Virtual Planning Department

Out of an abundance of caution due to novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), all City of Portsmouth Planning Department offices are currently physically closed to the public. However, our staff is still working and is here to assist you virtually. The public is encouraged to use the city’s online options for services.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN PERSON. STAFF CANNOT RECEIVE OR ACCEPT ITEMS DROPPED OFF AT CITY HALL. APPLICANTS CAN SEND ITEMS BY EMAIL, US POSTAL SERVICE, FEDEX, OR UPS  (as appropriate for the application type). 

ITEMS SHOULD BE SENT TO 

CITY OF PORTSMOUTH
PLANNING DEPARTMENT ATTN: (STAFF MEMBER NAME)
801 CRAWFORD STREET
PORTSMOUTH, VA 23704

We will be updating this page on a regular basis to provide information on our services including the operation of the various Boards and Commissions. See the box below for the status of the Boards and Commissions. 

All Boards and Commissions are now accepting applications. Please see details below for individual Board and Commission dates and deadlines. Staff will continue to be processing administrative reviews and approvals.

All meetings will be held virtually unless otherwise indicated.

The public is encouraged to contact staff via email or phone. Staff Directory

The Planning Department may be reached by phone at 757-393-8836.

Virtual Public Meetings

Public meetings of boards, commissions, and committees are being conducted remotely consistent with Governor Northam’s March 12, 2020 Executive Order and City Council Ordinance 2020-102, due to the current State of Emergency in the Commonwealth given the outbreak of COVID-19. A quorum of the board/commission/committee will not be physically present in the meeting location but members will join remotely. Further, all members of public bodies are allowed and encouraged to participate remotely. The Order, which is posted in the link below, allows public bodies to meet entirely remotely so long as reasonable public access is afforded so that the public can follow along with the deliberations of the meeting.  Ensuring public access does not ensure public participation unless such participation is required by law.  Meetings will be recorded and feature public comment. Even if members of the public do not provide comment, participants are advised that people may be listening who do not provide comment, and those persons are not required to identify themselves. For all meetings, the boards, commissions, and committees will be convening by video conference via Microsoft Teams app as posted on the City’s Website identifying how the public may join.

Ordinance 2020-102

Status of Boards and Commissions

NameNext Scheduled Meeting
Virtual Meeting Link
Click the link to visit the meeting
Meeting Phone 
Dial-in Information
Meeting Time
Planning CommissionDecember 1, 2020804-294-1932 Conference ID:
559 098 719# 
1:30pm
Members of the public may provide comments on specific agenda items by sending an email to planningcommission@portsmouthva.gov or calling 757-393-8836 prior to the hearing date.
Members of the public wishing to provide comments on agenda items during the meeting, must pre-register by emailing planningcommission@portsmouthva.gov or by calling 757-393-8836 prior to the hearing date.
Board of Zoning AppealsTBDhttp://www.portsmouthva.gov/bzastream
804-294-1932 Conference ID: : 
TBD
4:30pm
Parties wishing to provide comments on specific agenda items, may send comments via fax to 757-393-5223, or by mail to the Zoning Office, 801 Crawford Street Portsmouth, Virginia 23704-3822, or by email to millhousek@portsmouthva.gov. Please submit correspondence prior to the public hearing day.
Downtown Design CommitteeTBD
www.portsmouthva.gov/ddcstream804-294-1932
Conference ID:
TBD		6:00pm
Parties wishing to provide comments on specific agenda items, may send comments via fax to 757-393-5223, or by mail to the Planning Department, 801 Crawford Street Portsmouth, Virginia 23704-3822, or by email to okafors@portsmouthva.gov. Please submit correspondence prior to the public hearing day.
Historic Preservation CommissionTBDhttp://www.portsmouthva.gov/hpcstream
804-294-1932 Conference ID: TBD.
5:00pm
Parties wishing to provide comments on specific agenda items, may send comments via fax to 757-393-5223, or by mail to the Planning Department, 801 Crawford Street Portsmouth, Virginia 23704-3822, or by email to chopj@portsmouthva.gov. Please submit correspondence prior to the public hearing day.
Wetlands BoardTBD
804-294-1932  Conference ID: 
TBD
3:00pm
Parties wishing to provide comments on specific agenda items, may send comments via fax to 757-393-5223, or by mail to the Planning Department, 801 Crawford Street Portsmouth, Virginia 23704-3822, or by email to porters@portsmouthva.gov Please submit correspondence prior to the public hearing day.

Project Updates

Portsmouth Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan click here

Due to the current public health emergency, the draft plan public meeting will be virtual. Watch the virtual meeting presentation below! The video provides a quick overview of the planning process, the recommendations, and ways for you to share your thoughts on the draft plan. 

Procedures for Submitting Information including documents and applications

Please download the appropriate form for the service you require and contact the staff for submittal requirements and procedures.

Electronic Forms