Marshfield Conservation Commission Continues Disputed Patio Case, Clears Six Tree Removals

MARSHFIELD -- May 20, 2026, Marshfield Conservation Commission continued a disputed Highland Street patio case for a second time and approved removal of more than a dozen trees across six properties at its May 20 meeting. The commission voted unanimously to push the 31 Highland Street hearing to June 3 after a revised on-grade permeable paver patio plan from applicant representative Rich Oland arrived by email around 5 p.m. the day of the meeting, violating the standard Friday submission deadline; Conservation Agent Mike also flagged that the proposed 20-by-20 patio encroaches on a 25-foot coastal wetlands no-build setback marked on the applicant's own plan. "Per our regulations, a patio is a structure," the agent told commissioners, clarifying that even a permeable on-grade design cannot be built within the setback. Property owner Tim Boyd must submit a revised, conforming RDA and site plan by May 29. The commission also approved a $1,500 town-funded removal of a hazardous white pine on conservation land near Woofletree Lane, issued RDAs for a sinkhole fill at 71 Chandler Drive and a gardening shed at 685 Island Street, and tabled a boulder-placement project at 49 Waterman Avenue pending ownership clarification.