Mission Statement
The Wetlands Board (also referred to as the “Board”) endeavors to preserve and prevent the despoliation of Portsmouth’s wetland areas while accommodating necessary economic development and shoreline stabilization in a manner consistent with wetland preservation. The Board is comprised of citizen members to review any wetlands-disturbing activity.
Board Meetings
2023 Wetlands Board Meeting Schedule
- 1st Wednesday of each month at 3:30 p.m.
- Meetings are held in the 6th Floor Conference Room in the Portsmouth City Hall Building at 801 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, Virginia.
- 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, or by email to mervinea@portsmouthva.gov. Please submit correspondence prior to the public hearing day.
Electronic/digital submission of applications and other materials is encouraged whenever feasible.
Mailed items can be sent to:
CITY OF PORTSMOUTH
PLANNING DEPARTMENT ATTN: (STAFF MEMBER NAME)
801 CRAWFORD STREET
PORTSMOUTH, VA 23704
Credit card payments can now be accepted over the phone. Please call the Planning Department at 757-393-8836 for more information. Please note that a signed credit card authorization form is required to be submitted before a credit card payment can be processed.
Credit Card Authorization Form (PDF)
Note: Applications and all supporting materials must be received six (6) weeks prior to the meeting.
Fees as established in City Code Appendix A Portsmouth Fee Schedule.
Fees are typically non-refundable.
Agendas & Minutes
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes
Phragmites Removal
Phragmites (Phragmites australis) is a tall, perennial wetland grass found throughout the United States. Two varieties, one native and the other introduced from Europe, are found in Virginia. Phragmites stems are green, rigid, one-quarter to one-half inch in diameter and often more than 12 feet tall. Its bluish-green leaves are 1 to 1.5 inches wide and up to 20 inches long. The leaves and stems turn tan in the fall. The dense, oval-shaped flowering plume takes on a purple-gray color as the cluster of flowers matures in July and August, later turning golden brown with a fluffy appearance. Phragmites typically grows in dense stands and forms a dense mat of roots and rhizomes ranging from one foot to several feet thick.
In wetland areas in Portsmouth, Phragmites may be removed with an approved permit from Planning Department staff in accordance with the policy adopted by the Portsmouth Wetlands Board.
Phragmites Eradication Policy_AMENDED
Phragmites Eradication Application
Wetlands Related Documents
