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Portsmouth council advances solar zoning changes and adds language to protect existing installations
Summary
Councilors passed a first reading of a zoning update to strengthen sustainability objectives and expand rules for ground‑mounted solar; Councilor Kate Cook successfully moved to add language to "promote and preserve the use of alternative energy sources," addressing public concern about protecting already‑installed panels.
The Portsmouth City Council voted on Jan. 20 to pass first reading and schedule a public hearing (Feb. 17) for a zoning ordinance that updates the city's sustainability objectives and rules for solar energy systems.
Peter Samsuch, a Portsmouth resident, told the council he supported the changes but urged the city to "also include a couple additional words to say we protect already installed solar installations in this city." His comment prompted council discussion about whether the ordinance should specifically state preservation of existing systems.
Councilor Kate Cook moved to amend the ordinance language to correct a typo and to add preservation language. "Promote and preserve the use of alternative energy sources such as solar and wind," Cook proposed, and the amendment was seconded and adopted by voice vote. Councilors said the change is intended to clarify that the city seeks both new installations and protection for existing systems.
Councilors and planning staff described the draft as the product of months of planning-board review and noted that technical details (setbacks, sizes, and definitions for freestanding systems) were discussed with industry stakeholders. The ordinance will return for a public hearing and second reading on Feb. 17, 2026.
Assistant Mayor Kelly and other councilors thanked the planning board and former council members who advanced the work. Staff indicated the ordinance corrects inconsistencies in existing code and aims to make the zoning text align with prior policy intentions.
The council's action was a first reading only; any final changes will be made at or after the public hearing.
