The Needham Conservation Commission on March 27, 2025, voted to issue an Order of Conditions for work at 28 Robinwood Avenue (DEP file 234-947), including a waiver to allow limited work inside the 25-foot no-disturb buffer and a waiver of the fee for that work. The commission also approved special conditions that prohibit fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides within the 100-foot buffer and require as-built plans for the patio and related grading.

The project as described to the commission calls for removal of an existing paver patio and construction of an expanded permeable patio made of Bluestone, rehabilitation and expansion of landscape beds, relocation of a fence and minor grading. The applicant said the work within the 25-foot buffer totals about 260 square feet and will convert some existing lawn to native plantings while converting an area of wood chips to lawn; no trees will be removed. The application requested a waiver for the 25-foot no-disturb zone and a waiver of the associated fee.

Why it matters: work inside a 25-foot no-disturb zone is typically restricted because of potential impacts to wetland resource areas. The commission's approval allows the applicant to proceed under conditions intended to protect wetland interests while permitting a small amount of restoration and pervious paving.

Commission discussion and conditions
Commission staff explained that the work includes installation of a pervious patio, small planting beds and limited grading. Commissioners asked for clarification about existing bounds and whether the limits of work would be marked on site; staff confirmed that bounds placed in earlier filings remain visible. Commissioners also pressed for as-built plans and a certificate of compliance procedure. "I like having the as-built plans submitted," said Commissioner Bill (Conservation Commission member).

The commission added a special condition prohibiting the use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides throughout the 100-foot buffer zone and required erosion controls for the portion of work within the 25-foot buffer. The commission kept a requirement that an as-built plan be submitted before issuance of the certificate of compliance.

Formal actions
- Motion to issue a waiver for work in the 25-foot no-disturb zone for 28 Robinwood Avenue (DEP 234-947). Mover/second: not specified on the record. Vote: unanimous roll-call "aye" (7–0). Outcome: approved.
- Motion to waive the fee associated with work in the 25-foot no-disturb zone for 28 Robinwood Avenue. Mover/second: not specified on the record. Vote: unanimous roll-call "aye" (7–0). Outcome: approved.
- Motion to issue the Order of Conditions for 28 Robinwood Avenue (DEP 234-947). Mover/second: not specified on the record. Vote: unanimous roll-call "aye" (7–0). Outcome: approved.

Next steps
Staff said they will arrange for the commission signatures on the Order of Conditions and notify the applicant when the document is ready for pick-up.

Ending: The commission closed the item and moved on to other agenda matters.