District Profile Sheets_TA19-01 PB 4.4.2019
04-04-2019 Text Change Public Hearing Version
R-5 MODERATE -HIGH RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT ADAPTED FROM CITY OF WILMINGTON’S R-5 DISTRICT
INTENT STATEMENT
Proposed Intent Statement
The intent of the R-5 Moderate-High Residential District is to provide moderate to high density residential
development on smaller lots with a compact and walkable development pattern. R-5 zoning allows a range of
housing types and can be developed in conjunction with a non-residential district to create a mixed-use
development pattern as well as serve as a transition between mixed-use or commercial development and low
to moderate density residential development, such as R-7 and R-10 zoning.
DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Current City of Wilmington Requirements
Minimum Lot Size 5,000 sf detached single family
7,500 sf duplex
12,500 sf triplex (3-unit building)
17,500 sf quadraplex (4-unit building)
Minimum Lot Width 50 ft.
Maximum Lot Coverage 50%
Front Setback (minimum) 20 ft.
Rear Setback (minimum) 15 ft.
Interior Side Setback (minimum) 7 ft.
Corner Side Setback (minimum) 10.5 ft.
Maximum Height 35 ft.
Proposed NHC Requirements
Conventional Subdivision Lots
Minimum Lot Size 5,000 sf detached single family
7,500 sf duplex
12,500 sf 3-unit attached single family
17,500 sf 4-unit attached single family
Minimum Lot Width 50 ft.
Front Setback (minimum) 20 ft.
Rear Setback (minimum) 15 ft.
Side, Interior Setback (minimum) 7 ft.
Side, Street Setback (minimum) 10.5 ft.
Performance Subdivision Lots (no minimum lot sizes, allows clustering)
Maximum Density 8 units/acre
Perimeter Setbacks 20 ft.
Building Separation between detached
single family
10 ft.
Building Separation between detached
single family and duplex
20 ft.
Building Separation between 3+-unit
attached and all other dwellings
20 ft.
Structure Size (maximum)
Height 35 ft.
Commentary:
This district is intended to mirror Wilmington’s R-5 district, which applies to single-family residential development similar to the early “streetcar suburbs” near
downtown Wilmington. The NHC version does not require the historic style and development pattern of these areas but allows the single family densities
envisioned for community and urban mixed use places.
The proposed intent statement is the same as the draft intent statement presented at the Summer 2018 Planning Board Work Session.
Commentary:
Unlike the City of Wilmington, New Hanover County provides two subdivision options: conventional and performance. The City of Wilmington only allows
conventional subdivisions. In this type of residential development, lots must meet specific size requirements, and structures must meet specific setbacks.
Performance subdivisions do not have these standards—only a maximum density and building separation requirements—which allows for clustering, townhome-
style development, and condominium ownership.
The current City of Wilmington lot requirements will be the same for lots subdivided under the county’s conventional subdivision standards.
Under the county’s performance standards, the R-5 district will allow a maximum density of 8 units per acre, the maximum density allowed in the city currently.
The perimeter setback and building separation standards are common for all performance projects.
Structure size requirements will be the same as the city’s current standards for this district.
After receiving feedback on initial profile sheets, the maximum lot coverage is not included in the proposed text amendment—NHC does not currently regulate
residential site development in this way, relying on lot setback requirements and subdivision stormwater standards.
Changes from 03-07-2019
Profile Sheets indicated with a
04-04-2019 Text Change Public Hearing Version
USE PERMISSIONS
Current City of Wilmington Permissions
Uses Permitted by Right
Single-family, detached
Duplex, triplex, quadraplex
Golf courses, public or private, with related services
Parks and recreation areas, municipal
Recreation, neighborhood
Uses Permitted w/Additional Standards
Bed and Breakfast (Hemenway Residential Area only)
Government uses outside public rights-of-way, except offices
Group home supportive, medium
Libraries
Religions institutions
Telecommunication facility, unattended
Single-family courtyard developments
Utility stations and plants outside public rights-of-way
Family care home
Homestay lodging
Uses Permitted w/Special Use Permit
Community center
Day care, adult or child
Historic mixed-use buildings
Recreation facility, private
Planned unit development
Schools, primary and secondary
Permitted Accessory Uses & Structures
Accessory apartment, detached
Community boating facility
Home occupation
Kennel, private
Swimming pool
Proposed NHC Permissions
Uses Permitted by Right
Single Family Dwelling
Single Family Dwelling-Attached*
Duplex
Golf Courses
Parks & Recreation Area
Amateur Radio Antennas (up to 90 ft.)
Antenna & Towers less than 70 ft. in height
Cellular & PCS Antenna
Electric/Gas & Sanitary Services
Home Occupation
Accessory Buildings or Uses, clearly incidental to the permitted use or
building
Government Offices and Buildings*
Group Homes*
Libraries
Churches*
Residential Care*
Family Child Care Home*
Accessory Dwelling Unit*
Agricultural Uses
Telephone & Telegraph Facilities
Private Residential Boating Facility
Special Fundraising for Non-Profit Organizations*
Evangelistic and Religious Assemblies not conducted at a church*
Residential Private Pier
Temporary Sign
Temporary Relocation Housing*
Uses Permitted w/Special Use Permit
Community Center
Adult Day Care
Child Day Care
Indoor Recreation Establishment
Outdoor Recreation Establishment
Elementary & Secondary Schools
Electric Substation
Other Communication Facilities including Towers
Commercial Marina
Cemeteries
Community Boating Facility
Nursing Home/Rehabilitation Center
Recycling Facilities: Small Collection
Commentary:
Because the city and county do not have the same list of uses, the city’s permissions have been translated as closely as possible to the closest county term. In
addition, the authorities and historic use permissions of the city and the county are not exactly the same. As a result, some anticipated changes to permissions
include:
o Uses with an asterisk* will be shown as permitted on the NHC Table of Permitted Uses, but they have supplemental standards in this district. The
reference for the supplemental standards will be provided on the table, which is the county’s current practice. Uses with a have additional standards in
the city and were shown with an asterisk on the initial district profile sheet. The applicable standards are covered by general site design standards in the
county and will be permitted without supplemental standards in the district.
o These uses and/or permissions are specific to the city code and are not proposed to be added to the county’s list of uses.
o This use is already allowed in the county under the performance subdivision option.
o This use is permitted by the city but is not historically allowed in zoning districts of this type in the county’s jurisdiction. It will not be included in the
county R-5 district.
o While not included in the city’s R-5 district, these uses are generally allowed in county residential districts with these levels of permission. They will be
allowed in the county’s R-5 district.
o These uses generally have different permissions in the county than they do in the city. In the NHC districts, permissions will be in-line with those of similar
districts.
o This use will be added to the county’s list of uses.
04-04-2019 Text Change Public Hearing Version
RMF-L RESIDENTIAL MULTI-FAMILY LOW-DENSITY DISTRICT ADAPTED FROM CITY OF WILMINGTON’S MF-L DISTRICT
INTENT STATEMENT
Proposed Intent Statement
The RMF-L District is established for moderate density single family and low density multi-family
development of varying types and designs. It functions as an alternative housing type near or in direct
relationship to single-family detached housing.
DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Current City of Wilmington Requirements
Minimum Lot Size 5,000 sf detached single family
20,000 sf multi-family
Maximum Density 6 units/acre detached single family
10 units/acre multi-family
Minimum Lot Width 50 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
100 ft. multi-family
Maximum Lot Coverage 50% detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
30% multi-family
Front Setback (minimum) 15 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
35 ft. multi-family
Rear Setback (minimum) 15 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
25 ft. multi-family
Interior Side Setback (minimum) 5 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
20 ft. multi-family
Corner Side Setback (minimum) 10 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
30 ft. multi-family
Maximum Height 96 ft.*
* Heights over 35 ft. subject to additional setbacks
Additional Setbacks for Buildings >35 ft. in Height
First 10 ft. above 35 ft. 4 additional ft. for each 10 ft.
increment, or portion thereof
10.1 to 30 ft. above 35 ft. 6 ft. for each 10 ft. increment
30.1 ft. or more above 35 ft. 8 ft. for each 10 ft. increment
Proposed NHC Requirements
Conventional Subdivision Lots (specifies minimum lot sizes)
Minimum Lot Size 5,000 sf detached single family
7,500 sf duplex
12,500 sf 3-unit attached single family
17,500 sf 4-unit attached single family
20,000 sf multi-family (5+ attached units)
Minimum Lot Width 50 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
100 ft. multi-family
Front Setback (minimum) 20 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
35 ft. multi-family
Rear Setback (minimum) 15 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
25 ft. multi-family
Side, Interior Setback (minimum) 5 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
20 ft. multi-family
Side, Street Setback (minimum) 10 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
30 ft. multi-family
Maximum Density 10 units/acre
Performance Subdivision Lots (no minimum lot sizes, allows clustering)
Maximum Density 10 units/acre
Perimeter Setbacks 20 ft.
