Earth Removal Committee advances bylaw definitions, defers subcommittee review
The Plymouth Earth Removal Bylaw Review Committee unanimously approved moving bylaw definitions from Section 203-2C to 203-2A, with a directive to coordinate removal of duplicates from the General Bylaw through Planning and Development staff. Chair Michelle Christensen oversaw line-by-line review
Earth Removal Bylaw Committee · Meeting of August 20, 2026
PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Earth Removal Bylaw Review Committee unanimously approved moving bylaw definitions from Section 203-2C to 203-2A, with a directive to coordinate removal of duplicates from the General Bylaw through Planning and Development staff. Chair Michelle Christensen oversaw line-by-line review of the draft annotated outline with consulting engineers from Horsley Witten, establishing a working definition of "Earth Removal" centered on offsite excavation of soil, sand, and mineral materials that alter natural features. An informal vote split the committee: Christensen, Vice Chair Love Albrecht, Richard Serkey, Scott MacMillin, and Allen Hemberger favored Planning Board authorization of Special Permits for earth excavation, while Walter Morrison, Hampton Watkins, and Eric Cody preferred the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The committee unanimously deferred Natural Features Subcommittee B to September 3 and approved restoration of Site Plan Review as a fourth regulatory mechanism after recognizing its inadvertent removal from the draft.
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Source: the Earth Removal Bylaw Committee meeting of August 20, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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