PROGRESS PORTSMOUTH

WHY ZONING REFORM IS IMPORTANT

These handsome townhouses on leafy Lincoln Avenue would not comply with zoning rules today.

Given today's critical need for all kinds of housing, we need zoning regulations that make sense now. In order to build those townhouses today (an excellent housing type when buildable land is scarce), an applicant would have to go through a time-consuming and expensive process to convince the Zoning Board of Adjustment that an exception is justified. Enabling "soft density" in Portsmouth's many residential areas is vital if the City is to meet its housing goals. Discussions about zoning reform will be a key component of the coming Master Plan process.

Allie Burridge

Bella Romero

Patricia Martine

Gerald Duffy

Marcio von Mulhen

Kara Rodenhizer

Logan Roy

Taylor Cray

Robin Schnell

Emmy Ham

Jim Smalley

Aly McKnight

Ben VanCamp

Andrea Pickett

Mark Kinney

CITY EAGER TO HEAR FROM POSITIVE VOICES FOR HOUSING

Our Councilors and board members get a regular earful from the naysayers. Who they don't hear from — and would love to — is you! Someone who cares about the city's housing crisis and wants to support initiatives to solve it. Even if your life is wicked busy, there are small things you can do that will make a difference. Dive in here and learn how.

ARE YOU READY FOR ZONING REFORM?

The City soon begins rewriting the Master Plan — the overall visioni for Portsmouth in the coming years. Removing some of zoning regulations that impede housing initiatives will be a key part of the plan. Residents will get various chances to weigh in. Learn about zoning reform here, courtesy of Strong Towns.