The City continues to work on a number of initiatives to support the City's effort to become more bikeable and walkable.

Zoning Ordinance

The purpose of this Ordinance is to promote the health, safety and the general welfare of Portsmouth and its region in accordance with the City of Portsmouth Master Plan.

A wetland buffer is a setback area between a stream, river, or wetland and any upland development. It maintains the natural vegetation cover along the waterway, which is an essential part of the aquatic ecosystem. A wetland buffer is a simple land management practice that is employed by municipalities to protect property and conserve natural resources.

All of the Planning Department's land use applications can accessed through the City's online permitting system (OpenGov's Citizen Services -- aka View Point).  Additional instructions are provided below.

For more information please call the Planning Department at (603) 610-7216.

Click on the links on the right hand side to view all the up to date Current Land Use Applications.  Note that a particular project may require applications to multiple land use boards or committees, and therefore may appear under multiple tabs.

The information provided here does not necessarily include all of the supporting materials and reports submitted by the applicants. Complete documentation for all land use applications is available for review in the Planning Department during regular City Hall business hours.

The Conservation Commission is comprised of seven members and two alternates. It is charged by statute with the protection and proper utilization of the natural resources of the City. The Commission meets on the second Wednesday of each month to consider and make recommendations to the New Hampshire Wetlands Bureau and/or the Planning Board on matters affecting natural resources.  For wetland protection and other environmental regulations please see Article 10 in the Zoning Ordinance.

The Historic District Commission is comprised of seven members and two alternates. The Commission typically meets the first Wednesday of each month and often the second Wednesday if there are a large number of applications.  A Certificate of Approval is required from the Commission for certain exterior changes to buildings and structures located within the Historic District. To view the Historic District Commission Rules & Procedures, tap here.

The Site Plan Review Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) is part of the Site Plan Review and Subdivision process. The TAC is comprised of City staff and typically meets twice each month for a work session and a public hearing. TAC public hearings are typically scheduled for the first Tuesday of the month and work sessions occur one week prior. The TAC makes recommendations to the Planning Board for actions related to Site Plan Review and Subdivision applications.

The Planning Board is comprised of nine members and two alternates. The Board typically meets on the third Thursday of every month to act on Site Review, Subdivisions, Lot Line Relocation, City Council Referrals and Conditional Use Permits. To view the most recent land use applications under review by the Planning Board, please see below. Go here to view the Planning Board Rules & Procedures.