Purpose

Over the last decade, the City has implemented several pilots for Resident Neighborhood Parking Programs to address concerns of reduced parking availability for residents of neighborhoods located near the Downtown Business District.

Neighborhoods in proximity to the Downtown Business District are not metered. Residents have raised concerns that nonresidents park in their neighborhoods because parking spaces are unmetered, which creates a shortage of parking spaces for residents.

Prior pilots have been unsuccessful because they were difficult to manage and enforce. A new Resident Access Parking Program (RAPP) Pilot- 2026 (“Program”) has been created to address residents’ concerns and improve the operation and enforcement of the Program.

The goals of Program are to:

• Increase parking availability for residents by charging nonresidents for parking in designated locations outside the Downtown Business District (“RAPP Zone”);
• Provide free parking for residents and School, Recreation and Library employees who have registered their vehicle license plates with the City’s Tax or Parking Office;
• Expand the Downtown Workforce Parking Program to limited areas in the RAPP Zone;
• Simplify management and enforcement of the Program by using vehicle license plate enforcement; and
• Provide parking management data from the Program to the Council to help inform future resident parking programs and parking availability in neighborhoods in proximity to the Downtown Business District.

Policy

The Program will provide free parking for residents and School, Recreation and Library employees with vehicle license plates registered through the City’s Parking or Tax Office in the RAPP Zone more fully described below. Nonresidents will be charged an hourly parking rate determined by the Fee Schedule Study Committee. The Program also expands the Downtown Resident Workforce Program to Parrott Avenue and the hourly parking rate for Downtown Workers will be determined by the Fee Schedule Study Committee.

RAPP Zone

The RAPP Zone includes the following streets listed below and set forth in the attached map:

• Parrott Avenue (roadway only, and the only street in the RAPP Zone to be used by downtown workers registered for the Downtown Workforce Parking Program)
• Hanover Street (from Bridge Street to Brewster Street);
• Rock Street
• Pearl Street
• Tanner Street
• Tanner Court
• Gates Street
• Hancock Street
• Washington (Court Street to Hancock Street)

Parking Rates in RAPP Zone

Parking Rates for the Program are set by the Fee Schedule Study Committee and hours of enforcement are set forth in Chapter 7, Article I, Section 7.102 (C).

Effective Date

The Program is effective July 1, 2026.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on June 8, 2026.

City Clerk

WHEREAS: The City’s Arts & Cultural institutions contribute to the City’s vitality and generate significant revenue for the City every year. Approximately $71 MM in revenue was contributed to the City during 2022, as shown in the recent AFTA Study;

WHEREAS: The key factor driving attendance at arts & cultural events is awareness;

WHEREAS: Given the significant economic impact of these events, the City of Portsmouth wishes to make available resources to help drive awareness of and attendance at arts and cultural events, and support the financial health of its arts and cultural institutions;

WHEREAS: A municipal arts and cultural banner program that permits the temporary affixation of donated banners to City lamp posts would enrich its arts and cultural institutions by highlighting special arts and cultural events, notify citizens of community-based cultural, educational, and civic events, including City sponsored and co-sponsored events;

THEREFORE: To accomplish these goals, the City Council authorizes the City Manager to design and implement a Municipal Arts and Cultural Banner Program, if economically feasible, that allows for the temporary affixation of donated banners to City light posts at certain designated locations throughout the downtown area and other appropriate heavy traffic corridors leading in and out of downtown Portsmouth.

SCOPE: Entities eligible to donate banners for display shall be limited to community-based nonprofit organizations and arts and cultural institutions that promote the public good. Banners shall only be for the promotion of arts & cultural institutions, individuals, or themes.

PROGRAM: This Program shall establish a consistent, transparent, and fair process for selecting and displaying donated art and cultural banners on municipal property in a cost effective manner, while prioritizing public safety and maintaining community aesthetics.

DISCLAIMER: This policy is intended to govern the display of art and cultural banners donated to the City on municipal property. The City does not intend to create a public forum for the expression of ideas or opinions, and banner displays shall not be used for political or commercial messages. The City reserves the right to deny any donation application that does not meet the policy’s and program’s criteria.

This policy shall take effect upon the passage by the City Council.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on November 17, 2025.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

1. Purpose

As part of its commitment to open government and citizen engagement, the City of Portsmouth has established boards, commissions, and committees to provide expert and/or community advice to the City Council and City Staff on a variety of topics, issues, and initiatives. The City of Portsmouth provides essential services upon which individuals and businesses rely daily. The successful delivery of those services requires the best efforts of both elected and appointed City Officials and volunteer board, commission, and committee members. Consequently, your reliability, your ability to interact respectfully and successfully with each other, the public and staff, and your attention to your assigned duties are critically important. This Policy provides a standard of conduct framework for the completion of these assigned duties and respectful interactions. Failure to meet these standards is cause for concern, discipline, and possible removal, in addition to any penalties that may be applicable pursuant to State and Federal law.

2. Scope

This Policy applies to all elected and appointed officials, including volunteer members of the boards, commissions, committees, Blue Ribbon committees, advisory committees, and any task force established by the City.

3. Policy

To meet the high standard of performance and conduct the City expects, this Policy provides both general and specific guidance to help you succeed and to promote consistency in expectations. Generally, elected and appointed officials and volunteers of the City are expected to maintain common standards of honesty and decency expected of its staff as set forth in the City’s Standards of Conduct and Code of Ethics Policy, which forms the basis for this Policy.

To provide additional guidance, the following specific areas of conduct are called out for attention below. In addition, the City has adopted detailed, specific policies concerning some areas of conduct and those more specific policies will govern.

A. Absenteeism, Tardiness and Attendance: Any expected absence or lateness should be reported to the Chair of the group meeting as soon as possible. Elected and appointed City Officials and volunteer board, commission, and committee members are also subject to the attendance requirements and appointment, tenure and removal provisions of Chapter 1, Article III, Section 1.302 of the City ordinances.

B. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure: As part of your duties, you may learn confidential information which may include personnel and individual protected health information, privileged and confidential legal opinions, security related strategies, and confidential financial information. You have an obligation to keep such information secure and to follow any policies that may be in place to protect that information from disclosure. New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know Law, RSA 91-A, governs the procedures for conducting non-public sessions of public bodies and the confidential nature of those sessions. This is discussed in more detail in the Volunteer Training Manual and will be reviewed during the mandatory volunteer Orientation and Training.

C. Courtesy, Respect and Professional Conduct: Generally, elected and appointed officials and volunteers of the City are expected to behave courteously and professionally and to maintain common standards of honesty and decency.

D. Honesty: Elected officials and volunteers are expected to be truthful and to maintain public records accurately and in accordance with the law. You may not promise special favors to anyone or receive special consideration from anyone in exchange for an official act.

E. Drug Free: City property is a drug-free zone and alcohol-free location by Ordinance. Bringing, possessing, or using alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs or being under the influence of or testing positive for these substances on City property or while acting in an official capacity may result in discipline, removal or criminal charges.

F. Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment: See separate Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy on this topic. This policy applies to all elected and appointed City Officials and volunteers by adoption of this Policy.

G. Safety: All elected and appointed officials and volunteers are encouraged to help to maintain a healthy and safe work environment. Any unsafe condition or any accident can be reported to the Chair of their committee or to the City Manager’s Office.

H. Telephone, Facsimile, Computer, E-Mail, and Copier Usage: See separate Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy on this topic. This policy applies to all elected and appointed City officials and volunteers by adoption of this Policy.

I. Theft, Destruction or Unauthorized Use of City Property. Elected and appointed officials and volunteers shall be permitted to use and remove City property with permission of the Chair of their Committee or the City Manager. The City reserves the right to search and inspect City property. Misappropriation or misuse of City property may subject elected and appointed officials and volunteers to discipline, removal or penalties applicable through State or Federal law.

J. Conflict of Interest: Chapter 1, Article VIII, Sections 1.801 through 1.807 of the City of Portsmouth Ordinances sets forth a Code of Ethics applicable to all City employees and City officials, elected and appointed. That Code of Ethics defines and prohibits conflicts of interest. Conflicts of interest jeopardize the confidence the public has in government and are to be avoided.

