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Richmond Planning Board approves 'Normal Landscaping' definition after resident concerns about wetlands
Summary
After a public hearing in which residents urged stronger wetland protections and raised enforcement concerns, the Richmond Planning Board voted to approve a proposed definition of “Normal Landscaping” for Article 17; the definition will appear on the ballot.
The Richmond Planning Board voted to approve a proposed definition of “Normal Landscaping” in Article 17 at its Jan. 27, 2026 meeting, after a public hearing in which residents urged tighter wetland protections and questioned the town’s ability to enforce any changes.
Doug Smith, chairman of the Richmond Planning Board, opened the hearing and noted a transcription error that required the board to hold a second public hearing on the text. Members of the public said the draft definition did not provide enough protection for wetlands and expressed concern that the language could either be read to restrict plantings on wetlands or, conversely, leave non‑wetland plantings to be treated as allowed agriculture. Speakers also urged that wetland conservation buffers remain untouched and flagged a lack of town inspectors to verify compliance; several suggested education as an alternative to stricter ordinance language and one asked that the definition be withdrawn and redrafted next year.
Board members responded that the entry before them is a definition — not an ordinance change — and said it was drafted so as not to restrict all landscaping on wetlands to only wetland‑specific plantings. Board members also noted the state does not have a comparable definition in the RSAs, and referenced other townships’ definitions during discussion.
Following the hearing and board discussion, Lisa Traeger moved to approve the definition as written; Brad Grinstead seconded. The minutes record a vote in favor by Traeger, Greg Butko, Grinstead and Doug Smith and state the motion carries. The approved definition will be placed on the ballot for voter consideration.
In other business the board accepted minutes for Jan. 20, 2026 (motion by Traeger, seconded by Grinstead; "all in favor") and considered a motion regarding Jan. 13 minutes. The board reported the Zoning Ordinance book update remains on hold while numbering issues are researched and continued review of the Master Plan survey results through question 22; further review will continue in the coming weeks. Lisa Traeger moved to adjourn and, after a second by Grinstead, the meeting ended at 7:49 p.m.
