Portsmouth Approves New Ordinance

Portsmouth, Va., named after Portsmouth, England, is on the western side of the Elizabeth River directly across from Norfolk, Va. and has miles of waterfront land.

Portsmouth, Va. city planners, after two years of staff research and public input, have put in place a new ordinance to make the city more pedestrian-oriented (emphasis on sidewalks and flexible parking spaces) and more environmentally-friendly by offering green incentives.

The Portsmouth City Council unanimously approved the changes, which take effect May 1, 2010. This is the first major rewrite of the city ordinance in more than 20 years.

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