Code of Massachusetts Regulations 972 CMR - OLD KING'S HIGHWAY REGIONAL HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Here’s a clear overview of 972 CMR — Old King’s Highway Regional Historic District Commission (the Massachusetts regulations governing the OKH District Commission):
📘 972 CMR Structure & Contents
Title 972 CMR 1.00 – Rules of Procedure
Covers authorization, purposes, definitions, general procedures for town committees and the regional commission, appeals process, and amendment procedures (mass.gov).
Title 972 CMR 2.00 – Exempt Areas
Defines areas within the district that are fully exempt from Commission jurisdiction (e.g., some public ways or structures). Found in Mass. Secretary of State bookstore (sec.state.ma.us).
Title 972 CMR 3.00 – Excluded & Exempt Features/Activities
Lists individual features or minor activities excluded from review, like small utility projects or ordinary maintenance (sec.state.ma.us).
Title 972 CMR 4.00 – Violations & Court Jurisdictions
Explains enforcement authority (local building inspectors), documentation requirements, penalties (misdemeanors: $100–$500/day), and the courts with jurisdiction in Barnstable and Orleans (mass.gov).
👣 Key Highlights
Procedural rules (1.00) outline how hearings are held, timeframes, appeals, and documentation required for certificates (appropriateness, demolition, exemptions) (mass.gov).
Enforcement (4.00) enables citizens and inspectors to initiate enforcement; penalties accrue daily and are handled at District Courts .
Exemptions (2.00 & 3.00) allow certain areas and minor work to proceed without Commission involvement, streamlining compliance (sec.state.ma.us).
✅ Practical Application
Town Committees manage initial applications; appeals go to the regional Commission under 1.00.
Certificates are needed for most construction, demolition, or alterations—and exempted minor changes.
Enforcement is typically via town building inspectors; violations escalate to District Court with daily fines.
🔎 Accessing the Full Text
For full details, official PDFs are available via the Massachusetts government site:
Rules of Procedure (1.00) – includes Appeals, Hearings, Definitions
Violations & Court Jurisdiction (4.00)
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