Politics & Government

Character-based Zoning up for Vote

Once it is adopted downtown, could it be implemented in other parts of the city?

The Portsmouth City Council on April 21 will consider approval of proposed character-based zoning to promote development that is consistent with the historic character of downtown.

The character-based zoning – sometimes called form-based zoning – would be a new article in the city's zoning ordinance. 

Half a dozen amendments to the proposed zoning article are on the council agenda Monday night.

After the council considers the character-based zoning for downtown (boundary map image attached), it could act to study additional areas to implement the character-based zones. As requested by councilors, the city's planning staff looked into other areas possible for extending the form-based zones.

According to City Manager John Bohenko's report to Mayor Robert Lister and the council, the Portsmouth Planning Department identified three potential areas for study:

  • The "Northern tier" area between the railroad tracks and North Mill Pond, currently zoned Central Business A, and currently containing about 15 acres and 15 parcels.
  • A small area on the opposite side of the Maplewood Avenue bridge, currently zoned mixed residence office, containing about 3 acres and 16 parcels..
  • A corridor along Islington Street with expanded areas at the north end (Hanover and Hill streets) and the south end (Brewery Lane, Chevrolet Avenue, Plaza 800, and the Button Factory area), with various Business, Mixed Residential and Residential zoning. ... This area encompasses about 73 acres and contains 140 parcels.
Bohenko will be recommending the City Council authorize the additional study, continuing consultation with Town Planning and Urban Design Collaborative, in the amount of $100,000.


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