K. Volunteer Orientation and Training: The City will coordinate and provide Orientation and Training for all Board members prior to their first meeting. Board member participation in this Orientation and Training is mandatory and a prerequisite to participating in any Board meetings. The Orientation and Training will include the distribution and review of the City’s Board, Commission & Committee Handbook for Volunteers (“Volunteer Handbook”), and information regarding the following topics:

i. A general overview of the City’s governance structure;

ii. Information regarding the Board’s purpose and function, including the role of the Board and its relationship with the public, other Boards, City Staff and the City Council;

iii. Meeting Rules and Procedures, which will including but not limited to:

1. Attendance
2. Quorum
3. Role of Chair
4. Role of City Council Liaison
5. Role of Staff Liaison
6. Meeting Rules and Procedures, including compliance with Roberts Rules and Confidentiality
7. Review of applicable City ordinances and other City policies (Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment, Acceptable Use for Electronic Media, Social Media, and any other policy approved and required by the City Council) and compliance with New Hampshire’s Access to Governmental Records and Meeting Law, RSA 91-A (Right-to-Know law)
8. Discussion of consequences of Board Member’s failure to comply with Board Rules and Procedures, City ordinances, City policies and State and Federal laws

iv. Mandatory Board member participation in Orientation and Training to provide guidelines on good government practices, and acknowledgement of review and receipt of Volunteer Handbook and City policies.

v. Specialized training may be provided to Board Chairs, as needed

vi. Specialized training will be provided to Land Use Boards on quasi-judicial procedures and relevant state law.

The City acknowledges citizen participation as an important ingredient to delivering top-quality public services and further acknowledges the dedication and commitment of each Board member and value their contributions to City government.

This policy shall take effect upon the passage by the City Council.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on January 6, 2025.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

See the City’s website for all three documents referenced in this policy: The Handbook for Volunteers, the Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy, and the Acceptable Use Policy: portsnh.co/bccapply.

1. Objective and Purpose

Access to government records pursuant to New Hampshire’s Right to Know Law (RSA 91-A) is an indispensable tool for the public to use to understand the way local government functions. This policy will allow the City to provide access to government records in a more targeted and efficient manner while saving City staff time and encouraging an efficient use of taxpayer resources.

2. Definitions

a. “Individual electronic communication” includes the communication itself as well as the responses and attachments to each communication, under a single subject line. However, text or chat message threads regarding the same topic shall be considered an individual electronic communication unless a thread exceeds 50 individual messages, at which point a group of 50 messages shall be considered an individual electronic communication.

b. “Media requesters” means organizations or individuals who publish information in accepted digital, print, or broadcast formats and to standards generally recognized by professional news organizations that do not serve primarily as a platform to promote the interest and/or opinions of a special interest group, government, individual or cause.

3. Policy

A per electronic communication charge of $1 per individual electronic communication, regardless of whether the records are delivered in hard copy or electronically, shall be charged of any requester subject to the following provisions:

1. No charge shall be issued for the first 250 individual electronic communications;

2. No charge shall be issued for the following individuals or entities:

• a. An individual who can demonstrate they are indigent as established by the federal poverty line, as issued each year by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services;
• b. Media requesters;
• c. Any individual requesting information where the disclosure of the information is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requestor, except media requesters.

3. Multiple requests from any person or entity to the same public body within a 30-day time period shall be considered one request.

The requester shall receive an itemized estimate of the cost of making the record available. This estimate shall accompany any written statement of the time reasonably necessary to determine whether the request shall be granted or denied and the reason for the delay, if it is estimated that making the record available will take longer than 5 business days, or as soon as the fee can be ascertained. All responses shall be provided within the timeframes provided by applicable law.

This policy shall take effect upon the passage by the City Council.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on October 7, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

1. Objective and Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to encourage the use of 100% compostable single-use food service-ware. To do so, the City Council is supporting the reduction of single-use plastic food service-ware. This policy will also support waste reduction efforts, which is a goal of the State of New Hampshire 2024 Climate Action Plan, and the forthcoming Portsmouth Climate Action Plan. This policy encourages businesses to only distribute single-use food service-ware upon request, and preferably only 100% compostable single-use service-ware.

2. Scope

2.1 This policy applies to all food service providers in the City of Portsmouth, and all consumers purchasing food or beverages in the City of Portsmouth.

2.2 Definitions

For the purpose of this policy, the following terms will be defined in the following manner:

a. Consumer: a person purchasing food or beverages.

b. Food Service Provider: any store, establishment, provider, government entity, non-profit vendor, or business, operating within the City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire that sells or provides food or beverages for human consumption to consumers directly or indirectly through a delivery or takeout service, regardless of whether such food is consumed on or off the premises. “Food service provider” includes, but is not limited to, restaurants, retail food establishments, caterers, cafeterias, stores, shops, retail sales outlets, grocery stores, delicatessens serving the public, mobile or temporary food providers, vehicles or carts, or roadside stands.

c. Single-Use Food Service-ware: all types of items provided by food service providers in relation to the consumption and enjoyment of food or beverages, including, but not limited to, forks, spoons, knives, napkins, straws, stirrers, cocktail sticks, splash sticks, toothpicks, wet-wipes, cup lids, cup sleeves, beverage trays, and cups, plates, and take-out containers that are designed for single-use.

Single-Use Condiment: relishes, spices, sauces, confections, or seasonings that require no additional preparation and that are usually used on a food item after preparation, including ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, soy sauce, hot sauce, salsa, salt, pepper, sugar, and sugar substitutes or other similar items that are designed for single-use.

d. Single-Use: a product that is designed to be used once and then discarded, and not designed for repeated use and sanitizing.

e. Third-Party Food Delivery Platform: a business engaged in the service of online food ordering and/or delivery of food or beverages from a food service provider to a consumer.

3. Single-Use Food Service-ware Upon Request Guidance

The City Council encourages food service providers to provide single-use food service-ware or single-use condiments only upon request by a customer, and preferably only 100% compostable products. Additionally, single-use food service-ware and single-use condiments provided by food service providers for use by consumers should not be bundled or packaged in a manner that prohibits a consumer from taking only the type of single-use food service-ware or single-use condiment desired without also having to take a different type of single-use food service-ware or single-use condiment. Food service providers should also display information for consumers about this program at their place of business, including a notice that consumers must specifically request to receive single-use food service-ware.

4. Guidance for Third-Party Delivery Platforms

Food service providers are encouraged to contact their third-party food delivery platforms, and request that they provide consumers with the option to request that no single-use food service-ware and single-use condiments from food service providers unless requested. Likewise, the food service provider should request that a third-party food delivery platform should customize its menu with a list of available single-use food service-ware and single-use condiments, and only those single-use food service-ware and single-use condiments selected by the consumer should be provided by the food service provider or the third-party food delivery platform. If a consumer does not select any single-use food service-ware or single-use condiments, no single-use food service-ware or single-use condiments should be provided by the food service provider or the third-party delivery platform.

5. Education and Outreach

The City Manager will leverage City resources to conduct education and outreach to consumers, food service providers, and third-party food delivery platforms regarding the requirements and purpose of this policy.

a. The education and outreach may include:

1. Information regarding the environmental and public health harms associated with single-use food service-ware;
2. The environmental, economic, and social benefits of reusable food service-ware;
3. Information regarding the environmental and public health concerns associated with landfilling and incinerating waste;
4. How food service providers and third-party delivery platforms can comply with this policy and the benefits of compliance.

b. The education and outreach should utilize multiple forms of media, including, but not limited to print and web-based media to produce information directly to consumers, food service providers, and third-party food delivery platforms, and shall be provided in multiple languages, if necessary.

6. Acknowledgements

Participating food service providers shall be recognized by being allowed to display an acknowledgement of their compliance with sections 3 and 4 of this policy at their business, and shall be listed as a participating provider on the City of Portsmouth website. The City Manager will develop a method to acknowledge participating food service providers.

This policy shall take effect 120 days after the passage by the City Council.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on July 15, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

1. Council Conflict of Interest Policy

1.1 City Councilors should not exert undue influence on quasi-judicial board members in their official capacity, including speaking on issues before quasi-judicial boards that are not related to a direct abutter interest in the proposal.

1.2 Council members shall not attend other Councilor’s committee meetings unless noticed in advance, or unless they were invited to participate as a guest, if their attendance might create a Council quorum.

1.3 Council members shall not vote on matters pertaining to their own personal reputational interest, including issues of Ethics and Conflict of Interest.

1.4 In order to preserve the public confidence in the ethical operation of the City Council, any Councilor who has a concern about a potential conflict of interest for him/her/themselves and the need for recusal, the Councilor shall:

• Confer with the City Legal Department to seek a written opinion.
• Share that opinion with the Council and the public before the questioned action is taken.
• If there is a question that arises during Council discussion, the Councilor shall request an opinion from the City Attorney prior to engaging in further discussion.

