During a recent government meeting, the Planning Commission discussed two significant applications concerning property developments in Portsmouth. The first application, rezoning application 2406 and use permit 2413, pertains to a 1.3-acre parcel at 3711 Victory Boulevard, where the applicant seeks permission for an outdoor advertising sign. Following a staff evaluation that recommended against the request, the applicant requested a deferral to the January 7th meeting to further discuss the matter with staff and commissioners.

The second application, use permit 2411 and Chesapeake Bay exception 2404, involves a proposal for an outdoor kennel at 3114 Tire Neck Road. The property, which is approximately 0.8 acres and located within a flood zone, currently houses a commercial building being used for indoor kennel and grooming services. The applicant aims to establish a 24,100 square foot outdoor dog run, which would encroach into a 100-foot resource protection area (RPA) buffer.

Staff recommended denial of the Chesapeake Bay exception, citing that the request does not meet the necessary standards for approval, particularly that it is not the minimum necessary to afford relief. They suggested an alternative location for the dog run that would minimize land disturbance within the RPA. Public comments received included three in opposition to the application, raising concerns primarily from nearby business patrons rather than direct neighbors.

The commission's discussions highlighted the balance between development needs and environmental protections, particularly in areas designated for resource preservation. The outcome of these applications will be revisited in future meetings, where further public input and deliberation will take place.