Building Separation between
detached single family
10 ft.
Building Separation between
detached single family and duplex
20 ft.
Building Separation between 3+-
unit attached and all other
dwellings
20 ft.
Structure Size (maximum)
Height 3 stories, with a maximum of 45 ft.*
* Heights over 35 ft. subject to additional setback of 4 additional feet.
Commentary:
This district is based on Wilmington’s MF-L district and is intended for community mixed use
places and areas near city developments of similar type and density.
The proposed intent statement is the same as the draft intent statement presented at the
Summer 2018 Planning Board Work Session.
Commentary:
Unlike the City of Wilmington, New Hanover County provides two subdivision options: conventional and performance. The City of Wilmington only allows
conventional subdivisions. In this type of residential development, lots must meet specific size requirements, and structures must meet specific setbacks.
Performance subdivisions do not have these standards—only a maximum density and building separation requirements—which allows for clustering, townhome-
style development, and condominium ownership.
The majority of current City of Wilmington lot requirements will be the same for lots subdivided under the county’s conventional subdivision standards. However,
lot size requirements consistent with the R-5 standards will be added for duplexes and 3 and 4-unit attached buildings for clarity, and only the maximum density of
10 units/acre is listed. The county does not outline maximum single family densities for conventional subdivisions, as that is generally determined by open space
requirements and the types of roadway infrastructure provided.
Under the county’s performance standards, the RMF-L district will allow a maximum density of 10 units per acre, the maximum density allowed in the city currently.
The perimeter setback and building separation standards are common for all performance projects.
While the city allows building heights up to 96 feet in this district, this is taller than recommended for community mixed use places in the 2016 Comprehensive
Plan. It recommends that buildings in this type of place be no more than 3 stories in height. The 45 ft. maximum should allow for most building types and is based
on the City of Raleigh code, which includes both story and maximum height requirements.
After receiving feedback on initial profile sheets, the maximum lot coverage is not included in the proposed text amendment—NHC does not currently regulate
residential site development in this way, relying on lot setback requirements and subdivision stormwater standards.
Changes from 03-07-2019
Profile Sheets indicated with a
04-04-2019 Text Change Public Hearing Version
USE PERMISSIONS
Current City of Wilmington Permissions
Uses Permitted by Right
Dwellings, attached (including townhouses)
Dwellings, duplex, triplex, and quadraplex
Dwellings, multifamily
Dwellings, single-family detached
Golf courses, public or private, with related services
Parks and recreation areas, municipal
Recreation facility, neighborhood
Quad-unit apartment
Uses Permitted w/Additional Standards
Government uses outside public rights-of-way, except office uses, but
including buildings occupied or operated by federal, state, county and/or
municipal government on land owned or leased by a government body
Group home supportive, small
Group home supportive, medium
Group home supportive, large
Libraries
Religious institutions
Telecommunication facility, unattended
Utility stations and plants outside public rights-of-way that don’t create
excessive noise, odor, smoke, dust, and that do not possess other
objectionable characteristics
Property restricted real estate office
Family care home
Homestay lodging
Uses Permitted w/Special Use Permit
Community center
Day care, adult or child
Dormitory, private
Fraternity and sorority houses
Group day facility
Planned unit development
Recreation facility, private
Schools, primary and secondary
Assisted living residence
Permitted Accessory Uses & Structures
Accessory apartment, detached
Home occupation
Kennel, private
Swimming pool
Proposed NHC Permissions
Uses Permitted by Right
Single Family Dwelling
Duplex
Single Family Dwelling—Attached
Golf Courses
Parks & Recreation Area
Home Occupation
Government Offices and Buildings*
Group Home*
Libraries
Churches*
Residential Care*
Accessory Buildings or Uses, clearly incidental to the permitted use or
building
Amateur Radio Antennas (up to 90 ft.)
Antenna & Towers less than 70 ft. in height & ancillary to principal use
Cellular & PCS Antenna*
Electric/Gas & Sanitary Services
Family Child Care Home*
Accessory Real Estate Office
Accessory Dwelling Unit
Agricultural Uses
Telephone & Telegraph Facilities
Private Residential Boating Facility
Special Fundraising for Non-Profit Organizations*
Evangelistic and Religious Assemblies not Conducted at a Church*
Residential Private Pier
Temporary Sign
Temporary Relocation Housing*
Uses Permitted w/Special Use Permit
Community Center
Adult Day Care
Child Day Care
Fraternities/Sororities, Residential
Elementary & Secondary Schools
Indoor Recreation Establishment
Outdoor Recreation Establishment
Senior Living: Assisted Living or Personal Care Facility
Electric Substation
Other Communication Facilities including Towers
Commercial Marina
Nursing Home/Rehabilitation Center
Cemeteries
Community Boating Facility
Recycling Facilities: Small Collection
Commentary:
Because the city and county do not have the same list of uses, the city’s permissions have been translated as closely as possible to the closest county term. In
addition, the authorities and historic use permissions of the city and the county are not exactly the same. As a result, some anticipated changes to permissions
include:
o Uses with an asterisk* will be shown as permitted on the NHC Table of Permitted Uses, but they have supplemental standards in this district. The
reference for the supplemental standards will be provided on the table, which is the county’s current practice. Uses with a have additional standards in
the city and were shown with an asterisk on the initial district profile sheet. The applicable standards are covered by general site design standards in the
county and will be permitted without supplemental standards in the district.
o These uses and/or permissions are specific to the city code and are not proposed to be added to the county’s list of uses.
o This use is permitted by the city but is not historically allowed in zoning districts of this type in the county’s jurisdiction. It will not be included in the
county RMF-L district.
o While not included in the city’s MF-L district, these uses are generally allowed in similar county districts with these levels of permission. They will be
allowed in the county’s RMF-L district.
o These uses generally have different permissions in the county than they do in the city. In the NHC districts, permissions will be in-line with those of similar
districts.
o This use will be added to the county’s list of uses.
Allowed under Accessory
Buildings or Uses
04-04-2019 Text Change Public Hearing Version
RMF-M RESIDENTIAL MULTI-FAMILY MODERATE DENSITY DISTRICT
ADAPTED FROM CITY OF WILMINGTON’S MF-M DISTRICT
INTENT STATEMENT
Proposed Intent Statement
The RMF-M district is established for moderate density single-family and multi-family development of varying
types and designs. It functions as a transitional land use between intensive nonresidential uses or higher
density residential areas and lower density residential areas. The district is designed to provide a reasonable
range of choice, type, and location of housing units within the unincorporated county.
DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Current City of Wilmington Requirements
Minimum Lot Size 5,000 sf detached single family
20,000 sf multi-family
Maximum Density 9 units/acre detached single family
17 units/acre multi-family
Minimum Lot Width 50 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
100 ft. multi-family
Maximum Lot Coverage 50% detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
30% multi-family
Front Setback (minimum) 15 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
35 ft. multi-family
Rear Setback (minimum) 15 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
25 ft. multi-family
Interior Side Setback (minimum) 5 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
20 ft. multi-family
Corner Side Setback (minimum) 10 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
30 ft. multi-family
Maximum Height 96 ft.*
* Heights over 35 ft. subject to additional setbacks
Additional Setbacks for Buildings >35 ft. in Height
First 10 ft. above 35 ft. 4 additional ft. for each 10 ft.
increment, or portion thereof
10.1 to 30 ft. above 35 ft. 6 ft. for each 10 ft. increment
30.1 ft. or more above 35 ft. 8 ft. for each 10 ft. increment
Proposed NHC Requirements
Conventional Subdivision Lots (specifies minimum lot sizes)
Minimum Lot Size 5,000 sf detached single family
7,500 sf duplex
12,500 sf 3-unit attached single family
17,500 sf 4-unit attached single family
20,000 sf multi-family (5+ attached units)
Minimum Lot Width 50 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
100 ft. multi-family
Front Setback (minimum) 20 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
35 ft. multi-family
Rear Setback (minimum) 15 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
25 ft. multi-family
Side, Interior Setback (minimum) 5 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
20 ft. multi-family
Side, Street Setback (minimum) 10 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
30 ft. multi-family
Maximum Density 17 units/acre
Performance Subdivision Lots (no minimum lot sizes, allows clustering)
Maximum Density 17 units/acre
Perimeter Setbacks 20 ft.
