivided into ten major parts:
1.00 – Administration: Unified Development Permit system, levels of review, enforcement powers, variances, vesting, project timelines (devensec.com, mass.gov)
2.00 – Subdivision: Goals and procedures for subdivision plans (law.cornell.edu)
3.00 – Site Plan Approval
4.00 – Industrial Performance Standards & General Regulations: Addresses noise, air/odors, lighting, greenhouse gas mitigation, etc. (law.cornell.edu)
5.00 – Residential: Standards for residential development, accessory units, open space (sec.state.ma.us)
6.00 – Sign Control
7.00 – Historic District
8.00 – Public Health: DEC’s powers as a local health authority (regulations.justia.com, regulations.justia.com)
9.00 – Massachusetts Building & Related Codes: Incorporates all state building codes, with allowance for additional DEC standards (mass.gov)
10.00 – Wireless Communications Facilities
🔍 Highlights from Key Sections
1.00 – Administration
Defines permit types (Level One and Two), timelines, fees, enforcement, and vesting rules (regulations.justia.com, mass.gov).
4.00 – Industrial Performance Standards
Prevents nuisances such as excessive noise, emissions, odors, or lighting. Complaints may escalate to MA DEP oversight (law.cornell.edu).
9.00 – Building Codes
Applies Massachusetts’ state building and construction codes within Devens while allowing the Commission to enforce stricter local rules (mass.gov).
📄 Accessing the Regulations
The DEC’s official version is available via PDF on Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries (e.g., 974 CMR 9.00 PDF, dated July 9, 2004) (mass.gov).
You can view all sections from 1.00 to 10.00 on Mass.gov’s CMR catalog last updated June 25, 2021 (mass.gov).
For annotated text, see Cornell’s Legal Information Institute or Justia, which include content current through March 14, 2025 (regulations.justia.com).
✅ What You Can Do Next
Action
Where to Start
Read a specific section (e.g., sign control, site plan)
Visit Mass.gov or the Trial Court Law Libraries PDF
See definitions or enforcement powers
Browse 974 CMR 1.00, especially §§ 1.01–1.16
Check industrial, environmental, health, or building codes
Go to 4.00, 8.00, and 9.00
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