2. Transparency

The Council shall not meet unless the meeting is duly noticed (This includes without limitation meetings with legal counsel, which meetings are currently permitted to occur without notice to the public under NH law.)

Should any conversation in nonpublic session be beyond the noticed scope of the meeting and requirements of law, any Councilor may raise a point of order during the course of the meeting of the digression. A point of order could without limitation include a request for a legal opinion as to whether the discussion is appropriate or lawful under RSA 91-A, and/or to request a vote of the City Council as to whether to proceed with the discussion topic.

This policy shall take effect upon the passage by the City Council.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on November 13, 2023.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

1. Objective and Purpose

Donations of every type are offered to the City of Portsmouth for general or specific purposes. This policy will guide the review and acceptance of such donations, confirm that the City has relevant and adequate resources to manage such donations, and ensure that the City appropriately acknowledges the generosity of the donor. Partnership opportunities for donations for community benefits should respect relevant statutory limitations and guidance, honor policy goals and occur within an ethical framework that preserves the integrity of municipal decision-making processes.

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Establish guidelines that ensure donations occur at arm’s length from any City decision-making process;
• Provide criteria and process for the acceptance of donations; and
• Confer upon and confirm the authority of the City Manager, the School Board, the Police Commission, the Fire Commission and the Library Board of Trustees, to accept and spend donations consistent with State law, the parameters contained herein, and their adopted policies and practices.

2. Scope

2.1 This policy is intended to encompass all donations made to the City, its boards, committees and commissions, and programs as well as donations requested or encouraged by staff directed to other organizations or community agencies unless excluded herein. That stated, this policy is not intended to interfere with or displace the policies and procedures of the School Board, the Trustees of Trust Funds, and Library Trustees which have certain authority granted to them under Charter, ordinance, and law. The City of Portsmouth desires to encourage donations, while at the same time considering fiscal impacts and on-going maintenance and operational costs. While this policy predominantly focuses on material donations, this policy should be considered to have broad applicability for unseen future donations.

2.2 This policy does not apply to:

• a. Donations of public art which are the subject of a separate ordinance and policy;
• b. Individual volunteers who may serve in various capacities within municipal departments as part of an academic or other program, or individual volunteers who assist at various municipal-sponsored or run events, functions or programs;
• c. Gifts to individual employees which are governed by Ordinance under Chapter 1, Article 8 and subject to the policies and procedures implemented by the City Manager;
• d. Grants from any source are not covered by this Donation Policy and must be brought forward to the City Council for acceptance;
• e. Trust instruments which must be brought forward to the City Council for approval (although the general policy considerations expressed in this policy may be applicable and useful); and
• f. The Trustees of Trust Funds.

2.3 Definition

“Donations” are cash and other monetary instruments, tangible property including land, or in-kind contributions directed to the City or its boards, commission, committees, or programs. Donations do not constitute a business relationship since no reciprocal consideration is sought.

2.4 Examples of Donations:

• Memorials: trees, park benches, plaques
• Monetary: including cash from event ticket sales and payments for auction items associated with fundraisers that may be conducted by third parties and donated to the City, as well as gift certificates and discount deals from local businesses and nonprofits
• In-kind services: this includes organized multi-person volunteer activities by businesses and non-profits to repair, improve municipal facilities and properties
• Tangible Items other than Art: laptops and other equipment, instruments, food

2.5 Donation Process

The City Manager shall develop and implement such forms and processes necessary to comply with this policy and work with the Charter Departments and Library Trustee to align their policies and practices as needed for consistency of implementation. If the donation is for a restricted purpose, that purpose should be clearly defined or described and any time limitation on the expenditure of those restricted funds identified.

3. Accepting Donations

3.1 General Authority

The City may elect to accept or decline any donation.

3.2 Accepting Authority

• The School Board shall have authority to accept donations directed to the School Department and its programs provided it is consistent with this policy.
• The Library Board of Trustees shall have authority to accept donations directed to the Portsmouth Public Library and its programs provided it is consistent with this policy.
• The City Manager shall have the authority to accept donations of value of $100 or less without action by the City Council. The City Manager shall prepare for informational purposes only a quarterly report to the City Council identifying all such donations so accepted. Generally, the name of the donor and the amount of the donation and any program or trust to which the donation was directed will be identified in the report.
• All other donations shall be submitted to the City Council for acceptance.

3.3 Occasionally the City receives cash donations in circumstances in which it is unable or impractical to identify the donor. Such examples include when staff is directed to “keep the change” or to “round up.” Nothing in this policy limits the City’s ability to accept these donations.

3.4 There are donors and situations where it is preferred that the donation be treated as anonymous, to the extent possible, and as may be permitted by the State’s open meeting and public records laws. In addition, some departments, such as the Police Department, prefer to limit certain donor information to the Chief and the Police Commission due to their officers’ enforcement role. Nothing in this policy limits the City Manager’s authority to accept donations in instances where the donation is to be treated as anonymous to the extent allowable by law.

4. General Conditions

4.1 No advantage is to accrue to the donor (donor’s family, business or other close relations or interests) as a result of the donation.

4.2 No donation shall be accepted which violates this policy, the City Charter or ordinances, or any State, federal law or order.

5. Eligible Uses

5.1 Eligible donations are those that support approved programs and services, durable assets; capital facilities or projects; asset improvement, restoration or capital maintenance; or cash for such purposes.

5.2 Donations must be for purposes consistent with the receiving Departments’ mandate, programs, services and activities and must be deemed to be in the public interest of the City.

5.3 Donations are only to be accepted if the receiving Department has the capacity to meet the initial and ongoing costs and obligations associated with the gift.

5.4 Donors who wish to make donations that support special purposes to be provided by an organization independent of the City should be directed, where possible, to the intended organization.

6. Ineligible Donors and Donations

To the extent reasonably practical, donations from ineligible donors should be declined. Ineligible donors include, but are not limited to:

• Persons who may be suffering from mental illness, disability or duress;
• A party, committee, association, fund, or other organization (regardless of incorporation) that is regulated by election laws;
• Any organization that is required to be registered with the secretary of state under the lobbyist registration act;
• Proven or suspected criminal organizations;
• Organizations that promote hatred against individuals or groups; and
• Individuals, businesses, or organizations when adverse to the City in pending litigation.
• Persons and entities with pending applications for permits or other municipal approvals.

Donations from certain persons and entities such as arms manufacturers, certain drug manufacturers/distributors, and tobacco companies are not ineligible donors but donations from such entities may require special attention and consideration and evaluation of potential conflicts.

Donations shall not be accepted for programs, projects or other purposes which would be in violation of any anti-discrimination policies of the City of Portsmouth or any local, state or federal laws.

7. Authority to Accept and Spend Cash Donation

The City Manager (and as applicable the department heads by extension) and Charter Departments shall have the authority to expend accepted donations for the purposes intended.

8. Declining Donations

As stated above under Section 3, the City reserves the right to decline any donation for any reason. If the donation is not accepted, the City may, at its discretion, notify the donor of the reason the donation was declined.

9. Costs Associated with the Proposed Donation

The City also has an interest in knowing in advance the full cost that may be associated with a donation, namely those which may relate to purchase, installation, maintenance and operation during the gift’s expected life cycle. In the ordinary course the amount of the donation should be sufficient to cover all such expenses.

• Neither purchase nor installation shall commence until the donor’s donation has been accepted and funds have been received by the City for such purposes.
• As to donations requiring on-going operation and maintenance, amounts which are estimated to exceed $1,000 on an annual basis, the donation shall include an endowment sufficient to cover them, i.e. 20x the estimated amounts.

In rare and unusual circumstances where the City has determined that the value of the donation substantially exceeds the cost associated therewith, these requirements may be waived.

10. Procurement Decisions

10.1 Voluntary donations for community benefits may not be solicited and offers may not be made by or accepted from a bidder, proponent or applicant to procurement, or their representative, concurrent to the procurement solicitation and award process.

10.2 The City shall not accept donations that are conditional upon the endorsement of any product, service or supplier. Current and prospective suppliers to the City that decline solicitations for donations shall not be penalized in procurement decisions of the City.

11. Donations of Personal or Real Property

11.1 Donations of real property should include consideration of any future or ongoing obligations arising from the donation. Where appropriate, approval of a donation of real property is to include the use and disposition of the real property including the net proceeds arising from a property transaction. Donations of real property will be held in the name of the City.

