Portsmouth council adopts coliving zoning amendment after debate over parking, lease minimum and on‑site management

Portsmouth City Council voted to adopt an amendment to Chapter 10 of the city zoning ordinance to add “co‑living” as a new, conditional use in specified character districts (CD‑4, CD‑5), CD‑4W Gateway areas, and business districts, creating a regulatory framework for shared housing models.

Peter (city planning) summarized the key standards proposed: co‑living facilities may contain co‑living units (sleeping rooms) and shared common areas; a co‑living unit is limited to a maximum of two persons and the unit cannot contain a kitchen; a co‑living facility shall not exceed 80 residents per building or 40 residents per floor; one full‑time on‑site manager is required for every 40 residents; common areas must meet a minimum square footage standard (baseline 1,200 square feet plus incremental space per unit); and proposed parking rules exempt facilities located within 600 feet of selected public parking garages (Foundry and Hanover) from off‑street parking requirements while facilities beyond 600 feet must provide one space per…