Building Separation between detached
single family
10 ft.
Building Separation between detached
single family and duplex
20 ft.
Building Separation between 3+-unit
attached and all other dwellings
20 ft.
Structure Size (maximum)
Height 3 stories, with a maximum of 45 ft.*
* Heights over 35 ft. subject to additional setback of 4 additional feet.
Commentary:
This district is based on Wilmington’s MF-M district and is intended for community mixed use
places and employment centers. It can also serve as a transition between nonresidential districts
or higher density residential areas and lower density areas.
The proposed intent statement is the same as the draft intent statement presented at the
Summer 2018 Planning Board Work Session.
Commentary:
Unlike the City of Wilmington, New Hanover County provides two subdivision options: conventional and performance. The City of Wilmington only allows
conventional subdivisions. In this type of residential development, lots must meet specific size requirements, and structures must meet specific setbacks.
Performance subdivisions do not have these standards—only a maximum density and building separation requirements—which allows for clustering, townhome-
style development, and condominium ownership.
The majority of current City of Wilmington lot requirements will be the same for lots subdivided under the county’s conventional subdivision standards. However, lot
size requirements consistent with the R-5 standards will be added for duplexes and 3 and 4-unit attached buildings for clarity, and only the maximum density of 17
units/acre is listed. The county does not outline maximum single family densities for conventional subdivisions, as that is generally determined by open space
requirements and the types of roadway infrastructure provided.
Under the county’s performance standards, the RMF-M district will allow a maximum density of 17 units per acre, the maximum density allowed in the city currently.
The perimeter setback and building separation standards are common for all performance projects.
While the city allows building heights up to 96 feet in this district, this is taller than recommended for community mixed use places in the 2016 Comprehensive Plan.
It recommends that buildings in this type of place be no more than 3 stories in height. The 45 ft. maximum should allow for most building types and is based on the
City of Raleigh code, which includes both story and maximum height requirements.
After receiving feedback on initial profile sheets, the maximum lot coverage is not included in the proposed text amendment—NHC does not currently regulate
residential site development in this way, relying on lot setback requirements and subdivision stormwater standards.
Changes from 03-07-2019
Profile Sheets indicated with a
04-04-2019 Text Change Public Hearing Version
USE PERMISSIONS
Current City of Wilmington Permissions
Current City of Wilmington Permissions
Uses Permitted by Right
Dwellings, attached (including townhouses)
Dwellings, duplex, triplex, and quadraplex
Dwellings, multifamily
Dwellings, single-family detached
Golf courses, public or private, with related services
Parks and recreation areas, municipal
Recreation facility, neighborhood
Quad-unit apartment
Uses Permitted w/Additional Standards
Government uses outside public rights-of-way, except office uses, but
including buildings occupied or operated by federal, state, county and/or
municipal government on land owned or leased by a government body
Group home supportive, small
Group home supportive, medium
Group home supportive, large
Libraries
Religious institutions
Telecommunication facility, unattended
Utility stations and plants outside public rights-of-way that don’t create
excessive noise, odor, smoke, dust, and that do not possess other
objectionable characteristics
Property restricted real estate office
Family care home
Homestay lodging
Uses Permitted w/Special Use Permit
Community center
Day care, adult or child
Dormitory, private
Fraternity and sorority houses
Group day facility
Planned unit development
Recreation facility, private
Schools, primary and secondary
Assisted living residence
Permitted Accessory Uses & Structures
Accessory apartment, detached
Home occupation
Kennel, private
Swimming pool
Proposed NHC Permissions
Uses Permitted by Right
Single Family Dwelling
Duplex
Single Family Dwelling—Attached
Golf Courses
Parks & Recreation Area
Home Occupation
Government Offices and Buildings*
Group Home*
Libraries
Churches*
Residential Care*
Accessory Buildings or Uses, clearly incidental to the permitted use or
building
Amateur Radio Antennas (up to 90 ft.)
Antenna & Towers less than 70 ft. in height & ancillary to principal use
Cellular & PCS Antenna*
Electric/Gas & Sanitary Services
Family Child Care Home*
Accessory Real Estate Office
Accessory Dwelling Unit
Agricultural Uses
Telephone & Telegraph Facilities
Private Residential Boating Facility
Special Fundraising for Non-Profit Organizations*
Evangelistic and Religious Assemblies not Conducted at a Church*
Residential Private Pier
Temporary Sign
Temporary Relocation Housing*
Uses Permitted w/Special Use Permit
Community Center
Adult Day Care
Child Day Care
Fraternities/Sororities, Residential
Elementary & Secondary Schools
Indoor Recreation Establishment
Outdoor Recreation Establishment
Senior Living: Assisted Living or Personal Care Facility
Electric Substation
Other Communication Facilities including Towers
Commercial Marina
Nursing Home/Rehabilitation Center
Cemeteries
Community Boating Facility
Recycling Facilities: Small Collection
Commentary:
Because the city and county do not have the same list of uses, the city’s permissions have been translated as closely as possible to the closest county term. In
addition, the authorities and historic use permissions of the city and the county are not exactly the same. As a result, some anticipated changes to permissions
include:
o Uses with an asterisk* will be shown as permitted on the NHC Table of Permitted Uses, but they have supplemental standards in this district. The
reference for the supplemental standards will be provided on the table, which is the county’s current practice. Uses with a have additional standards
in the city and were shown with an asterisk on the initial district profile sheet. The applicable standards are covered by general site design standards in the
county and will be permitted without supplemental standards in the district.
o These uses and/or permissions are specific to the city code and are not proposed to be added to the county’s list of uses.
o This use is permitted by the city but is not historically allowed in zoning districts of this type in the county’s jurisdiction. It will not be included in the
county RMF-M district.
o While not included in the city’s MF-M district, these uses are generally allowed in similar county districts with these levels of permission. They will be
allowed in the county’s RMF-M district.
o These uses generally have different permissions in the county than they do in the city. In the NHC districts, permissions will be in-line with those of similar
districts.
o This use will be added to the county’s list of uses.
Allowed under Accessory
Buildings or Uses
04-04-2019 Text Change Public Hearing Version
RMF-MH RESIDENTIAL MULTI-FAMILY MODERATE-HIGH DENSITY DISTRICT
ADAPTED FROM CITY OF WILMINGTON’S MF-MH DISTRICT
INTENT STATEMENT
Proposed Intent Statement
The RMF-MH district is established for medium-high density residential development of varying types and
designs, with emphasis on midrise structures. It functions as a transitional land use between intensive
nonresidential uses and lower density residential areas. The district is designed to be located near
suburban shopping centers and employment centers.
DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Current City of Wilmington Requirements
Minimum Lot Size 4,000 sf detached single family
20,000 sf multi-family
Maximum Density 12 units/acre detached single family
25 units/acre multi-family
Minimum Lot Width 40 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
90 ft. multi-family
Maximum Lot Coverage 50% detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
35% multi-family
Front Setback (minimum) 15 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
30 ft. multi-family
Rear Setback (minimum) 15 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
25 ft. multi-family
Interior Side Setback (minimum) 5 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
20 ft. multi-family
Corner Side Setback (minimum) 10 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
30 ft. multi-family
Maximum Height 96 ft.*
* Heights over 35 ft. subject to additional setbacks
Additional Setbacks for Buildings >35 ft. in Height
First 10 ft. above 35 ft. 4 additional ft. for each 10 ft.
increment, or portion thereof
10.1 to 30 ft. above 35 ft. 6 ft. for each 10 ft. increment
30.1 ft. or more above 35 ft. 8 ft. for each 10 ft. increment
Proposed NHC Requirements
Conventional Subdivision Lots (specifies minimum lot sizes)
Minimum Lot Size 4,000 sf detached single family
7,500 sf duplex
12,500 sf 3-unit attached single family
17,500 sf 4-unit attached single family
20,000 sf multi-family (5+ attached units)
Minimum Lot Width 40 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
90 ft. multi-family
Front Setback (minimum) 15 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
30 ft. multi-family
Rear Setback (minimum) 15 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
25 ft. multi-family
Side, Interior Setback (minimum) 5 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
20 ft. multi-family
Side, Street Setback (minimum) 10 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
30 ft. multi-family
Maximum Density 25 units/acre
Performance Subdivision Lots (no minimum lot sizes, allows clustering)
Maximum Density 25 units/acre
Perimeter Setbacks 20 ft.
