[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6353073,"mediaKeyId","2221847-d63578018cd37c7a1bf4c474e9117c93","parentId",2221847,"title","Council amends zoning to exempt certain small accessory structures, raises side/rear fence height to 8 feet and trims HVAC review requirements","audioSeconds",1135,"startMs",2963000,"endMs",4098000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2221847-d63578018cd37c7a1bf4c474e9117c93&start=2963&end=4098","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2221847-d63578018cd37c7a1bf4c474e9117c93/thumbnail_2963000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6353073/New-Hampshire/Council-amends-zoning-to-exempt-certain-small-accessory-structures-raises-siderear-fence-height-to-8-feet-and-trims-HVAC-review-requirements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6353073-a108158a89a48911d9ec1fb8b31fe9e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1772752174&Signature=hDJeZqgpNMYBd2ydZmK~gY-9c6n3~x8HRo-Wes0BAwPllJtro7Jm01TUZazRDCDbrAXoMJeCN0FRugz40UsqbBj3psGq3-GjWxfAuyqwc1ydUCLoSXf1oQKOrKZ7BoB7lVN20uhkGNGkpKaW6aX-52O7Zr3CIYnyksMn8y2EqJ3TtTEnNrjUMVjthJyTnfxLOxd4EtLDJcRRRhb2Zi-qq55qryB~h4lTWmK9BFQmCP7Li5-gYmdB4ZiJ0LRBU-6DWVRFrO9cFrRI8auINSUJ9tolg2z2oQmQthgTNxGBEFaYqS~AX1NIYBQ2idD8HEEtmv6y9YhHKmz27vgZS3JxTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-04T14:07:41Z","article","The Portsmouth City Council on Feb. 3 approved second reading, as amended, of a package of zoning ordinance changes intended to align the zoning code with building-code practice for minor, accessory structures and to reduce zoning reviews for certain mechanical equipment and fences.

Lede: The amendments to Chapter 10 of the zoning ordinance would exempt certain small accessory structures that do not require a building permit, raise the permitted height for side and rear fences from six to eight feet to match building-code practice, and remove routine zoning review for some mechanical equipment siting.

Nut graf: Deputy City Attorney Trevor McCourt told the council the changes aim to streamline review of small, commonly built items (sheds, playhouses, prefabricated pools, hot tubs) and reduce administrative burden without undermining environmental, sight-line, or historic-district protections. The planning board is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the changes on Feb. 20.

Body: McCourt explained that simply copying building-code exemptions into the zoning ordinance is not straightforward because the codes serve different purposes. The package includes raising permitted fence height for side and rear yards to eight feet (front-yard limits remain to preserve sight lines), removing some mechanical-equipment siting review requirements, and adding sections (10.811.0.6 and 10.811.0.61) to permit certain accessory structures for single- and two-family homes, subject to environmental, sight-line and historic-district standards.

Council debate focused on the proposed limit on the number and size of accessory structures. Councilor Cook said the draft's \"up to one\" limit could disadvantage residents with smaller yards and suggested allowing multiple small structures up to a total square footage. Opponents worried that allowing many small sheds would defeat the ordinance's intent. After discussion, councilors moved an amendment removing the literal \"up to one\" phrasing while retaining the other size and one-story limits discussed in the ordinance language; the deputy city attorney said that change remained within the scope of the published amendment and would not require a new public hearing.

Action and timing: The council voted to pass second reading and to hold final (third) reading on March 17, 2025. The planning board will conduct a separate public hearing Feb. 20 and the council indicated it will consider any planning-board recommendations before final adoption.

