2.01: Purpose

The purpose of 974 CMR 2.00 is to protect the safety, convenience, and welfare of the inhabitants of Devens and residents of the surrounding communities by regulating the laying out and construction of ways in subdivisions and the substantial reconstruction of existing ways and to ensure the provision of adequate infrastructure and the protection of the built and natural environment.

The powers of the DEC under 974 CMR 2.00 shall be exercised with due regard for the provision of adequate access to all the lots in a subdivision by ways that will be safe and convenient for travel; for lessening congestion in such ways and in the adjacent public ways; for reducing danger to life and limb in the operation of motor vehicles; for securing safety in the case of fire, flood, and other emergencies; for ensuring compliance with the applicable By-Laws; for securing adequate provision for water, sewerage, drainage, underground utility services, public safety and emergency services, street lighting, and other requirements where necessary in a subdivision; for coordinating the ways in a subdivision with each other and with the public ways in Devens where they are located, and with the ways in neighboring subdivisions.

In addition to these purposes, 974 CMR 2.00 is intended to implement the Reuse Plan.