Building Separation between
detached single family
10 ft.
Building Separation between
detached single family and duplex
20 ft.
Building Separation between 3+-
unit attached and all other
dwellings
20 ft.
Structure Size (maximum)
Height 3 stories, with a maximum of 45 ft.*
* Heights over 35 ft. subject to additional setback of 4 additional feet.
Commentary:
This district is based on Wilmington’s MF-MH district and is intended for urban
mixed use places.
The proposed intent statement is the same as the draft intent statement
presented at the Summer 2018 Planning Board Work Session.
Commentary:
Unlike the City of Wilmington, New Hanover County provides two subdivision options: conventional and performance. The City of Wilmington only allows
conventional subdivisions. In this type of residential development, lots must meet specific size requirements, and structures must meet specific setbacks.
Performance subdivisions do not have these standards—only a maximum density and building separation requirements—which allows for clustering, townhome-
style development, and condominium ownership.
The majority of current City of Wilmington lot requirements will be the same for lots subdivided under the county’s conventional subdivision standards. However, lot
size requirements consistent with the R-5 standards will be added for duplexes and 3 and 4-unit attached buildings for clarity, and only the maximum density of 25
units/acre is listed. The county does not outline maximum single family densities for conventional subdivisions, as that is generally determined by open space
requirements and the types of roadway infrastructure provided.
Under the county’s performance standards, the RMF-MH district will allow a maximum density of 25 units per acre, the maximum density allowed in the city
currently. The perimeter setback and building separation standards are common for all performance projects.
While the city allows building heights up to 96 feet in this district, this is taller than recommended for community mixed use places in the 2016 Comprehensive Plan.
It recommends that buildings in this type of place be no more than 3 stories in height. The 45 ft. maximum should allow for most building types and is based on the
City of Raleigh code, which includes both story and maximum height requirements.
After receiving feedback on initial profile sheets, the maximum lot coverage is not included in the proposed text amendment—NHC does not currently regulate
residential site development in this way, relying on lot setback requirements and subdivision stormwater standards.
Changes from 03-07-2019
Profile Sheets indicated with a
04-04-2019 Text Change Public Hearing Version
USE PERMISSIONS
Current City of Wilmington Permissions
Uses Permitted by Right
Dwellings, attached (including townhouses)
Dwellings, duplex, triplex, and quadraplex
Dwellings, multifamily
Dwellings, single-family detached
Golf courses, public or private, with related services
Parks and recreation areas, municipal
Recreation facility, neighborhood
Quad-unit apartment
Uses Permitted w/Additional Standards
Government uses outside public rights-of-way, except office uses, but
including buildings occupied or operated by federal, state, county and/or
municipal government on land owned or leased by a government body
Group home supportive, small
Group home supportive, medium
Group home supportive, large
Libraries
Religious institutions
Telecommunication facility, unattended
Utility stations and plants outside public rights-of-way that don’t create
excessive noise, odor, smoke, dust, and that do not possess other
objectionable characteristics
Property restricted real estate office
Family care home
Homestay lodging
Uses Permitted w/Special Use Permit
Community center
Day care, adult or child
Dormitory, private
Fraternity and sorority houses
Group day facility
Planned unit development
Recreation facility, private
Schools, primary and secondary
Assisted living residence
Permitted Accessory Uses & Structures
Accessory apartment, detached
Home occupation
Kennel, private
Swimming pool
Proposed NHC Permissions
Uses Permitted by Right
Single Family Dwelling
Duplex
Single Family Dwelling—Attached
Golf Courses
Parks & Recreation Area
Home Occupation
Government Offices and Buildings*
Group Home*
Libraries
Churches*
Residential Care*
Accessory Buildings or Uses, clearly incidental to the permitted use or
building
Amateur Radio Antennas (up to 90 ft.)
Antenna & Towers less than 70 ft. in height & ancillary to principal use
Cellular & PCS Antenna*
Electric/Gas & Sanitary Services
Family Child Care Home*
Accessory Real Estate Office
Accessory Dwelling Unit
Agricultural Uses
Telephone & Telegraph Facilities
Private Residential Boating Facility
Special Fundraising for Non-Profit Organizations*
Evangelistic and Religious Assemblies not Conducted at a Church*
Residential Private Pier
Temporary Sign
Temporary Relocation Housing*
Uses Permitted w/Special Use Permit
Community Center
Adult Day Care
Child Day Care
Fraternities/Sororities, Residential
Elementary & Secondary Schools
Indoor Recreation Establishment
Outdoor Recreation Establishment
Senior Living: Assisted Living or Personal Care Facility
Electric Substation
Other Communication Facilities including Towers
Commercial Marina
Nursing Home/Rehabilitation Center
Cemeteries
Community Boating Facility
Recycling Facilities: Small Collection
Commentary:
Because the city and county do not have the same list of uses, the city’s permissions have been translated as closely as possible to the closest county term. In
addition, the authorities and historic use permissions of the city and the county are not exactly the same. As a result, some anticipated changes to permissions
include:
o Uses with an asterisk* will be shown as permitted on the NHC Table of Permitted Uses, but they have supplemental standards in this district. The
reference for the supplemental standards will be provided on the table, which is the county’s current practice. Uses with a have additional standards in
the city and were shown with an asterisk on the initial district profile sheet. The applicable standards are covered by general site design standards in the
county and will be permitted without supplemental standards in the district.
o These uses and/or permissions are specific to the city code and are not proposed to be added to the county’s list of uses.
o This use is permitted by the city but is not historically allowed in zoning districts of this type in the county’s jurisdiction. It will not be included in the
county RMF-MH district.
o While not included in the city’s MF-MH district, these uses are generally allowed in similar county districts with these levels of permission. They will be
allowed in the county’s RMF-MH district.
o These uses generally have different permissions in the county than they do in the city. In the NHC districts, permissions will be in-line with those of similar
districts.
o This use will be added to the county’s list of uses.
Allowed under Accessory
Buildings or Uses
04-04-2019 Text Change Public Hearing Version
RMF-H RESIDENTIAL MULTI-FAMILY HIGH DENSITY DISTRICT
ADAPTED FROM CITY OF WILMINGTON’S MF-H DISTRICT
INTENT STATEMENT
Proposed Intent Statement
The RMF-H district is established for high-density residential development of varying types and
designs, with emphasis on midrise and high-rise structures. This district is designed to be located in
close proximity to major population centers, areas identified for targeted growth, employment
centers, and destination nodes.
DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Current City of Wilmington Requirements
Minimum Lot Size 3,000 sf detached single family
15,000 sf multi-family
Maximum Density 15 units/acre detached single family
36 units/acre multi-family
Minimum Lot Width 40 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
80 ft. multi-family
Maximum Lot Coverage 50% detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
35% multi-family
Front Setback (minimum) 15 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
30 ft. multi-family
Rear Setback (minimum) 15 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
25 ft. multi-family
Interior Side Setback (minimum) 5 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
20 ft. multi-family
Corner Side Setback (minimum) 10 ft. detached single family
all attached single family,
(including duplexes, 3-unit, 4 –unit)
30 ft. multi-family
Maximum Height 96 ft.*
* Heights over 35 ft. subject to additional setbacks
Additional Setbacks for Buildings >35 ft. in Height
First 10 ft. above 35 ft. 4 additional ft. for each 10 ft.
increment, or portion thereof
10.1 to 30 ft. above 35 ft. 6 ft. for each 10 ft. increment
30.1 ft. or more above 35 ft. 8 ft. for each 10 ft. increment
Proposed NHC Requirements
Conventional Subdivision Lots (specifies minimum lot sizes)
Minimum Lot Size 3,000 sf detached single family
6,000 sf duplex
9,000 sf 3-unit attached single family
12,000 sf 4-unit attached single family
15,000 sf multi-family (5+ attached units)
Minimum Lot Width 40 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
80 ft. multi-family
Front Setback (minimum) 15 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
30 ft. multi-family
Rear Setback (minimum) 15 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
25 ft. multi-family
Side, Interior Setback (minimum) 5 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
20 ft. multi-family
Side, Street Setback (minimum) 10 ft. detached single family
duplexes, 3-unit & 4 –unit attached
30 ft. multi-family
Maximum Density 36 units/acre
Performance Subdivision Lots (no minimum lot sizes, allows clustering)
Maximum Density 36 units/acre
Perimeter Setbacks 20 ft.