11.2 Donations of personal property will also be reviewed and considered by this policy and subject to approval by the appropriate department head.

12. Managing and Reporting Donations

To cultivate an ongoing relationship with donors:

• Treat individual donors’ names and amounts given, and any other private or personal information, with respect and, except where the donor authorizes release of such information, with confidentiality to the extent provided by the law;
• Reasonably limit the frequency of solicitations; and
• Respond promptly to a donor’s question or complaint.

The City shall manage and record in accord with generally accepted governmental accounting principles donations that are restricted for uses or programs, whether such restrictions are temporary or permanent.

13. Acknowledgements, Forms and Receipts

The City is committed to the highest standards of donor stewardship and accountability. This includes appropriate acknowledgement and recognition for donations. Accordingly, for donations valued at $100 or more, a formal letter of acknowledgement and gratitude will be sent to the donor by the City.

14. Accounts

14.1 Donations designated for specific purposes or for the general purpose of a specific program, are to be used by the program for the purpose specified by the donor. For purposes of financial control and accountability, donations are to be credited to appropriate accounts of the City.

14.2 Donations may not be managed informally or held in personal or external accounts or trust funds. This would not apply to independent community fundraising campaigns until such time that the campaign contributions are donated to the City.

14.3 Donations of cash or property to the City, where the purpose is not specified and which are not part of an approved fundraising initiative, are deemed to be undesignated and become contributions to general revenue of the City or assets of the City, unless the recipient Department seeks council approval for the requested purpose.

This policy shall take effect upon the passage by the City Council.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on May 1, 2023.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

WHEREAS, the City of Portsmouth takes pride being the “City of the Open Door” welcoming people of all genders, races, and religions; and

WHEREAS, the City of Portsmouth currently does not hold any meetings on the federal holidays of New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day (also observed as Indigenous Peoples’ Day), Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day;

NOW THEREFORE, the City Council adopts this Religious Holiday Policy to discourage the City of Portsmouth from holding any meetings on commonly accepted religious holidays, such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, where the tenets of a resident’s religion prohibits attending meetings on such days and require their attendance at religious services.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on January 24, 2022.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

WHEREAS, the City Council voted unanimously to declare Portsmouth an Eco-Municipality in 2007 and signed a resolution which fully acknowledges Portsmouth’s commitment and desire to become more sustainable; and

WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that limiting the distribution of single-use disposables through source reduction is necessary to protect human health, to preserve the natural environment, and to conserve precious and dwindling natural resources through the proper and integrated management of solid waste;

NOW THEREFORE, the City Council adopts this Distribution of Single-Use Disposables Policy to encourage the following practices at City facilities, City-sponsored events, events on City property, and businesses on City property:

Carryout Bags: Customers will be charged a ten cent fee that will remain with the seller for every single-use recycled paper shopping bag they are issued that is greater than six inches across. Single-use plastic shopping bags are only allowed to be issued to transport prepared food and customers will be charged a ten cent fee that will remain with the seller for every single-use plastic shopping bag they are issued.

Disposable Cups: Customers will be charged a ten cent fee that will remain with the seller for every single-use cup they are issued when a thermos, mug, or reusable bottle could have been used instead. Any single-use cups that are issued will be compostable and the seller is responsible for providing a composting bin that will be emptied at a composting facility.

Disposable Containers: Any single-use containers that are issued will be compostable and the seller is responsible for providing a composting bin that will be emptied at a composting facility.

Disposable Straws: Straws are only to be distributed at the request of the customer. Any single-use straws that are issued will be compostable and the seller is responsible for providing a composting bin that will be emptied at a composting facility.

No customer participating in Special Supplement Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be charged the fee for receiving any of the items listed above. Further, no soup kitchen or thrift store operating on City property will have to abide by the carryout bag, disposable cup, disposable container, or compostable straw requirements. Finally, nothing in this Policy prohibits customers from using their own bags, cups, containers, or straws if they are otherwise allowed to do so under the City’s ordinances.

This Distribution of Single-Use Disposables Policy is intended to determine the best practices for implementing Chapter 3, Article IX: Distribution of Single-Use Disposables on City Property.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on October 7, 2019.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 8, 2020.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 24, 2022.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

All members of the Planning Board of the City of Portsmouth, whether characterized as Ex Officio, Alternate, Designated, Appointed or otherwise, shall be residents of the City of Portsmouth.

This policy shall take effect upon passage by the City Council.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on August 20, 2018.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 8, 2020.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 24, 2022.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

Except as noted below the City Hall Conference rooms are non-public-fora. The fundamental purpose of these rooms is to implement the work of the City of Portsmouth government and to the extent relevant, the governmental work of the State and the Federal Government.

Government related activities, committees or non-profit organizations which are affiliated with the City are permitted. Although these activities will typically be Portsmouth based, they may include regional or statewide groups if they have a tangible connection with municipal government.

City Council and City staff usage have priority — the City reserves the right to cancel use by outside groups if the City Council or staff have an unanticipated need for facilities.

No other use is permitted.

Conference Room A

During regular daytime business hours, Conference Room A may be used by any Portsmouth cultural, civic, educational, or non-profit group or organization.

The use of this room shall be subject to the following time, place and manner restrictions:

• City departments have scheduling priority
• Reservations cannot be made more than 30 days in advance
• Users are limited to 8 reservations per year
• 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday
• Audio-visual equipment will not be provided by the City
• No fees can be charged by the user unless the event is sponsored by the City
• Use of the room shall be free, but a deposit for custodial, maintenance or other City expenses, or as a security deposit, may be required
• Scheduling may be coordinated with the library, which also has available public conference rooms.

Custodial activities are limited to set up only; special requests for audio/visual equipment should be made well in advance of scheduled meetings. The availability of equipment is dependent on the needs of City Council and staff.

User is to contact the City Clerk’s Office to determine availability of room and to reserve space. The user shall provide the City Clerk with the name and telephone number of a contact person.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on May 21, 2018.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 8, 2020.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 24, 2022.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

WHEREAS, the goals of the City of Portsmouth, as expressed in its 2025 Master Plan, include a strong desire for the City to be more proactive in reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the development of a local energy policy to move towards a ‘net zero’ carbon emissions goal to help mitigate the impacts of climate change for future generations; and

WHEREAS, on June 19, 2017, the City Council voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to sign a letter promoting the Paris Climate Agreement’s goals calling for increasing efforts to cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions, create a clean energy economy, and stand for environmental justice; and

WHEREAS, the City Council supports this objective and with guidance from the Renewable Energy Committee supports actions and guidance to City Boards, Committees, and Departments to attain this goal;

NOW THEREFORE, the City Council adopts this Renewable Energy Policy to move Portsmouth towards becoming a ‘Net Zero Energy’ Community where, on a source energy basis, the actual energy consumed on an annual basis is less than or equal to locally generated renewable energy. The following levels are to be pursued concurrently by relying on improving energy efficiency, increasing renewable energy for electricity, and, over time, increasing renewable and clean energy for both heat and transportation:

Level I focuses on Municipal Government Operations achieving Net Zero Energy.

Level II focuses on the Portsmouth Community, including residences, business, and other non-municipal users such as the Pease Development Authority, achieving Net Zero Energy. Level II will also seek to examine low-income residents and environmental justice-related issues within the context of Portsmouth’s Renewable Energy Policy.

Level III focuses first on all vehicles originating in and second on vehicles traveling through the City of Portsmouth achieving Net Zero Energy. Level III is distinct from Level II as an acknowledgement of the amount of time that may be required to accomplish this level.

This phased Renewable Energy Policy leaves the flexibility required to move Portsmouth towards becoming a Net Zero Energy Community through a combination of approaches, such as those suggested in the Renewable Energy Committee Final Report and Recommendations.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on March 5, 2018.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 8, 2020.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 24, 2022.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

WHEREAS, a core commitment of the City’s Complete Street Policy is to incorporate Complete Street principles into the City’s Master Plan, area plans, transportation plans, the Zoning Ordinance and Site Plan Review Regulations, standards and specifications documents, and other plans, manuals, rules, regulations and programs as appropriate.

WHEREAS, City staff have been working with the Parking & Traffic Safety Committee to develop a Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program that provides a process and guidance for considering and implementing a variety of traffic calming measures in response to neighborhood concerns and requests.

WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that it will be beneficial to enable non-municipal groups and organizations, hereby known as Project Sponsors, to undertake demonstration projects in public rights-of-way;

NOW THEREFORE, the City Council adopts the following policy:

I. Definitions

Demonstration Project

A demonstration project is a short-term street or sidewalk design project that is designed in accordance with the City’s Complete Street Policy and/or Walk and Bicycle Friendly Community Policies.

Project Sponsor

A project sponsor is the entity applying for permission to implement a demonstration project. A project sponsor may be an individual, group, or business entity that has the ability to satisfy the requirements included herein.

II. Site requirements, clearance and access

(1) Demonstration projects may only be located in the public right-of-way on roads under City jurisdiction.

(2) Project shall be located on a road with a speed limit that is 30 MPH or less.

(3) Projects shall be designed to minimize interference with access to and service of public utilities, utility covers, valves, building standpipes, fire hydrants, and other services and operations located within or accessed from the public right-of-way.

(4) Projects should not block or limit driveway access, unless the driveway owner specifically permits use of their driveway for the demonstration. Such permission must be illustrated by a letter of support.

(5) Demonstration Projects shall maintain or improve the existing level of accessibility to individuals with disabilities per the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).

(6) Demonstration projects shall not be located in proximity to ongoing construction projects within the public right-of-way.

(7) No street or public right-of-way shall be blocked for project installation unless specifically allowed by the Portsmouth Department of Public Works (DPW).

III. Funding

(1) The Project Sponsor shall be responsible for all related project materials and elements. In some scenarios, the City of Portsmouth may provide funding or in-kind support to benefit the project, but financial support from the City is not guaranteed or required.

IV. Community support

(1) Demonstration projects must demonstrate community support from property owners/businesses in the impacted area adjacent to the project site. Support must be demonstrated through individual letters or petition.

(2) The Project Sponsor must provide individual letter(s) of support from any property owners/businesses whose property access will be impacted by the demonstration.

V. Permitting and notification

(1) Initial Project Request: Project Sponsor shall submit initial project request at least 3 months from the desired implementation date. DPW will review the proposal and confirm compliance with applicable laws/regulations. DPW will also review to determine that the Demonstration Project will have minimal impact on access to and service of public utilities, utility covers, valves, building standpipes, fire hydrants, and other services and operations located within or accessed from the public right-of-way. Once receiving initial approval from the DPW, the Project Sponsor shall revise materials in response to DPW feedback and submit a demonstration project application.

(2) Project Application: The Project Sponsor shall submit a complete permit application to DPW a minimum of 2 months before desired implementation date. If DPW determines the application to be complete, the Public Works Director shall review the application and make a recommendation for approval or denial to the City Manager.

(3) Project Approval: Once receiving a recommendation, the City Manager may grant or deny the project permit or refer the application to the City Council. At any time during the project application and approval process, the project may be referred to the Parking & Traffic Safety Committee for input.

(4) Upon receiving permit approval, the Project Sponsor shall notify all households and businesses within 300’ of the proposed project location at least 7 days before the planned installation date, via a flyer or letter.

(5) Any temporary changes to on-street parking will be subject to review and approval by the Department of Public Works Parking Division.

(6) The Project Sponsor shall post a project information sign at the project site for the duration of the project. The sign shall be reviewed and approved by DPW.

VI. Stewardship

(1) The Project Sponsor shall comply with all applicable traffic laws or other relevant city or state laws or ordinances. DPW will identify any concerns related to compliance with applicable laws and ordinances when reviewing the Project Sponsor’s initial project request.

(2) The Project Sponsor shall designate a primary contact person who can be reached by the City 24/7 for the duration of the project in case of emergencies or unexpected issues/concerns. This person must be available for a site inspection once the project has been installed, and must be willing and able to troubleshoot should adjustments be necessary.

(3) The Project Sponsor is responsible for any property damage that occurs as a direct result of the demonstration project.

(4) The Project Sponsor is required to submit a certificate of insurance that meets city insurance requirements and that names the city as certificate holder as well as an additional insured for the duration of the event. In cases where the City is a co-sponsor of the proposed project, the City may waive the insurance requirement.

(5) The Project Sponsor shall remove all elements/features of the Demonstration Project and restore the project site to its original conditions by the end of the permit period. If the Project Sponsor fails to remove the project and its various elements within the agreed time frame, the City will do so at the expense of the Project Sponsor, and Partner may be considered ineligible to lead future Demonstration Projects. If an emergency situation requires the City to remove or damage parts of the project before the end of the permit period, the City will not be held liable for damages to the project elements.

(6) The Project Sponsor shall communicate with affected neighbors and attempt to resolve any concerns that may arise during the project’s duration. The Project Sponsor shall notify DPW about any concerns raised during the project’s duration.

(7) The Demonstration Project permit shall be revocable by the Public Works Director if the project no longer meets the intent of the approved Demonstration Project proposal.

(8) All Project Sponsors shall collect data and monitor use of the demonstration project using methods approved by DPW in advance of the project’s implementation. A report, including a summary of the data collected, the raw data collected, and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the project, shall be provided to the DPW at the conclusion of the project.

This policy shall take effect upon the passage by the City Council.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on May 1, 2017.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2018.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 8, 2020.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 24, 2022.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

WHEREAS, the goals of the City of Portsmouth, as expressed in its 2025 Master Plan, include encouraging walkable mixed-use development, adapting the housing stock to accommodate changing demographics and accommodating the housing needs of the City’s current and future workforce; and

WHEREAS, the City Council finds that construction of additional housing is critical to the City’s continuing economic and civic vitality by supplying a new generation of workforce, attracting talent and new business, preserving affordability for long term residents to remain in the City, and increasing our resident base to allow for greater variety of participation in our City Boards, Committees, Commissions and Departments; and

WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that in support of this objective it will be beneficial to provide guidance to City Boards, Committees and Departments as to interpretation of City regulations and ordinances, project approval and review, staff approval of permits and guidance to developers, and other City involvement in the housing process;

NOW THEREFORE, the City Council adopts the following policy (the “Housing Policy” or “this Policy”):

I. Vision

Portsmouth will support a housing stock that addresses greater housing supply and variety, including an adequate supply of workforce and moderate-income housing; reflects and enhances the City’s historical development patterns; provides a human-scale design¹ that allows for vibrancy of civic life; and allows for optimal investment in and use of public infrastructure.

¹ Human-scale design, in this context, refers to the size and proportions of buildings along a street being tailored to the comfort and usability of people walking nearby.

II. Core commitment

The City of Portsmouth will promote the design, construction, operation and maintenance of residential development appropriate for a variety of different residents, including the elderly and seniors, families, young professionals, seasonal and service industry workers, and people with disabilities; and will make efforts to ensure that housing costs are affordable to a wide range of income levels.

The City of Portsmouth will approach planning and zoning as an opportunity to expand the housing stock and provide increased variety to address the needs of those who work in Portsmouth and its region.

III. Key principles

In planning for development and reviewing proposals for new residential developments, the City will apply the following principles:

1. HOUSING CHOICE AND AFFORDABILITY: Residential growth in the City should include a range of housing types to address the needs of different household types, lifestyles and income levels.

2. CHARACTER AND HERITAGE: New residential development should be sympathetic to the local heritage and character of each area, and should incorporate quality built form and streetscapes, including pedestrian-friendly environments.

3. HOUSING TARGET AREAS: The City will identify housing target areas that are suitable for more residential development and will focus studies, detailed zoning changes and development controls to guide future development in each of these areas. Context-sensitive standards which address design will accompany each target area.

4. INFILL DEVELOPMENT: Outside housing target areas, the City will promote infill development of residences (and, where appropriate, mixed-uses) within existing neighborhoods by rezoning to promote and allow established, traditional development patterns.

IV. Focus areas

In keeping with the 2025 Master Plan, this Policy recognizes that different solutions are appropriate for different types of areas and neighborhoods within the City. Therefore, the application of this Policy will vary accordingly by focus area, as follows:

1. URBAN CORE: The Urban Core, consisting of the historic Downtown and the North and West Ends, accommodates apartments, condominiums and affordable housing in existing and new mixed-use buildings.

2. CORRIDORS: On the City’s current major corridors—Lafayette Road/Route 1, Woodbury Avenue/Market Street, and (to a lesser extent) the Route 1 Bypass—provide opportunities to integrate new multifamily residential and mixed-use developments into existing commercial environments and create additional centers of activity.