Ending: City staff said they will return with any planning-board input at a March meeting and that the ordinance amendments will preserve front-yard sight-line rules and environmental and historic safeguards while removing duplicative reviews for small, commonly used structures.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2.3.2025 City Council","oneSentenceSummary","The amendments to Chapter 10 of the zoning ordinance would exempt certain small accessory structures that do not require a building permit, raise the permitted height for side and rear fences from six to eight feet to match building-code practice, and remove routine zoning review for some mechanical equipment siting.","taxTitle","Portsmouth City Council, Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire","taxId",68330,"location","New Hampshire","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6353078,"Council approves state revolving fund loan participation to inventory service lines, help residents replace galvanized pipes",651,2269000,2920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2221847-d63578018cd37c7a1bf4c474e9117c93&start=2269&end=2920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2221847-d63578018cd37c7a1bf4c474e9117c93/thumbnail_2269000.jpg","/articles/6353078/New-Hampshire/Council-approves-state-revolving-fund-loan-participation-to-inventory-service-lines-help-residents-replace-galvanized-pipes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6353078-da16d18b9df25a875cefcb888d9d9607/orig.mp4?Expires=1772752174&Signature=oYqAA9B2abksTA4WyY6kWmIaf5dZgnu0EmcviT4UQaRiOwtSEi8bkXWkpbsqSLCOjHHhUh2P9ityejq~KltJqL38X3IlbZT9GGYCcpfgSvi0X-0TOkG1TSl7MdmW70oF-4ncJRvjnIp2h8vzQcg2VZh5XguuZhdSe7-NgxANeud8wGDqmqnCH1LMl2guv29PDVEUaMCMbvIPSx5KmnYmlfugdqjXGMJlU-ikgu-ZDnBg40CsS0IwINC0PV4F8jAO1qX9WN9K8zDmveJV63VyQ80GUB73QhEnUTRzqZ9JdashHjsJUM0gSqgZYTLdtLOIiNj-lmQr6DcNqIZxNaBeow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portsmouth City Council on Feb. 3 authorized the city to participate in a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan of up to $3.5 million, using principal forgiveness to encourage homeowners to replace galvanized service lines and to fund the city's inventory work required by EPA rules.

Lede: The council voted to accept participation in a DWSRF program offering 71% principal forgiveness on eligible costs, a one-time opportunity the city will use to complete service-line material inventories and offer heavily subsidized replacements for privately owned galvanized service lines.

Nut graf: The approval follows a presentation by Water Resource Manager Al Pratt explaining regulatory drivers (the EPA's revised Lead and Copper Rule), the extent of Portsmouth's known service-line inventory and the plan to use loan forgiveness as an incentive for customers to replace risk-bearing galvanized lines.

Body: Pratt told the council the EPA rule requires identification of materials for all service lines, defined as the pipe from the water main to a building. The city has identified the inbound piping inside buildings and currently knows the material for about 93% of the private side (from the property boundary to the house). The more difficult segment is the public side (water main to property boundary); Pratt estimated roughly 2,400 of those services remain unknown and would require small excavations to identify materials.

Pratt said the city already knows of 137 privately owned galvanized service lines; galvanized pipes can contain lead where old lead connectors were used and can corrode, reducing pressure. The DWSRF offer includes 71% principal forgiveness; Pratt said passing that forgiveness on to customers would mean those homeowners would pay roughly 29% of replacement costs. Payment on the loan likely would not begin until about six years after the loan is granted.

Councilors asked how the debt would be serviced and how identification and replacement obligations work after excavation. Pratt said costs would be allocated to the water/sewer enterprise funds, payment would be on the 29% share the city finances, and the regulatory obligation after inventory is primarily documentation and replacement of any lead or city-owned galvanized lines.

Action and vote: Councilor Denton moved to authorize participation in the DWSRF loan program up to $3.5 million with 71% principal forgiveness; the motion was seconded and passed in a roll-call vote with all councilors voting yes.

Ending: Pratt said the DPW will post program details on the city website, run direct outreach to identified customers and administer the replacement program. Councilors described the funding as a \"one-time opportunity\" to address aging infrastructure while reducing homeowner cost barriers.

