Zoning Ordinance Update

Destination Home Page

Reports/Presentation Downloads
Key Issues Report (1,548 kb PDF)
Main and Downtown Zoning Ordinance (PDF)
Uptown D2 District Form Based Code (PDF 25.5 MB)

General Information
The City of Portsmouth is currently in the process of developing a major update to our Zoning Ordinance. One of the primary goals of the Zoning Ordinance is to implement the Comprehensive Plan’s recommendations as they relate to land use. The Zoning Ordinance is the principle tool that will enable us to implement the visions and goals of the Destination 2025 Comprehensive Plan.

The initial phase of this update consisted of an in-depth review of the current Zoning Ordinance to identify key challenges with the current Code that need to be addressed.

Based on public input and analysis to date, the following five major themes or goals have been identified:

• Make the Code more user-friendly;
• Streamline the development review procedures and process;
• Modernize the Zoning districts and uses;
• Focus on development form and quality;
• Encourage compatible redevelopment.

The final phase of updating and rewriting the new Zoning Ordinance is now beginning. Citizen input is vital to the success of this process. These are multiple ways for citizens to get involved with this update.

Also, the Planning Department is conducting a Visual Preference Survey as part of the Zoning Ordinance update. Please take a moment to fill this survey out. Your responses will assist the City’s Planning Department to understand your preferences concerning the physical appearance and development character of the City of Portsmouth.

If you would like to be updated as the new Zoning Ordinance is being developed please provide your email address below. You may also provide comments in the Text Box provided. For any additional information or assistance, please contact the Department of Planning at 393-8836.