Where it stands as of Mon, May 11
The Planning Board unanimously adopted new Native Landscape Regulations for site plan review in May 2026. The regulations require all new vegetation in site plan review projects to consist of native species, prohibit systemic neonicotinoid pesticides, and restrict dyed mulches. More complex invasive species management requirements that were originally proposed alongside the native planting standards were deferred for separate study.
- For Planning Board Voted 5-0 on May 11, 2026, to adopt the Native Landscape Regulations for site plan review as amended.
Votes
| Date | Board | Motion | Result | Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planning Board | Close the public hearing for the Native Landscape Regulations for site plan review Native plant landscape regulations | Passed5-0 | 2:28:33 | |
| Planning Board | Adopt the Native Landscape Regulations for site plan review as discussed and amended Native plant landscape regulations | Passed5-0 | 2:28:03 |
Every time it came up newest first
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Native Landscape Regulations for site plan review
The board held a public hearing on new Native Landscape Regulations drafted in collaboration with the Open Space Preservation Commission. The regulations mandate that 100 percent of new vegetation in site plan review projects consist of native species, prohibit the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, and restrict dyed mulches and invasive plants. Following discussion regarding definitions of trees and shrubs and enforcement flexibility, the board voted unanimously to adopt the regulations.
- Applies to all landscape plans submitted for Planning Board site plan review.
- Requires plants listed as native to New England by Go Botany or Dr. Robert Gegear's at-risk pollinator list.
- Excludes cultivars and non-native vegetation from meeting landscaping requirements.
- Prohibits systemic neonicotinoid pesticides at any growing or planting stage.
Outcome: Adopted unanimously (5-0) as amended; public hearing closed.
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Native plant and invasive species landscape policy
Open Space Preservation Commission Chair Freddie Gillespie presented a comprehensive draft policy promoting native plantings, soft landings, and invasive species management in landscape designs under Planning Board review. Discussion covered ecological benefits to pollinators and birds, restrictions on neonicotinoids and systemic pesticides, and concerns regarding the use of stone mulch. Board members supported incorporating native planting standards into site plan rules and regulations while recommending that the complex invasive species management requirements be developed separately.
- Proposal establishes standards requiring native species for landscape reviews based on Go Botany and Dr. Robert Gegear pollinator plant lists.
- Proposes discouraging dyed mulch, landscape fabric, and stone mulch in favor of living ground covers and soft landings.
- Recommends restrictions on plants treated with systemic pesticides and neonicotinoids.
- Planning Board agreed to draft site plan regulations for native plants for adoption at their next meeting, while deferring the invasive management section for broader study.
Outcome: Agreed to draft native plant standards as formal site plan regulations for the May 11, 2026 meeting.