","Portsmouth authorized participation in a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan of up to $3.5 million, with 71% principal forgiveness, to complete a service-line material inventory and subsidize replacement of privately owned galvanized service lines.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6353081,"Portsmouth council raises elderly, disabled tax-exemption income limits and adopts application clarifications",1332,778000,2110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2221847-d63578018cd37c7a1bf4c474e9117c93&start=778&end=2110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2221847-d63578018cd37c7a1bf4c474e9117c93/thumbnail_778000.jpg","/articles/6353081/New-Hampshire/Portsmouth-council-raises-elderly-disabled-tax-exemption-income-limits-and-adopts-application-clarifications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6353081-c27f369708af6f258a708ab104ba21dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1772752174&Signature=XHSgTmEGavRX5cyvmxUDgb5mNN2nSyBHDIFbnQ5kFfVHfvInwM1RTR21v1D2TuKg9bl5J~-avAorys2N0eWTJUF~3JXbPGaUxk-KVqbtL5VP5pPZmzXiCieD7rPB6aej7T-zCt-P79P~XlQYAhh5Mioy8R9vgnzmPM2qbhsVn1qup7uvRG8ayXidCeDnMcncGvHGaEU-toRa21QuiI1ht0Oq7jU2jUNdoFE8JiZIIlXOSf4XQzQJjqsH-K9rcHLIy7jea5u9EBlSorUWGvHGPrkXzHky0~DWa2p1Yz7zFTnHc-B0QtXK3NHV8xvyA0TfQZbUySYk7KpiIbApr~Zs3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portsmouth City Council on Feb. 3 adopted higher income limits for the city's elderly and disabled property-tax exemptions, following a presentation from Chief Assessor Roseanne Lentz and supporting remarks from multiple councilors.

Lede: Acting on a recommendation from Chief Assessor Roseanne Lentz, the council voted to adopt option 2 for the 2025 elderly and disabled exemptions, raising the income thresholds while keeping the asset limit at $500,000 and reaffirming April 1 as the qualification date and April 15 as the application deadline.

Nut graf: The change is intended to allow more residents on fixed incomes to qualify. Lentz told the council the proposal is based on a 10-year rolling CPI average and would modestly increase the single and married income caps to better reflect local cost trends. Councilors emphasized outreach and workshops to ensure eligible residents know to apply.

Body: Lentz detailed eligibility and the recommended changes during a slide presentation. She said the elderly exemption requires applicants to be 65 by April 1 of the claim year and to have been New Hampshire residents for three consecutive years; the disabled exemption requires five years of New Hampshire residency. She explained trust-held property rules and said applicants must file with the assessor's office by April 15.

On the proposed numbers, Lentz presented two options. The assessor recommended option 2 (a 10-year rolling CPI adjustment), which would raise the single income limit to about $55,005 and the married limit to about $72,008 while leaving the $500,000 asset cap unchanged. Lentz said the change is intended \"to allow a little more, and a little bit more for individuals to be able to qualify\" rather than simply applying the Social Security COLA.

Council discussion flagged program size and cost. Lentz said about 147 taxpayers currently receive the exemptions. She also reported 11 applicants were denied last year, mostly because of income; the highest asset level among denied applicants was roughly $502,000. Asked about the budget impact, Lentz said the change equated to roughly \"6¢ on the tax rate,\" which assistant mayor Kelly and others noted would equal about $60 on a $10,000 tax bill.

Councilors pressed staff on outreach and process details. Lentz and staff said they already hold workshops (at the senior center last year), will continue using the city website and tax-bill messaging, and can run additional sessions at libraries or senior luncheons. The council clarified the qualification date is April 1 (income/assets as of April 1) and applications must be filed by April 15.

Action and vote: A motion to adopt the elderly-exemption resolution as presented (option 2) was moved and seconded and approved by the council. The council subsequently conducted the required separate public hearing and moved to adopt the disabled-exemption resolution (option 2) as well. Both measures were approved (council vote recorded as all in favor).

