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Council advances consolidated encumbrance ordinance after heated debate over projecting signs and insurance
Summary
Councilors passed second reading of a consolidated Chapter 6 encumbrances ordinance, replacing scattered rules with a single code. Business owners raised concerns about a proposed 'annual permit' and liability insurance for projecting signs; the council amended language to clarify permits are revocable and require submission of a certificate of insurance naming the city as additional insured, with notice of cancellation; third reading set for Dec. 8.
The Portsmouth City Council on Nov. 17 advanced a package of changes consolidating the city's encumbrance and public property-use rules into a revised Chapter 6, after hours of public comment and council debate focused on projecting signs and insurance requirements.
Governance committee counsel presented the rewrite as a housekeeping and consolidation effort to move theatrical, parade, construction and signage rules into a single location for clarity and efficiency. The draft also included a new reporting…
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