Portsmouth city leaders will take up a series of potentially significant zoning changes during the City Manager’s Conference scheduled for January 28 — changes that could reshape what types of businesses are allowed in traditional neighborhoods and parts of the downtown area.
The proposals, introduced by Mayor Charlotte Gordon and Councilman Any Cole, are expected to be discussed at the meeting and could then move forward to City Council for further consideration and a possible vote.
Limiting Medical Facilities Downtown
One proposal from Mayor Gordon would prohibit new medical facilities from locating in the central business district south of 10th Street.
While the language does not single out specific types of medical services, the discussion may be aimed at limiting the continued concentration of rehabilitation and treatment facilities in that area of the city — an issue that has generated ongoing community conversation.
No existing facilities would be affected by the proposal, but future development in that district could face new restrictions if the change advances.
Major Changes Proposed for Traditional Neighborhoods
Councilman Cole is proposing a broader set of changes focused on the Traditional Neighborhood (TN) District, which is intended to support walkable, medium-density residential areas.
Under the proposal, several uses that are currently allowed — often through conditional or accessory zoning — would be removed entirely. That would mean no more zoning exemptions permitting those business types in traditional neighborhoods.
The requested removals include:
Sales
- Automotive Sales
- Commercial Sales
Parking
- Structured Parking (Accessory)
Services
- Car Rental Services
- Commercial Services
- General Personal Services
- Professional Services
Recreation and Leisure
- Restaurants or Bars
Retail
- Large Retail
- Small Retail
If approved, these changes would significantly narrow what kinds of commercial activity could operate within traditional residential areas.
What’s Currently Allowed
As the zoning code stands now, the Traditional Neighborhood District allows a wide range of uses, including:
- Residential dwellings
- Restaurants and bars
- Small and large retail (with conditions)
- Professional and personal services
- Automotive-related sales and services (with conditions)
- Religious institutions, schools, and government services
- Recreational uses and certain parking structures
The district’s stated purpose is to support well-connected, walkable neighborhoods, with limits on building height, setbacks, parking placement, and impervious coverage.
What Happens Next
The January 28 City Manager’s Conference will serve as the first public discussion point for these proposed changes. If city leaders decide to move forward, the items would then be sent to City Council for formal consideration and a potential vote.
For now, the proposals remain under discussion — but if adopted, they could mark a notable shift in how Portsmouth balances neighborhood preservation, downtown development, and business growth.
