PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Zoning

That section of the City Code (Chapter 40) devoted to Land Use regulations is known as the Zoning Ordinance for the City of Portsmouth.  This series of regulations defines:

• How far buildings must be from the property lines

• How far buildings on the same lot must be from each other

• How many parking spaces must be provide for a use

• What size and configuration parking spaces/lots have to conform to

• Building heights

• Sign regulations 

• Site plan review regulations

• Use permit regulations and

• Other similar requirements

Section 15 of the Code of Virginia provides for these regulations to be adopted and enforced.
Enforcement of violations is handled by staff of the Department of Permits & Inspections.