Town Planning

Portsmouth is a growing community. Productively managing this growth has been the Town Council's priority for over a decade. The town planner is charged with working on the town's future. Whether it is land use regulations, whose benefits accumulate over the years, major physical projects that will benefit residents for decades, environmental protection, or economic development to provide jobs and balance the tax base, the planner focuses the town's government on long-term projects.

The Planning Department is committed to promoting a well-designed, physically integrated, livable and prosperous community in Portsmouth. It provides the community with personal attention, accurate and detailed information, and timely responses in a manner that instills public trust and confidence while exceeding customer service expectations.

There is no "typical" role for a planner, a position that has little day-to-day routine. Planners are project oriented, future oriented, and primarily involved with long-term multiyear projects.

DISCLAIMER: Planning Staff is currently in the process of updating the Town's Zoning Ordinance and Land Development Regulations in order to maintain consistency with the changes to the Zoning Enabling Act (RIGL 45-24-27 et seq.) and the Land Development Subdivision Review Act (RIGL 45-23-25 et seq.). Please contact the Planning Department for further clarification.

Zoning and Land Development Ordinance Revisions

Long-Range Planning Initiatives 

Safe Streets 4 All (SS4A)

The Safe Streets for All (SS4A) program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation and established through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The BIL allotted $5 billion appropriated funds through grants over 5 years (2022-2026), to regional, local, and Tribal initiatives that promote roadway safety aiming to prevent accidents that result in serious injuries and fatalities. Baseline Crash Analysis for Portsmouth.

Portsmouth Safe Streets and Roads for All
Safety Action Plan

Ride Island Bike Plan

The Portsmouth Town Council endorsed the use of the “Ride Island Bike Plan” as an advisory resource where consistent with the Comprehensive Community Plan and Town Ordinances in the planning and redevelopment of transportation related infrastructure improvements in the Town of Portsmouth and the greater Aquidneck Island community on April 8, 2024.

RI Long Range Transportation Plan: Moving Forward RI 2050

The Rhode Island Division of Statewide Planning (RIDSP) is updating the state’s Long-Range Transportation Plan! Join a public workshop to share your experiences and vision for Rhode Island’s transportation system over the next 25 years. Reach out to Liza Farr with questions.

Enbridge Pipeline Replacement

Sakonnet River Replacement Project

Algonquin Gas Transmission’s interstate natural gas pipeline network includes an existing six-inch diameter pipeline located in Portsmouth and Little Compton, Rhode Island, which crosses the Sakonnet River. Algonquin delivers natural gas to Rhode Island Energy, the local gas distribution company serving homes and businesses in the area. 

The first activity likely to be noticeable outside the Right of Way will be the installation of the conductor casing to accommodate the pilot drill for the crossing beneath the river bed - one conductor casing will be installed on either side of the river.  

The conductor casing installation will likely occur on or around August 20 and last for upwards of 5 days.  The heavy equipment will be driving steel pipes into the ground and will likely create increased levels of noise for as much as 10 hours a day.  This work along and adjacent to the right of way will also include trucks moving in equipment and materials to support the conductor casing installation.

For more information, please visit the information overview about the project.

RI Energy - Electric Project

Portsmouth Tiverton Electric Upgrades

Beginning in fall 2024, Rhode Island Energy is planning upgrades to the M13/L14 transmission lines that travel between Dexter Substation (Freeborn Street, Portsmouth) and Canonicus Substation (Hooper Street, Tiverton). Upgrades will also be made between Tiverton Substation (Fish Road, Tiverton) and the Massachusetts/Rhode Island state line. This work is being performed to modernize the local transmission infrastructure for greater reliability across Tiverton and Aquidneck Island.

CRMC Public Notice - RI Energy

For more information, please visit the Portsmouth Tiverton Electric Upgrades information website.