Building Separation between
detached single family
10 ft.
Building Separation between
detached single family and duplex
20 ft.
Building Separation between 3+-
unit attached and all other
dwellings
20 ft.
Structure Size (maximum)
Height 3 stories, with a maximum of 45 ft.*
* Heights over 35 ft. subject to additional setback of 4 additional feet.
Commentary:
This district is based on Wilmington’s MF-H district and is intended for urban
mixed use places, especially those identified as nodes for targeted growth and
density.
The proposed intent statement is the same as the draft intent statement
presented at the Summer 2018 Planning Board Work Session.
Commentary:
Unlike the City of Wilmington, New Hanover County provides two subdivision options: conventional and performance. The City of Wilmington only allows
conventional subdivisions. In this type of residential development, lots must meet specific size requirements, and structures must meet specific setbacks.
Performance subdivisions do not have these standards—only a maximum density and building separation requirements—which allows for clustering, townhome-
style development, and condominium ownership.
The majority of current City of Wilmington lot requirements will be the same for lots subdivided under the county’s conventional subdivision standards. However, lot
size requirements have been added for duplexes and 3 and 4-unit attached buildings for clarity (same as single family minimum lot size per unit), and only the
maximum density of 36 units/acre is listed. The county does not outline maximum single family densities for conventional subdivisions, as that is generally
determined by open space requirements and the types of roadway infrastructure provided.
Under the county’s performance standards, the RMF-H district will allow a maximum density of 36 units per acre, the maximum density allowed in the city currently.
The perimeter setback and building separation standards are common for all performance projects.
While the city allows building heights up to 96 feet in this district, this is taller than recommended for community mixed use places in the 2016 Comprehensive Plan.
It recommends that buildings in this type of place be no more than 3 stories in height. The 45 ft. maximum should allow for most building types and is based on the
City of Raleigh code, which includes both story and maximum height requirements.
After receiving feedback on initial profile sheets, the maximum lot coverage is not included in the proposed text amendment—NHC does not currently regulate
residential site development in this way, relying on lot setback requirements and subdivision stormwater standards.
Changes from 03-07-2019
Profile Sheets indicated with a
04-04-2019 Text Change Public Hearing Version
USE PERMISSIONS
Current City of Wilmington Permissions
Uses Permitted by Right
Dwellings, attached (including townhouses)
Dwellings, duplex, triplex, and quadraplex
Dwellings, multifamily
Dwellings, single-family detached
Golf courses, public or private, with related services
Parks and recreation areas, municipal
Recreation facility, neighborhood
Quad-unit apartment
Uses Permitted w/Additional Standards
Government uses outside public rights-of-way, except office uses, but
including buildings occupied or operated by federal, state, county and/or
municipal government on land owned or leased by a government body
Group home supportive, small
Group home supportive, medium
Group home supportive, large
Libraries
Religious institutions
Telecommunication facility, unattended
Utility stations and plants outside public rights-of-way that don’t create
excessive noise, odor, smoke, dust, and that do not possess other
objectionable characteristics
Property restricted real estate office
Family care home
Homestay lodging
Uses Permitted w/Special Use Permit
Community center
Day care, adult or child
Dormitory, private
Fraternity and sorority houses
Group day facility
Planned unit development
Recreation facility, private
Schools, primary and secondary
Assisted living residence
Permitted Accessory Uses & Structures
Accessory apartment, detached
Home occupation
Kennel, private
Swimming pool
Proposed NHC Permissions
Uses Permitted by Right
Single Family Dwelling
Duplex
Single Family Dwelling—Attached
Golf Courses
Parks & Recreation Area
Home Occupation
Government Offices and Buildings*
Group Home*
Libraries
Churches*
Residential Care*
Accessory Buildings or Uses, clearly incidental to the permitted use or
building
Amateur Radio Antennas (up to 90 ft.)
Antenna & Towers less than 70 ft. in height & ancillary to principal use
Cellular & PCS Antenna*
Electric/Gas & Sanitary Services
Family Child Care Home*
Accessory Real Estate Office
Accessory Dwelling Unit
Agricultural Uses
Telephone & Telegraph Facilities
Private Residential Boating Facility
Special Fundraising for Non-Profit Organizations*
Evangelistic and Religious Assemblies not Conducted at a Church*
Residential Private Pier
Temporary Sign
Temporary Relocation Housing*
Uses Permitted w/Special Use Permit
Community Center
Adult Day Care
Child Day Care
Fraternities/Sororities, Residential
Elementary & Secondary Schools
Indoor Recreation Establishment
Outdoor Recreation Establishment
Senior Living: Assisted Living or Personal Care Facility
Electric Substation
Other Communication Facilities including Towers
Commercial Marina
Nursing Home/Rehabilitation Center
Cemeteries
Community Boating Facility
Recycling Facilities: Small Collection
Commentary:
Because the city and county do not have the same list of uses, the city’s permissions have been translated as closely as possible to the closest county term. In
addition, the authorities and historic use permissions of the city and the county are not exactly the same. As a result, some anticipated changes to permissions
include:
o Uses with an asterisk* will be shown as permitted on the NHC Table of Permitted Uses, but they have supplemental standards in this district. The
reference for the supplemental standards will be provided on the table, which is the county’s current practice. Uses with a have additional standards in
the city and were shown with an asterisk on the initial district profile sheet. The applicable standards are covered by general site design standards in the
county and will be permitted without supplemental standards in the district.
o These uses and/or permissions are specific to the city code and are not proposed to be added to the county’s list of uses.
o This use is permitted by the city but is not historically allowed in zoning districts of this type in the county’s jurisdiction. It will not be included in the
county RMF-H district.
o While not included in the city’s MF-H district, these uses are generally allowed in similar county districts with these levels of permission. They will be
allowed in the county’s RMF-H district.
o These uses generally have different permissions in the county than they do in the city. In the NHC districts, permissions will be in-line with those of similar
districts.
o This use will be added to the county’s list of uses.
Allowed under Accessory
Buildings or Uses
04-04-2019 Text Change Public Hearing Version
CB COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT ADAPTED FROM CITY OF WILMINGTON’S CB DISTRICT
INTENT STATEMENT
Proposed Intent Statement
The intent of the Community Business district is to provide for the development, growth, and continued
operation of businesses that serve surrounding single and multi-family residential neighborhoods with goods
and services needed for a variety of daily and long-term purposes. Community Business districts should be
designed in a format and scale that is accessible to both vehicles and pedestrians. Community Business
should be located within New Hanover County at intersections and along streets that will allow multiple
neighborhoods access to the district’s businesses. Community Business zoning can serve as a buffer
between higher density/intensity development and moderate or low density multi-family and single family
neighborhoods.
DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Current City of Wilmington Requirements
Minimum Lot Size ½ acre
Minimum Lot Width 80 ft.
Maximum Lot Coverage 30%
Front Setback (minimum) 20 ft.
Rear Setback (minimum) 10 ft. generally
25 ft. when abutting residential district
Interior Side Setback (minimum) 0 ft. generally
20 ft. when abutting residential district
Corner Side Setback (minimum) 20 ft.
Maximum Height 45 ft. *
Maximum Number of Stories 3
Maximum Floor Area per
Development Site
100,000 ft2
* For every foot of increased height of structures over 20 ft., interior side and rear
setbacks shall be increased at a 1:1 ratio where abutting a residential district
Proposed NHC Requirements
Lot & Setback Requirements
Minimum Lot Size ½ acre
Minimum Lot Width 80 ft.
Front Setback (minimum) 20 ft.
Rear Setback (minimum) 10 ft. generally
25 ft. when abutting residential district
Interior Side Setback (minimum) 0 ft. generally
20 ft. when abutting residential district
Corner Side Setback (minimum) 20 ft.
Structure Size (maximum)
Height 3 stories, with a maximum of 45 ft.*
Floor Area per Development Site 100,000 ft2
* Heights over 35 ft. subject to additional setbacks and bufferyards of 4 ft.