3. URBAN NEIGHBORHOODS: The dense walkable neighborhoods close to the Urban Core provide housing in various sizes and tenancy types. The variety of options helps to preserve neighborhood character, provides affordable housing options, and allows for reduced automobile usage due to proximity to the Downtown and West End. New development in these neighborhoods will consist of small-scale infill and “missing middle” redevelopment.

4. SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOODS: Portsmouth’s low-density suburban neighborhoods provide a range of housing stock from luxury to affordable. These neighborhoods are suitable for incremental infill development including accessory dwelling units.

V. Land use regulations and permitting

To apply Key Principles from this Policy to each focus area and housing target area, the City will consider the following changes to land use regulations and the permitting process:

1. DENSITY: The City will incorporate historical land use patterns and human-scale development principles into local land use regulations (Zoning Ordinance, Site Plan Review Regulations, Subdivision Rules and Regulations) and permitting processes, as well as other standards, plans, rules, regulations and programs as appropriate.

2. PARKING: The City will review parking requirements in housing target areas and specific neighborhoods, revise land use regulations as appropriate to reduce housing development costs while preventing street congestion, and proactively seek parking infrastructure solutions or shared parking arrangements that can be substituted for individual unit parking requirements.

3. IMPACT ON AFFORDABILITY: Recognizing that local land use regulations can have a direct impact on housing development costs, all Boards, Committees, Commissions and Departments should consider the impacts of their actions on housing affordability within legal guidelines, and should coordinate with each other to the extent possible to provide advice consistent with this Policy.

4. PERMIT STREAMLINING: Private investment in the City’s housing stock should be encouraged and the development process be minimally burdensome on individual property owners to comply with City regulations. Minor site or building changes should not necessarily trigger requirements for review by City Boards or Commissions. All Boards, Committees, Commissions and Departments should review local land use regulations and other requirements so that de minimis changes may be approved administratively.

VI. Implementation

The City views this Housing Policy as integral to everyday planning and decision-making practices and processes. To this end:

1. APPLICATION: The Planning Department and other relevant departments, agencies or committees shall incorporate this Policy’s principles into the City’s Master Plan and other appropriate plans, and manuals, checklists, decision trees, rules, regulations, and programs as appropriate, requesting funds through the annual City Budget or City Council when necessary.

2. REGULATORY AUDIT: The Planning Department and Department of Public Works shall review the City’s Zoning Ordinance, Site Plan Review Regulations, Subdivision Regulations and permitting processes, to ensure that they effectively implement this Policy.

3. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: When available, the City shall encourage staff professional development and training on best practices in planning, zoning, and principles through attending conferences, classes, seminars and workshops.

4. COLLABORATION: The City shall promote project coordination among City departments and agencies in implementing the Housing Policy in order to better use fiscal resources and produce the best results.

5. MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT AND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE: The City should support new workforce housing development in designated areas through provision of capital improvements and services, and proactively submit projects which support these principles to the annual Capital Improvement Plan process.

6. ANNUAL REPORTS: The Planning Department shall make an annual report to the City Council showing progress made in implementing this policy. This policy shall take effect upon passage by the City Council.

VII. Performance measures

The Housing Policy should be continuously evaluated for success and opportunities for improvement. This policy encourages the regular evaluation and reporting of progress through the following performance measures:

• Reduction in the affordability gap for rental and ownership units relative to income levels in the housing market area. Reduced applications for variances required to build workforce housing
• Increased density in new residential construction or applications for residential construction
• Reduced processing time for applications/permitting for new housing development

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on December 19, 2016.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2018.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 8, 2020.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 24, 2022.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

Attachment: Master Plan strategies

The following housing strategies related to the theme of Diversity are identified in the Master Plan:

3.1.1 Develop regulations for accessory dwelling units that promote affordable housing for all income levels and protect neighborhood character.

3.1.2 Implement housing rehabilitation programs using CDBG and other funds to improve housing stock.

3.1.4 Identify locations and conditions under which live/work units can be safely and appropriately allowed.

3.2.1 Streamline the approval process for affordable housing in order to reduce development costs.

3.2.2 Promote the development of mixed-income multifamily housing in appropriate locations with incentive zoning provisions, such as reductions in parking requirements and increased maximum heights.

3.2.3 Support the activities of housing agencies in the development of affordable housing.

3.2.4 Provide incentives for low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers to purchase homes in Portsmouth.

3.2.5 Encourage the creation of smaller housing units, such as micro-units.

3.2.6 Encourage businesses to establish employer-assisted housing programs.

3.2.7 Support mixed-use redevelopment of suitable Portsmouth Housing Authority properties for long-term viability.

The City Council shall not hold a “Non-Meeting” as provided for under the New Hampshire Right-to-Know, “91-A-2(b) Consultation with Legal Counsel” unless the City Attorney initiates and defines the scope of the meeting.

This policy shall take effect upon the passage by the City Council.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on December 5, 2016.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2018.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 8, 2020.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 24, 2022.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

It is the policy of the Portsmouth City Council that ‘non-meetings’ will be held only when necessary in order to discuss ‘strategy or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining,’ or ‘consultation with legal counsel,’ as allowed under the New Hampshire Right-To-Know Law, and that when they are held:

(1) The purpose of the ‘non-meeting’ will be publicly disclosed in a motion;

(2) A public roll-call vote will be taken prior to going into the ‘non-meeting;’

(3) Discussion in the ‘non-meeting’ will be limited to that topic and no other topic;

(4) A record will be kept of when the ‘non-meeting’ begins, ends, and who is in attendance and that shall be a permanent public record.

This policy shall take effect upon the passage by the City Council.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on January 25, 2016.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2018.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 8, 2020.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 24, 2022.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

WHEREAS, historically, the City Council has followed the process for submitting proposed ordinances as stated below;

NOW THEREFORE, the City Council adopts the following policy:

Any proposed ordinance to be acted on by the City Council shall be submitted one meeting in advance of any first reading and that the proposed ordinance is submitted to the Legal Department to draft in the City Ordinance format. Further, that all appropriate Departments, Boards and Commissions be advised of the ordinance prior to first reading and when necessary, request a report back.

This policy shall take effect upon the passage by the City Council.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on January 13, 2014.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 11, 2016.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2018.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 8, 2020.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 24, 2022.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes the benefits of walking as a key element of a healthy, efficient, socially inclusive and sustainable community, and

WHEREAS, all people should be able to walk safely and to enjoy high quality public spaces in the City of Portsmouth anywhere and at any time; and

WHEREAS, the City Council is committed to reducing the physical, social and institutional barriers that limit walking activity;

NOW THEREFORE, the City Council adopts the following policy:

Municipal decision-making, practices and processes shall be carried out in order to further the following objectives:

• Provide clean, well-lit sidewalks free from obstruction, and with sufficient opportunities to cross roads safely and directly;
• Ensure seating is provided in outdoor public spaces in quantities and locations that meet the needs of all users;
• Provide protection for pedestrians from weather and climate elements with landscaping and facilities as appropriate (for example shade or shelter);
• Provide coherent and consistent information and signage systems to support exploration and discovery on foot;
• Build and maintain high-quality networks of connected, functional and safe walking routes between residential areas and local destinations;
• Provide an integrated, extensive and well-equipped public transportation service with vehicles which are fully accessible to all potential users and public transport stops and interchanges with easy, safe and convenient pedestrian access and supportive information;
• Encourage a pedestrian-friendly driving culture with targeted campaigns and enforcement of road traffic laws;
• Maintain reduced motor vehicle traffic speeds in residential areas, shopping areas, around schools, and in other areas with a high frequency of pedestrian traffic;
• Reduce the impact of busy roads by installing sufficient safe crossing points, ensuring minimal waiting times and enough time to cross for the slowest pedestrians;
• Ensure that facilities designed for cyclists and other non-motorized modes do not compromise pedestrian safety or convenience;
• Involve all relevant agencies at all levels to recognize the importance of supporting and encouraging walking and to encourage complementary policies and actions;
• Actively encourage all members of the community to walk whenever and wherever they can as a part of their daily lives.

