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Council adopts expanded litter ordinance with tougher enforcement options
Summary
After a public hearing, Portsmouth adopted amendments to its litter ordinance (expanded definitions, prohibited acts and enforcement/penalty mechanisms) intended to give municipal court and police more options for addressing litter and related behaviors; the measure passed unanimously.
The Portsmouth Town Council held a public hearing and voted to adopt amendments to the town’s litter ordinance (codification chapter 243). The revisions expand definitions of prohibited acts, add clearer prohibited conduct (littering, fires, alcohol consumption, trespass in certain areas) and strengthen enforcement and penalty provisions to give municipal court and police additional options.
A council liaison described the ordinance as an outgrowth of earlier discussions about behavior near the surrounding river bridge (litter, parking, trash, fires and first-responder access). Council members debated enforcement thresholds, fine levels and the need to provide opportunities for proper disposal (receptacles) alongside enforcement. One member suggested the town may need permanent receptacles at problem sites to complement enforcement.
After public comment closed, the council voted to adopt the revised ordinance as presented; the motion passed 6 to 0. Supporters said the change provides ‘‘teeth’’ to address littering where the prior ordinance lacked enforcement options. Members acknowledged that enforcement will require balancing resources and public education.
