Historic District Commission Application Instructions

This application shall be used for an application for a Certificate of Approval from the Historic District Commission, described in the following section of the Zoning Ordinance:

1.   A complete application including the online land use application form, the required application fee, and one (1) hard copy of all supporting documents, plans, and exhibits must be received by the Planning Department prior to the published deadline.

2.   View Point Cloud is the software that powers the City of Portsmouth's online application center. In order to complete an online land use application, you must create an account for the site. When you register for the first time, you’ll need to access your email account in order to activate your View Point account.

3.   The person completing the online application should be the primary point of contact for the project and must provide authorization from the property owner.  All automatic notifications from View Point on the application’s status, approvals, and staff comments will be sent to this person’s email address.  Only this person can add additional information to the application once it’s been submitted.

4.   If the project will need multiple land use approvals from different boards, a single online land use application record should be used for all of the approvals.  It is recommended that the applicant confer with Planning Department staff about project contacts for multiple land use approvals prior to submitting the application.

5.   Submission deadlines are available from the Planning Department and online -- www.cityofportsmouth.com/planportsmouth/land-use-applications-forms-and-fees (meeting schedule).

6.   The Planning Department reserves the right to refuse applications which do not meet these minimum requirements.  The Planning Department may also require additional information and/or exhibits as needed to illustrate the scope of the project.

7.   The following information should be provided for alterations to an existing structure:

  • Documentation of Board of Adjustment approvals as needed
  • Photographs of all facades which relate to proposed changes (streetscapes where appropriate)
  • Site plan (tax map with footprint changes will generally suffice)
  • Specifications for windows and doors (size, brand, materials, type, schedules)
  • Materials to be used
  • Brick and mortar sample (when applicable)
  • Condominium Letter of Authorization (when applicable)
  • Building Elevations that show:
    • Existing conditions
    • All proposed changes to exterior of  the structure
    • Scale of drawings (at least 1/4" = 1' scale)
    • Accurate dimensions of architectural detailing (windows, doors, corner boards, rake trim, window casings, decks, entryways, fire escapes)
    • Demolition to occur (including removal of any portion or part of building)

8.   The following information should be provided for new construction:

  • Documentation of Board of Adjustment approvals as needed
  • Photographs and/or streetscapes with the proposed construction superimposed onto applicable views
  • Specifications for windows and doors (size, brand, material, type, cut sheets)
  • Materials to be used
  • Brick and mortar sample (when applicable)
  • Condominium Letter of Authorization (when applicable)
  • Site plan including:
    • Property lines
    • Footprint of building
    • Scale of plan
    • Flood zone lines (where applicable)
    • Dramatic grade changes
  • Building elevations that show:
    • Scale of drawings (at least 1/4" = 1')
    • All sides of structure in relation to finish grade lines
    • Accurate dimension of architectural detailing (windows, doors, corner boards, rake trim, window casings, decks, entryways, fire escapes, etc.)

9.   The Applicant is encouraged to consider the following when completing the application:

  • Provide neat and clearly legible plans and copies
  • Use of color or highlights is encouraged in order to identify pertinent areas on plans
  • Applicants are encouraged to review the application with a member of the Planning Department staff prior to submittal
  • All applicants are encouraged to discuss the project with impacted neighbors

For additional information on application requirements and the approval process, please refer to the City of Portsmouth Zoning Ordinance (see Article 6 Section 10:630) and the Historic District Commission Rules & Procedures or contact the Planning Department directly at (603) 610-7216.