This policy shall take effect upon the passage by the City Council.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on October 7, 2013.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 13, 2014.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 11, 2016.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2018.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 8, 2020.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 24, 2022.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

WHEREAS, a goal of the City of Portsmouth’s 2005 Master Plan is to “provide for safe and convenient bicycle and pedestrian circulation throughout the City;” and

WHEREAS, in support of that goal, an objective of the Master Plan is to “incorporate and formalize bicycle/pedestrian needs into city transportation planning, policies and ordinances;” and

WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that increasing bicycle use can:

• Improve the environment by reducing the impact on residents of pollution and noise, limiting greenhouse gases, and improving the quality of public spaces.
• Reduce traffic congestion by shifting short trips out of single occupancy motor vehicles. This will also make our City more accessible for public transport, walking, essential car travel, emergency services, and deliveries.
• Save lives by creating safer conditions for bicyclists and as a direct consequence improve the safety of all other road users.
• Increase opportunities for residents of all ages to participate socially and economically in the community, regardless of income or ability.
• Boost the economy by creating a community that is an attractive destination for residents, tourists and businesses.
• Enhance recreational opportunities, especially for children, and further contribute to the quality of life in the community.
• Improve the health and well being of the population by promoting routine physical activity.

NOW THEREFORE, the City Council adopts the following policy:

Accommodating bicycles and improving safe bicycle travel shall be integrated into municipal decision-making, practices and processes in order to:

1. Provide safe and convenient bicycle access to all parts of the community through a network of on-and off-street facilities, low-speed streets, and secure parking.

2. Establish information programs to promote bicycling for all purposes and to communicate the many benefits of bicycling to residents and businesses.

3. Make the City a model employer by encouraging bicycle use among its employees.

4. Ensure all city policies, plans, codes, and programs are updated and implemented to take advantage of every opportunity to create a more bicycle-friendly community.

5. Educate all road users to share the road and interact safely.

6. Enforce traffic laws to improve the safety and comfort of all road users, with a particular focus on behaviors and attitudes that cause motor vehicle/bicycle crashes.

7. Promote intermodal travel between public transport and bicycles.

This policy shall take effect upon the passage by the City Council.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on October 7, 2013.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 13, 2014.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 11, 2016.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2018.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 8, 2020.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 24, 2022.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

WHEREAS, an objective of the City of Portsmouth’s 2005 Master Plan is to “ensure that all transportation projects in Portsmouth provide for full consideration of all modes (automobile, truck, bicycle, pedestrian, transit) in their design, as appropriate;” and

WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that in support of this objective it will be beneficial to provide guidance to City Boards, Committees and Departments as to project planning, design standards, implementation and monitoring;

NOW THEREFORE, the City Council adopts the following policy:

I. Vision

Streets and roadways in the City of Portsmouth will be convenient, safe and accessible for all transportation users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit vehicles and riders, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

II. Core commitment

Definition

“Complete Streets” means streets that are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, so that pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transportation users of all ages and abilities are able to safely move along and across as street.

All Users and Modes

The City of Portsmouth will plan for, design, construct, operate and maintain appropriate facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit vehicles and riders, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities in all new construction and retrofit or reconstruction projects subject to the exceptions contained herein.

Planning

The City will incorporate Complete Streets principles into the City’s Master Plan, area plans, transportation plans, the Zoning Ordinance and Site Plan Review Regulations, standards and specifications documents, and other plans, manuals, rules, regulations and programs as appropriate. Implementation of projects supported by adopted plans shall be a priority under this policy.

Projects and Phases

The City of Portsmouth will approach every transportation improvement and project phase as an opportunity to create safer, more accessible streets for all users. These phases include, but are not limited to: planning, programming, design, right-of-way acquisition, construction engineering, construction, reconstruction, operation and maintenance.

Complete Streets principles will be applied on all new City projects and privately funded developments, and incrementally on existing streets through a series of small improvements and activities over time.

Maximum financial flexibility is important to implement Complete Streets principles. All sources of transportation funding, public and private, should be drawn upon to implement Complete Streets within the City of Portsmouth.

It is understood that maintenance activities do not necessarily trigger requirements for major street improvements and should not be expected to do so. However, maintenance activities do present some opportunities that can improve the environment for other roadway users.

Exceptions

Complete Streets principles will be applied in all street construction, retrofit, and reconstruction projects except in unusual or extraordinary circumstances contained below. Even under the conditions outlined below, a project’s impact will be evaluated for the effect it would have on the usefulness of the street for all users, now and in the future, and the ability to implement other adopted plans in the future.

1 Where pedestrians and bicyclists are prohibited by law from using the facility. In this case, alternative facilities and accommodations shall be provided within the same transportation corridor, and the ability to reasonably and conveniently cross the facility will be part of the facility design and construction.

2 Where existing right-of-way does not allow for the accommodation of all users. In this case alternatives shall be explored such as obtaining additional right-of-way, use of revised travel lane configurations, paved shoulders, signage, traffic calming, education or enforcement to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, transit vehicles and riders and persons with disabilities.

3 Where the cost of establishing walkways or bikeways or other accommodations would be disproportionate to the need, particularly if alternative facilities are available within a reasonable walking and/or bicycling distance.

4 Where application of Complete Streets principles is unnecessary or inappropriate because it would be contrary to public safety and increase risk of injury or death.

5 Where the construction is not practically feasible or cost effective because of unreasonable adverse impacts on the environment or on neighboring land uses, including impact from right-of-way acquisition.

6 Ordinary maintenance activities designed to keep street and other transportation assets in serviceable condition or when interim measures are implemented on temporary detour or haul routes. However, all temporary detours shall comply with temporary traffic control requirements of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

7 Ordinary public works or utility maintenance activities, including, but not limited to: water, sewer and storm sewer main repairs; installation of new or removal of existing water or sewer service lines, installation or repair of fire hydrants, installation or repair of private utility fixtures.

Exclusive of exceptions 6 and 7 above, any determination that a project that will not meet Complete Streets principles based on the above exceptions will have said determination reviewed and confirmed by City Council.

III. Best practices

Design Guidance and Flexibility

The City shall follow accepted or adopted design standards and use the best and latest design standards available, including:

• American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities (4th Edition, 2012)Guide for the Planning, Design and Operations of Pedestrian Facilities (2004)
• American Planning Association (APA) Complete Streets: Best Policy and Implementation Practices (2010)
• American Planning Association (APA) & American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) U.S. Traffic Calming Manual (2009)
• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)PEDSAFE: Pedestrian Safety Guide and Countermeasures Selection System
• Institution of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Designing Walkable Urban Thoroughfares: A Context Sensitive Approach (2010)Neighborhood Street Design Guidelines (2010)
• National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Urban Bikeway Design Guide (2nd Edition, 2012)Urban Street Design Guide (2013)
• U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (the Access Board) Accessible Rights-of-Way: A Design Guide
• Active Transportation Alliance Complete Streets Complete Networks: A Manual for the Design of Active Transportation

Context Sensitivity

The implementation of this Policy shall reflect the context and character of the surrounding built and natural environments, and enhance the appearance of such.

Performance Measures

Complete Streets should be continuously evaluated for success and opportunities for improvement. This policy encourages the regular evaluation and reporting of progress through the following performance measures:

• User data – bike, pedestrian, transit and traffic
• Crash data
• Use of new projects by mode
• Compliments and complaints
• Linear feet of pedestrian accommodations built
• Number of ADA accommodations built
• Miles of bike lanes/trails built or striped
• Number of transit accessibility accommodations built
• Number of street trees planted
• Number of exemptions from this policy approved

IV. Implementation

The City views Complete Streets as integral to everyday transportation decision-making practices and processes. To this end:

1. The Planning Department, Department of Public Works, and other relevant departments, agencies or committees shall incorporate Complete Streets principles into the City’s Master Plan, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plans, and other appropriate plans, and other manuals, checklists, decision trees, rules, regulations, and programs as appropriate.

2. The Planning Department and Department of Public Works shall review current design standards, including subdivision and site plan review regulations, to ensure that they reflect the best available design guidelines, and effectively implement Complete Streets.

3. When available, the City shall encourage staff professional development and training on non-motorized transportation issues through attending conferences, classes, seminars, and workshops.

4. City staff shall identify current and potential future sources of funding for street improvements and recommend improvements to the project selection criteria to support Complete Streets projects.

5. The City shall promote project coordination among City departments and agencies with an interest in the actives that occur within the public right-of-way in order to better use fiscal resources.

6. The Planning Department shall make an annual report to the City Council showing progress made in implementing this policy.

This policy shall take effect upon the passage by the City Council.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on October 7, 2013.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 13, 2014.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 11, 2016.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2018.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 8, 2020.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 24, 2022.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

WHEREAS, the City Council believes that familiarity with the City of Portsmouth is a beneficial prerequisite to service on City Boards and Commissions;

NOW THEREFORE, the City Council adopts the following policy:

It is generally the policy of the City Council of the City of Portsmouth to appoint to membership on City Boards and Commissions only those persons who have resided in the City of Portsmouth for a cumulative total of at least one (1) year.

