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Portsmouth planning commission moves to codify Link District standards along High Street
Summary
Commissioners voted to instruct staff to draft zoning amendments for the Link (Innovation) District to formalize building-form standards, permitted uses and design rules intended to encourage pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use development along the High Street corridor.
The Portsmouth Planning Commission voted to initiate zoning-ordinance amendments for the Link District, an overlay for the High Street corridor meant to implement the Innovation District plan.
Planning staff described a draft overlay that would set building-form standards (setbacks, maximum heights, density), list permitted uses that favor mixed-use and entrepreneurial activity (maker spaces, commissary kitchens, ground-floor retail), and prohibit uses inconsistent with the vision (gasoline sales, vehicle service, crematoria). Staff said the draft aims to encourage a pedestrian-friendly, bike- and foot-oriented corridor with fewer curb cuts and a stronger street-edge activation.
Staff requested the commission adopt a resolution instructing staff to prepare the draft amendments for public hearing in January, to stand up a stakeholder group and to proceed in tandem with City Council review. The commission approved the resolution directing staff to prepare the amendments; the resolution was adopted and will be read into the record and forwarded for public hearings and subsequent council consideration.
Staff emphasized that the overlay language is drawn from the Innovation District plan and community engagement and would be developed with stakeholder input before formal adoption.