Commentary:
The county currently has two business districts: B-1, which is intended for very small-scale uses at neighborhood nodes, and B-2, which is for auto-oriented uses
that serve the region. This district is based on Wilmington’s CB district and would provide a designated zone for mid-level business uses that serve multiple
neighborhoods and need to be located close to residential neighborhoods. This district would allow retail, offices, and services in stand-alone buildings no larger
than 60,000 ft2 in size (about the size of a grocery store).
The proposed intent statement is the same as the draft intent statement presented at the Summer 2018 Planning Board Work Session.
Commentary:
Most of the current City of Wilmington lot size, setback, and structure size requirements will be the same for the county’s CB district. The maximum lot coverage
standard is not included—NHC does not currently regulate site development in this way, relying instead on setback, landscaping, and buffering requirements.
After receiving feedback on initial profile sheets, the additional setback requirement for CB properties adjacent to residential lots is changed in the proposed text
amendment. Unlike in the City of Wilmington, CB zoning in the county is likely to be applied for individual lots rather than large districts, increasing the chance that
the district will be immediately adjacent to residential properties. The 1:1 setback increase would constrain new development under a CB designation, though this
district is intended to provide for commercial uses appropriate—and desirable—adjacent to residential neighborhoods. The proposed setbacks—typical for multi-
family and lower-intensity commercial districts in the city—will increase the likelihood of CB development but not sacrifice quality of life for nearby homes.
Changes from 03-07-2019
Profile Sheets indicated with a
04-04-2019 Text Change Public Hearing Version
USE PERMISSIONS
Current City of Wilmington Permissions
Uses Permitted by Right
Amusement and recreation services, indoor
Assembly hall
Banking services
Contractor, general or special trade with no outdoor storage
Convenience food stores
Funeral home and crematory
Gun sales, including repair
Laboratories, testing
Limited price variety stores less than 10,000 ft2
Liquor stores
Marinas
Motels and hotels
Movie theaters
Offices, medical
Offices, professional
Parks and recreation areas, municipal
Personal services
Post office
Residential hotels
Restaurants, standard
Restaurants, fast-food carry-out
Retail sales establishments
Schools, trade, correspondence and vocational
Spas and health clubs
Upholstery and furniture repair
Veterinary services with enclosed pens
Community Center
Recreation facility, private
Artists, commercial including silk screening
Furniture stores
Automobile parts and supply stores
Uses Permitted w/Additional Standards
Automotive services, except repair and towing service
Automobile renting and leasing
Auxiliary uses and wares
Bowling alleys and pool halls
Commercial parking lots
Governmental uses outside public rights-of-way, except offices
Group home supportive, large
Libraries
Mini-warehousing
Historic mixed-use buildings
Motion pictures production and distribution
Religions institutions
Residential uses as allowed in Commercial District Mixed Use
Residential unit contained within principal use
Service stations
Shopping centers
Skating rink, ice or roller
Telecommunication facilities, unattended
Tire dealers and service
Utility stations and plants outside public rights-of-way
Kennels, commercial boarders and breeders
Electronic gaming establishments
Day care, adult or child
Breweries, microbreweries
Artisan food and beverage producers
Homestay lodging
Whole-house lodging
Uses Permitted w/Special Use Permit
Assisted living residence
Group day facility
Group home supportive, small
Group home residential
Nursing homes
Communication facilities
Permitted Accessory Uses & Structures
Internal services facilities incidental to permitted uses
Shipping containers, permanent off-chassis
Proposed NHC Permissions
Uses Permitted by Right
Indoor Theater
Lodges, Fraternal, & Social Organizations
Banks, Credit Agencies, Savings & Loans
Business Services, including Printing
Special Trade & General Contractors with no Outside Storage
Convenience Food Store
Funeral Home
Laboratories, Testing
Commercial Marina
Hotels & Motels
Offices for Private Business & Professional Activities
Parks & Recreation Area
Barber/Beauty Shop
Personal Services
Watch, Clock, Jewelry Repair
Post Offices
Resort Hotel/Motel
Eating and Drinking Places
Retail Nurseries
Veterinaries
Community Center
Outdoor Recreation Establishments
Handcrafting Small Articles
Accessory Buildings or Uses, clearly incidental to the permitted use or building
Artisan Manufacturing*
Automobile Service Station*
Automobile Rentals*
Government Offices and Buildings*
Libraries*
Motion Pictures Production and Distribution
Churches*
Electrical Substation*
Kennels*
Electronic Gaming Operations*
Adult Day Care
Child Care Center
Indoor Recreation Establishments
Commercial Parking Lot
Landscaping Service*
General Merchandise Store*
Apparel & Accessory Store*
Drug Store*
Food Stores*
Furniture, Home Furnishing, & Equipment*
Hardware*
Neighborhood Drug Store*
Miscellaneous Retail*
Retail Nurseries*
Amateur Radio Antennas (up to 90 ft.)
Antenna & Towers less than 70 ft. in height & ancillary to principal use
Cellular & PCS Antennas*
Electric/Gas & Sanitary Services
Agricultural Uses
Telephone & Telegraph Facilities
Wholesale Nurseries & Greenhouses
Museums
Christmas Tree Sales*
Special Fundraising for Non-Profit Organizations*
Evangelistic and Religious Assemblies not Conducted in a Church*
Pumpkin Sales*
Recycling Facilities: Small collection*
Temporary Signs
Temporary Relocation Housing*
Uses Permitted w/Special Use Permit
Dwelling Unit Contained within Principal Unit
Senior Living: Assisted Living or Personal Care Facility
Group Home
Nursing Home/Rehabilitation Center
Family Child Care Home
Other Communication Facilities including Towers
Commentary:
Because the city and county do not have the same list of uses, the city’s permissions have been translated as closely as possible to the closest county term. In addition, the authorities and
historic use permissions of the city and the county are not exactly the same. As a result, some anticipated changes to permissions include:
o This use will be added to the county’s list of uses. (Commercial Parking Lot was accidentally left of Proposed NHC Permissions list on initial profile sheet.)
o These uses generally have different permissions in the county than they do in the city. In the NHC district, permissions will be in-line with those of similar districts.
o This use is permitted by the city but will not be included in the county CB district. (Due to concerns regarding potential impacts of Motion Pictures Production & Distribution,
this use is not included in the county CB district.)
o These uses and/or permissions are specific to the city code and are not proposed to be added to the county’s list of uses.
o This use is already allowed in the county but is not listed as a specific use.
o Uses with an asterisk* will be shown as permitted on the NHC Table of Permitted Uses, but they have supplemental standards in this district. The reference for the
supplemental standards will be provided on the table, which is the county’s current practice. Uses with a have additional standards in the city and were shown with an
asterisk on the initial district profile sheet. The applicable standards are covered by general site design standards in the county and will be permitted without supplemental
standards in the district.
o These uses are intended to have size requirements in order to meet intent of this district to provide for community-scaled businesses (no larger than 60,000 ft2). Grocery stores
would be allowed, but large format stores would be limited.
o These uses are generally allowed in county business districts but not the city code. They will be allowed in the county’s CB district.
04-04-2019 Text Amendment Public Hearing Version
CS COMMERCIAL SERVICES DISTRICT ADAPTED FROM CITY OF WILMINGTON’S CS DISTRICT
INTENT STATEMENT
Proposed Intent Statement
The Commercial Services district is established to accommodate a mixture of light manufacturing,
wholesale, storage, commercial service and repair, and distributive business type uses. It functions as a
support district to nearby intensive industrial and commercial uses. The district is designed to be act as a
transitional land use between intensive industrial and commercial development and less intensive
commercial, office, and institutional uses.
DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Current City of Wilmington Requirements
Minimum Lot Area 7,500 ft2
Minimum Lot Width 65 ft.
Maximum Lot Coverage n/a
Front Setback (minimum) 35 ft.
Rear Setback (minimum) 15 ft. generally
25 ft. when abutting residential district
Interior Side Setback (minimum) 7 ft. generally
20 ft. when abutting residential district
Corner Side Setback (minimum) 35 ft.
Maximum Height 35 ft. *, **
* For every foot of increased height of structures over 20 ft., interior side and rear
setbacks shall be increased at a 1:1 ratio where abutting a residential district
** Building height may be increased when additional side and rear yards are
provided in accordance with the following standards. The maximum height of any
building shall be 96 ft.