This policy shall take effect upon the passage by the City Council.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on February 21, 2012.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 13, 2014.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 11, 2016.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2018.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 8, 2020.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 24, 2022.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

WHEREAS, there are aesthetic and cost concerns regarding any municipal decision to construct, repair or replace sidewalks using either brick or concrete; and

WHEREAS, the determination of the materials to be used in sidewalk construction repair and replacement must be made early in the design and engineering process in order to accommodate the City’s bidding and contractual policies; and

WHEREAS, a request for a variance from this sidewalk policy regarding standard materials and typical sidewalk and driveway details (Exhibit B) will be made to the Director of Public Works; and

WHEREAS, there may be additional costs for variances from this policy that will be paid by the benefiting parties.

NOW THEREFORE, the City Council adopts the following policy:

A. Whenever sidewalks are constructed, repaired or replaced in the City the following shall apply:

1. Sidewalks within the Historic District will be brick, with the exception of the following streets which will be concrete:

• a. Islington Street,
• b. New Castle Avenue east of Marcy Street,
• c. Middle Street and Lafayette Road south of Aldrich Road; and
• d. All streets west of the easterly shore of the North Mill Pond, with the exception of Nobles Island.

(All as shown on Exhibit A attached hereto.)

2. Where practicable, the excepted streets above shall have brick border. Practicable means consistent with American Disability Act requirements, rights-of-way availability, and other limitations. Sidewalk material for sidewalks located outside the Historic District which have historically been brick will be determined by vote of the City Council.

B. The following streets outside the Historic District are currently brick and will be replaced with brick:

• a. Richards Avenue from Parrott Avenue to Middle Street;
• b. Austin Street from Middle Street to Summer Street;
• c. Cabot Street from end to end;
• d. State Street from Union towards the Historic District;
• e. Union Street from State Street to Islington Street;
• f. Mark Street; and
• g. Rogers Street with the exception of the abutting Middle School

C. The preferred standard material for all other sidewalks will be concrete.

D. Driveway aprons in the City shall be continuous bituminous asphalt from the edge of road to property line. Sidewalks, if any, shall terminate on either side of driveway apron. Deviations from asphalt are permitted upon approval of the Director of Public Works; any additional cost for an alternative treatment must be paid for by the property owners.

E. The typical practice at corners is to wrap the brick around the corner to the next driveway.

This policy shall take effect upon the passage by the City Council.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on May 17, 2010.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 17, 2012.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 13, 2014.
Amended by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2015.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 11, 2016.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2018.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 8, 2020.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 24, 2022.
Amended by the Portsmouth City Council on November 13, 2023.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

WHEREAS, Market Square in downtown Portsmouth has developed by past public use into a public forum in which expressive conduct such as public gatherings, speech making, the carrying of political signs and other forms of expressive conduct are constitutionally protected; and

WHEREAS, Market Square is a place in which numerous businesses operate, many people reside and the streets and sidewalks are heavily travelled by persons and vehicles; and

WHEREAS, the City Council seeks to balance the need of people and vehicles to travel on, near or through Market Square safely against the protected expressive conduct created by the public forum which Market Square has become; and

WHEREAS, the City Council has been advised that it may adopt content neutral reasonable time, place and manner restrictions on the use of Market Square for expressive conduct so long as such restrictions are narrowly tailored to accomplish the legitimate government concern of protecting public safety and maintaining the safe and orderly conduct of citizen travel and business activity in Market Square, and alternate means of expressive conduct exist; and

WHEREAS, the City Council has the authority to regulate obstructions and other activities on the City streets and sidewalks (City ordinances Chapter 8, Article, I, Section 8.106); and

NOW THEN, the City Council of the City of Portsmouth duly convened, does hereby adopt the following policy regarding expressive conduct in Market Square:

1. The area affected by this policy is all of the streets and sidewalks in the area where Market Street, Daniel Street, Pleasant Street, Church Street and Congress Street (collectively, “the protected area”) convene, expressly inclusive of the sidewalk area in front of the North Church;

2. The protected area may be utilized at any reasonable time and in any reasonable manner without prior permission from the City by any person or by a group of people provided that there is no interference with pedestrian or vehicular travel on the street or sidewalk.

3. Should any person or group desire to place an obstruction of any kind or type or the use of electronic amplification upon the City sidewalk or right of way, that person or group should submit the request in writing to the City Manager who shall have the authority to approve the same.

4. The City Manager shall have authority to approve the use of the Vaughn Mall for gatherings involving obstructions and/or amplification with such reasonable terms and conditions as the City Manager may determine to be necessary to safeguard public travel and the conduct of lawful business activity within or near the gathering or event.

5. The City Manager shall have authority to approve the use of that portion of Pleasant Street from Porter Street to Market Square (being the same area used for summer-in-the-street activities) for gatherings involving obstructions and/or amplification with such reasonable terms and conditions as the City Manager may determine to be necessary to safeguard public travel and the conduct of lawful business activity within or near the gathering or event.

6. The City Manager shall have the authority to assess the organizing person or group actual costs directly related to the use of the space. The costs are limited to police details for any necessary traffic control and wages for any public works personnel required for set up and clean-up. The assessment of costs is most likely to arise with the use of Pleasant Street which requires street closure and redirecting of traffic. In no event shall costs include police protection for public safety. The assessment of costs may be appealed to the City Council.

7. Consistent with past practice, all other requests for obstructions or encumbrances of the sidewalk, public spaces and roadways require City Council approval; short-term occupation permits for construction purposes excepted.

This policy shall take effect upon the passage by the City Council.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on July 20, 2009.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 19, 2010.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 17, 2012.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 13, 2014.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 11, 2016.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2018.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 8, 2020.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 24, 2022.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk

WHEREAS, the City of Portsmouth currently has a collection of ordinances regulating “hawkers and peddlers” seeking to sell food and non-food items from a location that is not fixed; and

WHEREAS, in order to improve communication with vendors and hawkers and facilitate enforcement, the City Council adopts this a policy that both identifies vending locations compliant with the existing ordinances and establishes maximum vending cart sizes.

NOW THEREFORE there shall be established a policy by the City Council relating to hawkers and peddlers providing as follows:

The locations on public sidewalks within the Downtown Overlay District that are suitable as vending locations for licensed hawkers and peddlers will be published on the City Clerk’s webpage. There shall be at least three identified spaces

All other locations within the Downtown Overlay District are deemed not appropriate under the existing ordinances and vendors and hawkers are prohibited from setting up carts, stands and like at such other unapproved locations.

The size of vending carts shall not exceed 52″ wide and 48 inches long not including the tongue of the cart.

Consistent with the existing ordinance, all vending locations inside the Downtown Overlay District are available to the first licensed vendor who arrives in the space after any period of vacancy. Vending locations cannot be reserved.

There shall be no vending or hawking from any municipal parking areas including metered parking spaces, public parking lots, or the parking garage.

This policy does not affect or address mobile/canteen trucks that vend on private property.

This policy does not affect or address vending on property under the control of Prescott Park.

Nothing in this policy supersedes or limits any special permission that the City Council may grant to organizers of community events, such as Pro Portsmouth, who may establish additional vending locations during such special events.

This policy shall take effect upon passage of the City Council.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on May 18, 2009.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 19, 2010.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 17, 2012.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 13, 2014.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 11, 2016.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2018.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 8, 2020.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 24, 2022.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Amended by the Portsmouth City Council on June 22, 2026.

City Clerk

There shall be established a policy by the City Council that the Recreation Board, Peirce Island Committee, Conservation Commission, and other Blue Ribbon Committees as deemed necessary meet on a quarterly basis with the Chairman of the aforementioned Boards and Commissions, along with their City Council liaison. (Quarterly meetings to take place March, June, September and December.) Subsequent to the quarterly meetings, the chairman of the aforementioned Boards and Commissions shall report to the City Council at their next available meeting. The quarterly meetings shall be for the purpose of reviewing mutual concerns and bringing those to the attention of the City Council.

This policy shall take effect upon the passage of the City Council.

Adopted by the Portsmouth City Council on April 6, 2009.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 19, 2010.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 17, 2012.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 13, 2014.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 11, 2016.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2018.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 8, 2020.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 24, 2022.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 16, 2024.
Ratified by the Portsmouth City Council on January 20, 2026.

City Clerk