diff --git a/configure/RELEASE b/configure/RELEASE
index e1e46f12..4ecebda3 100644
--- a/configure/RELEASE
+++ b/configure/RELEASE
@@ -44,3 +44,8 @@ IPAC=$(SUPPORT)/ipac-R2-15
 # The following is only needed for the motor examples in iocBoot.
 #!MOTOR=$(TOP)
 
+# These lines allow developers to override these RELEASE settings
+# without having to modify this file directly.
+-include $(TOP)/../RELEASE.local
+-include $(TOP)/../RELEASE.$(EPICS_HOST_ARCH).local
+-include $(TOP)/configure/RELEASE.local