City Manager's Advisory on City Services

March 20, 2020

For the latest news, in the City Manager's Daily Advisory, click here.

All municipal buildings and facilities, schools and the Portsmouth Public Library are closed to the public. But services are staffed according to staggered work schedules to minimize the number of people in the same place at the same time. 

  • City Hall is closed to the public. A skeleton staff is in place to answer the phone and perform City business. Residents are asked to use the City's online services to process their water bills, parking tickets, taxes, fees, fines, permits, etc. 
  • Fire Department has suspended scheduled fire protection inspections and the issuing of any burn permits. If you have a Class 1 or 2 permit (backyard, etc.) the permit expiration is extended to June 1, 2020.
  • Building Inspections continue for unoccupied and exteriors of buildings.
  • Planning Department: For information about land use applications and submission deadlines click here -https://www.cityofportsmouth.com/planportsmouth/news/instructions-submitting-land-use-applications-during-covid-19-shut-down”.
  • All City board, commission and committee meetings have been postponed until further notice.
  • Portsmouth Public Library for details on all of the on-line services offered by the Library and how to access them, click here.

DPW:

  • Wipes clog pipes! Please dispose of disinfectant wipes in a separate trash bag. Flush only toilet paper or tissues in the toilet (even the wipes marked "flushable" can clog pipes like this).
  • Residents should continue to use Click 'n Fix as needed so service requests can be logged and addressed.
  • The recycling center is open and staffed to allow just a few vehicles at a time for social distancing.
  • Trash pickup is on the normal schedule and yard waste pickups have also begun but may be limited by the availability of workers and trucks.
  • Trees & Greenery invites you to participate in the City's Adopt-A-Spot Program -- a great family project you can do while staying 6 feet part.

Recreation/Parks Department

  • Buildings, playgrounds, ball fields, basketball courts and dog parks remain closed.
  • City Parks are open. Residents are encouraged to enjoy our open spaces, parks and off-leash dog areas. The NH State Parks are also open.
  • The Easter Bunny has informed the Portsmouth Rec Department that, unfortunately the annual Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for April 4, 2020 has been CANCELLED.
  • All spring sport sign-up sessions are also POSTPONED until a calendar can be set.

Senior transportation and Meals on Wheels are operating as usual.

  • Seniors-Only (age 60+) Shopping Hours are available Tues-Thurs mornings at Market Basket and Hannaford. Click here for details on these and food/pharmacy delivery options.
  • Portsmouth Housing Authority asks citizens to restrict visits so as not to put their more-susceptible residents at greater risk.
City Hall