Ending: Councilors urged continued outreach so residents who may qualify know to apply and noted staff will post information on the city website and repeat senior-center workshops to increase awareness.

","The Portsmouth City Council on Feb. 3 adopted revised income thresholds for the city'9s elderly and disabled property-tax exemptions, approving the higher option recommended by the assessor and keeping the $500,000 asset limit unchanged. The council also confirmed application rules and outreach plans.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6353069,"Council ratifies parking-utilization study that recommends strategies for downtown capacity, possible garage",619,4197000,4816000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2221847-d63578018cd37c7a1bf4c474e9117c93&start=4197&end=4816","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2221847-d63578018cd37c7a1bf4c474e9117c93/thumbnail_4197000.jpg","/articles/6353069/New-Hampshire/Council-ratifies-parking-utilization-study-that-recommends-strategies-for-downtown-capacity-possible-garage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6353069-eddde277d8883ccefbec40ae221d3d26/orig.mp4?Expires=1772752174&Signature=S1oiYQMSfX3qGXmZ8YpFS3iTd7QZcLqhNGtSMhCkXOkkkWsHFR0A5RLkzp9~4hwTrE4Jo48Dl0t1QFV2RQj53b0UlTYjKgU4cGtNZui0Vz7XwIx0GaFROPDjfpXE~DTfck8eyvgQH8vdwVqKcq3ZGvBnJJX3c~63APggZnQhM1BuJjHwsl1cJP9nZcaaSL00KREekaGc4~qxRD33cNau1HrNlE4xZ~peetak45vmAopZCxgDz9Mw0PGP8~AVbU6RJVgew9ZD6nfHWopGO-ETUhsDTDetUk-DYz~GOguPRlx-oyRqWcvUHORGKZ2zXONsCnXK3hil4hNDWWSD39xxIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portsmouth City Council on Feb. 3 ratified the city's parking-utilization study and its recommendations after a brief presentation by Parking Director Ben Fletcher and consultant Andy Hill.

Lede: Fletcher and consultant staff asked council to ratify the September study and a short summary. Councilors endorsed the work and thanked the advisory group and staff for the year-long effort.

Nut graf: The study maps current utilization, models future demand and recommends management strategies. Councilors highlighted one finding that the city manages a larger share of paid downtown spaces than typical municipalities and emphasized using the study to inform long-term decisions about structured parking and transit/shuttle alternatives.

Body: Fletcher said the packet contains a detailed report and a quick-reference matrix and urged the council to ratify both documents. He said the study shows Portsmouth controls roughly 60% of paid downtown spaces, which Fletcher said is \"very unusual; most cities control 20%.\" He also said parking revenue helps offset municipal costs and reported a per-household savings figure in his presentation (approximately $300 per median household) based on revenue that offsets costs such as plowing and sanitation; another councilor later noted a higher figure in a different context.

Councilors praised the work and urged the city to consider both structured parking and complementary options such as shuttle loops and partnerships with hotels as downtown demand grows. The City Manager and staff noted a year-long advisory process with 14 members including staff, business owners and residents.

Action: A motion to ratify the parking-utilization study and its recommendations was moved, seconded and approved by the council.

Ending: Staff said the full report and a story map remain available online and that the study should guide parking, demand-management and longer-term facility planning.

","City council ratified a parking-utilization study and recommendations presented by the parking director and consultant; the study documents current use, projects future demand and highlights the city's high public control of paid spaces downtown and revenue benefits.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council amends zoning to exempt certain small accessory structures, raises side/rear fence height to 8 feet and trims HVAC review requirements

Council approves state revolving fund loan participation to inventory service lines, help residents replace galvanized pipes

Portsmouth council raises elderly, disabled tax-exemption income limits and adopts application clarifications

Council ratifies parking-utilization study that recommends strategies for downtown capacity, possible garage