Have you heard about the meeting tonight about character-based zoning? The Portsmouth City Hall meets tonight to discuss the proposed addition of a new article that will “encourage new buildings that fit in well with the surrounding context.” The revised ordinance includes more requirements for future builders to maintain the historical image of downtown and the surrounding areas.
Off street parking may also see a change - voting to reduce the parking setbacks on some streets so that there is more room for parking. Also on the agenda is a “Strategic Marketing Plan for Downtown Parking Shuttle,” which sounds like another step in the right direction to alleviate parking problems in downtown Portsmouth.
It will be interesting to see how this meeting plays out and what it will do for the City. The Character-Based Zoning ordinance in its current form can be viewed here, and the agenda for the City Council meeting is here.
