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What We Are

The Planning Department supports the functions of the Board of Adjustment, Historic District Commission, Conservation Commission, Technical Advisory Committee, and the Planning Board.

Public Hearings for all Boards and Commissions are posted in the City Hall, Portsmouth Library and in the Online Meetings Calendar. Public Hearings are recorded and minutes are on file in the Department.

The Department activities serve to support the City’s Master Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Site Review Regulations and Subdivision Regulations. The Department is responsible for preparing the annual Capital Improvement Plan, and responding to particular needs of other governmental agencies. For building permit guidelines please click here.

Capital Improvement Plan

• 2009 - 2014 Capital Improvement Plan - City Council Rivised 06/02/08 (2.7MB)
  
  
• 2008 - 2013 Capital Improvement Plan - City Council Adopted 03/19/07 (5.1MB)
  

Zoning

• Zoning Ordinance Audit Report (Click here - 3.45MB)
  
• Portsmouth Zoning Map
  
• Zoning Ordinance, Regulations & Application Forms
  
• Update on Revision of City Land Use Regulations (02/19/08)

Rezoning Report

• City Council Rezoning Referrals to the Planning Department
  
  
• Rezoning Report for Proposed Zoning Amendments for 37 acres of land located off Islington Street (Borthwick Forrest)
  
  
• Letter from Planning Board Chairman John Ricci
• Rezoning Report for Harborcorp, LLC as recommended by the Portsmouth Planning Board - May 25, 2006 (12 MB)
  *If you would like to view a hard copy of the Rezoning Report, please visit the Portsmouth Public Library or the Planning Department

Draft Site Plan Review Regulations

• Draft Site Plan Review Regulations - April 24, 2008

Portsmouth Master Plan

• PORTSMOUTH MASTER PLAN - Click here to download
  Planning Board Adopted: March 24, 2005

Other Information

• DIGGIN' the PAST? Find an Artifact? Here is what to do.
• Hodgson Brook Restoration Plan
• Portsmouth Cultural Plan (June of 02)(0.6MB)