NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2008

Contact: Landon Wellford (757) 393-8836

Portsmouth Planning Department Surveys the Visual Preference of its Residents

PORTSMOUTH -- The City of Portsmouth's Planning Commission is in the process of developing a new Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance is the primary tool for implementing the visions and goals of the Destination 2025 Comprehensive Plan. The new Zoning Ordinance will be a more visual and “user friendly” document which will help streamline the process for the benefit of the citizens of Portsmouth.

As part of this process, the Planning Department is conducting a Visual Preference Survey for residents throughout the City. The Survey includes a series of 23 images illustrating a variety of urban conditions which citizens are asked to rank and comment on. The Survey gives all citizens interested in participating, an important role in helping to shape the long-term physical appearance and development character of the City.

The Visual Preference Survey can be accessed on the City’s website at www.portsmouthva.gov/planning/survey. The Survey is also available online at all branches of the public library for those who do not have access to a personal computer. Hard copies are available at City Hall in the Department of Planning (4th floor) or may be mailed to you upon request.

Please take a moment to complete the survey. The results of this survey will aid in the development of design standards for inclusion in the new Zoning Ordinance. Thank you for your participation. If you have any questions about the survey or need assistance, please contact Landon Wellford wellfordl@portsmouthva.gov (393-8836 ext. 4235) or Stacy Porter porters@portsmouthva.gov (393-8836, ext. 4210).

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