Portsmouth Zoning Overview

Portsmouth is an independent city in Virginia with approximately 97,915 residents. As an independent city, Portsmouth is not part of any county and handles all local government functions directly. The city manages land use and development through its local zoning ordinance, which divides the municipality into districts regulating permitted uses, building heights, lot sizes, setbacks, and density.

Portsmouth follows the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), which is based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC).

Primary Zoning Districts

Portsmouth's zoning code includes several residential districts. The R-1 district is the lowest-density single-family zone with setbacks of 30 feet (front), 10 feet (side), and 25 feet (rear). The R-2 district allows single-family and two-family homes with setbacks of 25 feet (front), 8 feet (side), and 20 feet (rear). Both districts have a 35-foot height limit. The R-3 district accommodates higher-density residential uses including multi-family housing.

Commercial activity is served by the C-1 (Commercial Neighborhood) and C-2 (Commercial General) districts. The M-1 (Light Industrial) district provides for warehousing, light manufacturing, and distribution uses.

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules

Portsmouth allows ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). Under Virginia Code § 15.2-2292.1 (effective 2024), all Virginia localities must permit ADUs in single-family residential zones. Contact the Portsmouth Planning Department for current requirements including size limits, setbacks, owner-occupancy rules, and permitting procedures.

Development Process

Development in Portsmouth generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the city's planning and building departments. The process typically involves:

1. Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
2. Site Plan Review — For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
3. Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
4. Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
5. Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure

For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance, special exception, or rezoning through the local board of zoning appeals or planning commission.

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in Portsmouth, property owners should:

• Verify the zoning classification of their property
• Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for their specific district
• Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
• Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
• Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
• Contact the Planning Department at (757) 393-8836 for pre-application guidance

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Portsmouth and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of Portsmouth or the municipal code before making development decisions.