Height of Building Above 35 ft. Additional Side and Rear Yard
First 10 ft. above 35 ft. 4 ft. for each 10-foot increment, or
portion thereof
10.1 to 30 ft. above 35 ft. 6 ft. for each 10-foot increment
30.1 or more above 35 ft. 8 ft. for each 10-foot increment
Proposed NHC Requirements
Lot Requirements
Lot area, minimum 7,500 ft2
Lot width, minimum 65 ft.
Setbacks (minimum)—see Additional Yard Standards for building over 35
ft. in height
Front 35 ft.
Side, street 25 ft. along highways & major thoroughfares
17.5 ft. along all other public highways or streets
Side, interior 7 ft. generally
30 ft. when abutting residential district
Rear 15 ft. generally
35 ft. when abutting residential district
Structure Size (maximum)
Height 40 ft.*
* Heights over 35 ft. subject to additional setback and bufferyard of 4 ft.
Commentary:
This district is modeled on the City of Wilmington’s Commercial Services district. It would provide a clear place for the necessary businesses that aren’t optimally
located near residential neighborhoods, sometimes referred to as “heavy commercial.” The uses in this district generally serve other businesses, such as
contractors or fleet services, and may require outside storage of materials and parking for fleet vehicles or equipment. Currently, these types of uses are allowed
in the B-2 district, which has limited its usefulness in the areas of the county with many residential neighborhoods. Providing a district specifically for these uses
could help transition the B-2 district into more of a regional business zone by providing an optional zoning designation for these uses in areas not as visible or
highly travelled as major roadway corridors.
The proposed intent statement is the same as the draft intent statement presented at the Summer 2018 Planning Board Work Session, except that it clarifies that
the primary intent of the district is to locate heavy commercial uses in areas other than major commercial corridors like Market St. and S. Carolina Beach Rd.
Commentary:
All current City of Wilmington lot size requirements will be the same for the county’s CS district.
After receiving feedback on initial profile sheets, the requirements for street side setbacks is changed in the proposed text amendment. Unlike in the City of
Wilmington, CS zoning in the county is likely to be applied to individual lots rather than large districts, and the 35 ft. corner (or street) side setback may constraint
lots’ development potential to the point where the usefulness of a CS designation is limited. Instead, the current street side setbacks of the B-2 district are
proposed, as they have worked successfully in the county’s jurisdiction for uses similar to those allowed in this district.
The height of structures in the county district will be limited to 40 ft. This is the current height limit for the county’s B-2 and Light Industrial districts, which allow
many of the same uses intended for the CS district.
After receiving feedback on initial profile sheets, the additional setback requirement for CS properties adjacent to residential lots is changed in the proposed text
amendment. A 1:1 setback increase could constrain new development under a CS designation, but due to the uses allowed in this district, the city’s base setbacks
could be increased to reduce potential effects on adjacent residential properties. The same setback minimums currently required in B-2, where many of the uses
proposed for CS currently are located, with the additional setback and bufferyard proposed for CB districts required for taller buildings.
Changes from 03-07-2019
Profile Sheets indicated with a
04-04-2019 Text Amendment Public Hearing Version
USE PERMISSIONS
Current City of Wilmington Permissions
Uses Permitted by Right
Amusement and recreation services, indoor
Artists, commercial including silk screening
Assembly hall
Automobile and truck dealers, new and used
Automobile care center
Automobile parts and supply store
Automobile renting and leasing
Automobile repair shops
Automotive services, except repair and towing
Banking services
Building materials dealers
Bus and taxi service
Business services
Carpet and upholstery cleaners (on customer’s premises)
Chimney and furnace cleaning
Clothing and other finished fabric products (SIC 23)
Contractors, general or special trade, with no outdoor storage
Community center
Contractor’s equipment and supply dealers and service, with no outdoor storage
Convenience food stores
Divers, commercial
Drive-in theater
Electric motor repair shop
Electrical and electronic machinery, equipment and supplies (SIC 3699)
Exterminating services, dwellings and other buildings
Fabricated metal products, except boiler shops, machinery and transportation
products; metal coating; engraving and allied services; metal forgings screw
machine products; steel, wire, and pip structural metal products; and ordnance
Fishing, commercial
Funeral home and crematory
Furniture and other home furnishings stores
Gun sales, including repair
Janitor services
Launders, industrial
Leather and leather products, excluding tanning
Liquor stores
Lumber and wood products, except furniture (SIC 24)
Manufactured housing dealers
Marinas
Measuring, analyzing and controlling instruments; photographic, medical and
optical goods; watches and clocks (SIC 38)
Motion pictures production and distribution
Motorcycle dealers
Movers, van lines and storage
Movie theaters, except drive-in
Nightclubs
Offices, medical
Offices, professional
Package delivery services, commercial
Parks and recreation areas, municipal
Personal services
Post office
Railroad facilities, including passenger and freight stations outside of railroad
rights-of-way
Recreational vehicles and utility trailer dealers
Repair shops
Research and development laboratories
Restaurant, fast-food carryout
Restaurant, standard (sit-down)
Retail sales establishments
Sales office, off premises, not retail
Schools, trade, correspondence, and vocational
Ship chandlers
Shipping brokers, freight and cargo, without storage
Small engine repair, except automotive
Upholstery and furniture repair
Used merchandise store, except automotive goods
Veterinary services with enclosed pens
Veterinary services with open pens
Water transportation
Welding repair
Recreational facility, private
Candy and other confectionary products, manufacturing, and warehousing (SIC
206)
Internal services facilities incidental to permitted uses
Proposed NHC Permissions
Uses Permitted by Right
Indoor Recreation Establishment
Handcrafting Small Articles
Indoor Theater
Lodges, Fraternal, & Social Organizations
Automobile Dealers & Truck Sales
Automobile Service Station
Automobile Rentals
Automobile/Boat Repair Sales
Banks, Credit Agencies, Savings & Loans
Business Services, including Printing
Building Material and Garden Supplies
Bus & Taxi Terminals
Special Trade Contractors*
Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing (NAICS 3152)
Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing (NAICS 3159)
Special Trade & General Contractors with no Outside Storage
Community Center
Equipment Rental & Leasing*
Convenience Food Store
Drive-In Theater
Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing (NAICS 3333)
Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing (NAICS 3336)
Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (NAICS 3339)
Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (NAICS 3351)
Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing (NAICS 3359)
Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3329) On next page—
requires Special Use Permit
Funeral Home
Furniture, Home Furnishing, & Equipment
Dry Cleaning/Laundry Plan
Footwear Manufacturing (NAICS 3162)
Other Leather and Allied Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3169)
Mobile Home Dealers & Prefabricated Buildings
Commercial Marina*
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing (NAICS 3332)
Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment
Manufacturing (NAICS 3334) On next page—requires Special Use Permit
Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing
(NAICS 3345)
Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing (NAICS 3391)
Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing (NAICS 3399)
Motion Pictures Production and Distribution
Motor Freight Transportation Warehousing
Entertainment Establishments, Bars, Cabarets, Discos
Entertainment Establishments, Bars, Cabarets, in a Shopping Center
Offices for Private Business & Professional Activities
Parks & Recreation Areas
Barber/Beauty Shop
Personal Services
Watch, Clock, Jewelry Repair
Post Offices
Railroad Transportation
Research Facilities
Eating and Drinking Places
Apparel & Accessory Store
Drug Store
Food Stores
General Merchandise Stores
Hardware
Miscellaneous Retail
Neighborhood Drug Store
Retail Nurseries
Colleges, Universities, Professional Schools, & Technical Institutions
Repair Shop
Veterinaries
Kennels*
Water Transportation Facilities
Outdoor Recreation Establishments
Sugar and Confectionary Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3113)
Accessory Buildings or Uses, clearly incidental to the Permitted Use or Building
Commercial Parking Lot
Amateur Radio Antennas (up to 90 ft.)
Antenna & Towers less than 70 ft. in height
Cellular & PCS Antennas*
General Building Contractor*
General Contractors Other than Building*
Landscaping Contractors*
Special Trade Contractors*
Mini-Warehouses
Churches*
Dwelling Unit Contained within Principal Use*
Warehousing*
Wholesaling*
Wholesaling with No Outdoor Storage
Electronic Gaming Operations*
Artisan Manufacturing
(continued on next page)
Commentary:
Because the city and county do not have the same list of uses, the city’s permissions have
been translated as closely as possible to the closest county term. In addition, the authorities
and historic use permissions of the city and the county are not exactly the same. As a result,
some anticipated changes to permissions include:
o These uses and/or permissions are specific to the city code and are not proposed to be
added to the county’s list of uses.
o Uses with an asterisk* will be shown as permitted on the NHC Table of Permitted Uses,
but they have supplemental standards in this district. The reference for the
supplemental standards will be provided on the table, which is the county’s current
practice. Uses with a have additional standards in the city and were shown with an
asterisk on the initial district profile sheet. The applicable standards are covered by
general site design standards in the county and will be permitted without supplemental
standards in the district.
o This use will be added to the county’s list of uses as part of this amendment.
