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Portsmouth Master Plan
The Portsmouth Master Plan is an eighteen-month-long Citywide planning process that will engage the community in exploring issues such as housing, transportation, economic development, climate, urban form, and land use, among many others.
Things to Know
City Construction on South Mill Pond Playground Starts September 29, 2025
October 26, 2025
The City plans to start work soon on the South Mill Pond Playground Project, included in the capital budg...
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City Named Bronze-Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists; Bike/Ped Plan Public Meeting Planned for March 10, 2025
February 27, 2025
The League of American Bicyclists has honored the efforts of the City of Portsmouth to build better places for...
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City Begins Next Phase of Wayfinding to Support Walkability and Local Access
August 19, 2025
The City has resumed the implementation of its Citywide Wayfinding Program, developed to enhance wayfinding ty...
Read MoreCity Adopts Climate Action Plan: “Portsmouth’s Climate Future”
August 30, 2024
After nearly two years of work, including extensive community engagement, research into local community impact...
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About the Department
The Planning Department staff's activities support the City's Master Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Site Review Regulations and Subdivision Regulations. The Department is responsible for preparing the annual Capital Improvement Plan and managing other planning initiatives that support the City's Master Plan. In addition, the Planning Department provides staff support to the City's land use review and regulatory boards including the Planning Board, Technical Advisory Committee, Board of Adjustment, Historic District Commission, and Conservation Commission.