Council defers decision on proposed High Street event space; security plan and signage among outstanding items

Portsmouth City Council agreed Tuesday to defer a decision on a conditional use permit for an event venue at 6031 High Street West to the council’s Aug. 26 meeting.

Applicant Belinda Ashby said she operates a 100-seat venue in Chesapeake and is seeking a larger space in Portsmouth for events including graduations and cultural celebrations. “I requested that my time be allowed till 02:00 in the morning,” Ashby said, explaining some private events start later in the evening.

Planning staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions. One condition requires the operator to submit a written security plan to the zoning administrator for written approval before opening; the zoning administrator may seek comment from the Portsmouth Police Department. Vice Mayor Moody read condition 4 into the record, noting the plan must be approved prior to operation.

Attorney and city staff clarified the security plan requirement is an operator obligation; the police department indicated it does not itself draft applicant security plans but may be asked to comment. The applicant said the building has interior and exterior cameras and that she would require security and bonding for certain higher‑risk events.

Council voted 6-1 to defer the permit application to Aug. 26 so staff can finalize regulatory guidance for newer venue businesses and so the applicant can address outstanding site and signage conditions. The motion to defer passed with a single dissenting vote recorded at the meeting. The deferral preserves the Planning Commission conditions and requires the applicant to return with the security plan and any sign modifications requested by staff.