Land Use and Zoning Regulations
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.
Click here to view the Zoning Ordinance as amended through August 7, 2023. Check the "Current Zoning Amendments" page for any changes currently under review by the Planning Board or City Council.
Zoning Maps
City of Portsmouth Zoning Maps include zoning districts, building height standards, and special requirements for facade types, front lot line buildout, and uses. You can also view this information in the City's online mapping program -- MapGeo.
Download Zoning Maps (As Amended 4/15/2024)
Floodplain Regulations
The Floodplain District consists of all lands designated as special flood hazard areas by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as well as all extended flood hazard areas as defined by the City's Zoning Ordinance. Properties in this district are subject to certain regulations, as provided in Section 10.620 of the Zoning Ordinance. Additional information available here.
Signs
The City's sign regulations are included in Article 12 of the Zoning Ordinance. There are very few regulations that apply to residential properties, however, this document answers some frequently asked questions for property owners in residential districts. Please contact the Planning Department for more information about sign regulations in the City and for information on applying for sign permits.
Site Plan Review Regulations
The purpose of the Site Plan Review regulations is to provide standards for non-residential development and multi-unit residential development. Overseen by the Planning Board and authorized by NH state statute, site plan review helps to ensure that uses that are permitted by the zoning ordinance are constructed in such a way that they fit into the area in which they are being constructed without creating problems for drainage, traffic, lighting, or other site-related impacts.
Existing Site Plan Review Regulations
Related information (the below references are provided as supplements to the site plan review standards):
Subdivision Rules and Regulations
Consistent with the purpose of the NH state statutes, these regulations are intended to ensure the orderly development of the City by providing that subdivisions are served with adequate utilities and safe, convenient access and with a desirable and attractive living environment.
Read the Subdivision Rules and Regulations
Pease Development Authority Land Use Controls
Properties located in the Pease International Tradeport, a portion of which is located in the City of Portsmouth, are subject to the requirements of the Pease Development Authority Land Use Controls. These are separate and distinct from the land use regulations and ordinance of the City of Portsmouth.