8.18.2026 Board of Adjustment

The City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire Zoning Board of Adjustment held a meeting on August 18, 2026, to consider several variance applications related to property development and signage. Key procurement-related discussions included approvals for variances to construct residential garages and homes with specific setback and coverage relief, reflecting modifications to existing structures or new builds on nonconforming lots. Notably, the board postponed a decision on a variance request for driveway access to a landlocked lot, requesting additional information on legal access and lot frontage. The board also denied a variance request from Boston and Maine Corporation and Outfront Media to replace a static billboard with a larger animated digital billboard in the transportation corridor, citing conflicts with zoning ordinances prohibiting animated and off-premise signs and concerns about intensification of nonconforming uses. Several motions were passed approving residential construction variances, while the billboard variance was denied by a 4-2 vote. The meeting included public comments both in support and opposition to the applications, with particular attention to neighborhood character, safety, and compliance with zoning regulations.