PORTSMOUTH GUIDELINES

DOWNTOWN DESIGN MANUAL

In 2008 the Portsmouth Planning Department issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to evaluate and update the existing Downtown Design Guidelines. designforum and Commonwealth Architects were selected to update the guidelines.

A highly public process followed, with key stakeholder interviews and presentations to the public playing a major role in the development of the guidelines. The design team surveyed the entire district on foot, studying important city nodes, building types, setbacks and historic precedents. The scope of work for the guidelines follows:

- an evaluation of current Downtown Design District regulations, design guidelines, administrative procedures, and current composition of the Downtown Design Committee (DDC).

- development of new Design Guidelines / Standards and Procedures to facilitate reinvestment in properties within the Downtown districts while maintaining overall historic integrity and design quality.

- re-evaluation of current Downtown District boundaries and designations in terms of reclassification of districts, redefinition of boundaries and /or potential additional designations.

- development of an education program and community input strategy that will effectively inform owners, residents, potential home buyers and citizens at-large of Downtown District status and guidelines.

The guidelines were approved by the City of Portsmouth in 2009 and are in effect for the Downtown District.