04-04-2019 Text Amendment Public Hearing Version
Current City of Wilmington Permissions
Uses Permitted w/Additional Standards
Auxiliary uses and wares
Bowling alleys and pool halls
Commercial parking lots
Communication facilities
Contractor’s storage yard
Contractors, general or special trade with outdoor storage
Governmental uses outside public rights-of-way
Group home supportive, large
Group home supportive, medium
Kennel, commercial boarders and breeders
Mini-warehousing
Historic mixed-use buildings
Religious institutions
Residential unit contained within a primary use
Service stations
Shopping center
Skating rink, roller and ice
Telecommunication facility, unattended
Tire dealers and service
Utility stations and plants outside public rights-of-way (public and private) including
lift stations, substations, pump stations, etc.
Warehousing, general
Wholesale trade
Electronic gaming establishments
Brewers, small regional and microbreweries
Artisan food and beverage producers (defined as confectionaries, coffee roasteries,
etc.)
Uses Permitted w/Special Use Permit
Group day facility
Group home residential
Group home supportive, small
Permitted Accessory Uses & Structures
Internal services facilities incidental to permitted uses
Shipping containers, permanent off-chassis
Proposed NHC Permissions
Proposed NHC Uses Permitted by Right continued
Laboratories, testing
Agricultural Uses
Wholesale Nurseries & Greenhouses
Dry Stack Storage of Boats as a stand-alone warehouse
Dry Stack Storage of Boats as accessory to a marina
Recreational Vehicle and Boat Trailer Storage Lots
Electric/Gas & Sanitary Services
Electric Substations
Telephone & Telegraph Facilities
TV & Radio Broadcasting
Boat Dealers
Farm Implement Sales
Landscaping Service
Electrical Repair Shop
Septic Tank Vacuum Service
Christmas Tree Sales*
Circuses, Carnivals, Fairs & Side Shows of No More than 30 Days Duration per Year
Evangelistic and Religious Assemblies not Conducted in a Church*
Government Offices and Buildings
Pumpkin Sales*
Principal Use Sign
Special Fundraising for Non-Profit Organizations*
Temporary Sign
Recycling Facilities: Small Collection
Recycling Facilities: Large Collection
Temporary Relocation Housing*
Uses Permitted w/Special Use Permit
Group Home
Other Communication Facilities Including Towers
Textile Furnishings Mills (NAICS 3141)
Other Textile Product Mills (NAICS 3149)
Apparel Knitting Mills (NAICS 3151)
Sawmill and Wood Preservation (NAICS 3211)
Veneer, Plywood, and Engineered Wood Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3212)
Other Wood Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3219)
Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3329)
Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment
Manufacturing (NAICS 3334)
Recycling Facilities: Processing
Recycling Facilities: Large Collection with Processing
Animal Food Manufacturing (NAICS 3111)
Grain and Oilseed Milling (NAICS 3112)
Fruit and Vegetable Preserving and Specialty Food Manufacturing (NAICS 3114)
Dairy Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3115)
Seafood Product Preparation and Packaging (NAICS 3117)
Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing (NAICS 3118)
Other Food Manufacturing (NAICS 3119)
Beverage Manufacturing (NAICS 3121)
Printing and Related Support Activities (NAICS 3231)
Cutlery and Handtool Manufacturing (NAICS 3322)
Hardware Manufacturing (NAICS 3325)
Spring and Wire Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3326)
Agriculture, Construction, and Mining Machinery Manufacturing (NAICS 3331)
Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing (NAICS 3335)
Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (NAICS 3341)
Communications Equipment Manufacturing (NAICS 3342)
Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (NAICS 3343)
Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing (NAICS 3344)
Manufacturing and Reproducing Magnetic and Optical Media (NAICS 3346)
Household Appliance Manufacturing (NAICS 3352)
Electrical Equipment Manufacturing (NAICS 3353)
Household and Institutional Furniture and Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturing (NAICS
3371)
Office Furniture (including Fixtures) Manufacturing (NAICS 3372)
Other Furniture Related Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3379)
DISTRICT SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
Lighting: All new construction where exterior site lighting is provided shall observe the following limitations as to height:
A. Unrestricted lighting: 10 ft.
B. Ninety-degree cutoff lighting: 15 ft.
In no case shall lighting for new construction be located or installed so as to shine directly onto residential premises.
Commentary:
Because the city and county do not have the same list of uses, the city’s
permissions have been translated as closely as possible to the closest county
term. In addition, the authorities and historic use permissions of the city
and the county are not exactly the same. As a result, some anticipated
changes to permissions include:
o Uses with an asterisk* will be shown as permitted on the NHC
Table of Permitted Uses, but they have supplemental standards in
this district. The reference for the supplemental standards will be
provided on the table, which is the county’s current practice.
o This use will be added to the county’s list use as part of this
amendment.
o These uses and/or permissions are specific to the city code and are
not proposed to be added to the county’s list of uses.
o These uses generally require a special use permit in similar county
districts but not in the city. In the county’s CS district, they will
require an SUP. (Other Communication Facilities including
Towers and Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing were
accidentally left off the initial profile sheet.)
o These uses are generally allowed in similar county districts with
these permit requirements. (Electric/Gas & Sanitary Services
and Electric Substations were accidentally left off the initial profile
sheet.)
Commentary:
This is the same site lighting standard required in the city’s CS district.
04-04-2019 Text Amendment Public Hearing Version
PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT APRIL 2018 PROPOSED REVISIONS
INTENT STATEMENT
Proposed Intent Statement
The Planned Development district is established to encourage innovative land planning and site design
concepts that support a high quality of life and achieve a high quality of development under an
integrated development plan that would otherwise not be possible under general district requirements.
It is designed to:
1. Create new planned development districts for specialized purposes where tracts are suitable in
location, area, and character for development on a unified basis;
2. Promote economical and efficient patterns of land use that are sensitive to natural features;
3. Reduce automotive traffic congestion by a reasonably close relationship between origins and
destinations of persons living, working, or visiting in such development; and
4. Encourage unified developments consistent with the goals of the county’s Comprehensive Plan
and compatible with surrounding land uses.
DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Current Requirements
Minimum District Size 100 gross contiguous acres
(common ownership or joint petition)
Maximum Building Height 80 ft. (buildings located in Urban Mixed
Use, Community Mixed Use, or
Employment Center place types or along
collector, minor arterial, or principal
arterials)
40 ft. (residential, commercial, and
office and institutional structures located
elsewhere)
District Periphery Building Setback 20’ from district boundary
Setback from Pedestrian & Bicycle
Paths
10 ft.
Setback along US and NC Numbered
Highways and Major Thoroughfares
50 ft.
Building Encroachment into Proposed
Thoroughfare Rights-of-Way
0 ft.
Single-Family Residential Building
Separation (including accessory
structures) from Other Residences
10 ft.
Multi-Family Residential Building
Separation (including accessory
structures) from Any Other Building
20 ft.
Land Use Mixture 30% non-residential maximum
Fringe Use Area Requirements
Fringe Use Area Width 200 ft. when adjacent to residential
uses and/or platted residential lots
Use Restrictions Exterior 100’ residential uses only
Interior 100’ residential uses, rights-
of-way, stormwater utilities, and
active recreation areas
Maximum Building Height 35 ft.
Setback [Building Height] X 2.75 or 25 ft.
(whichever is greater)
Proposed Requirements
Minimum District Size 10 gross contiguous acres
(common ownership or joint petition)
Maximum Building Height 80 ft. (buildings located in Urban Mixed Use,
Community Mixed Use, or Employment Center
place types or along collector, minor arterial, or
principal arterials)
40 ft. (residential, commercial, and office and
institutional structures located elsewhere)
District Periphery Building
Setback
20’ from district boundary for residential uses
Industrial uses must meet I-1 setbacks
Commercial and office uses must meet CB
setbacks
Setback from Pedestrian &
Bicycle Paths
10 ft.
Setback along US and NC
Numbered Highways and
Major Thoroughfares
50 ft.
Building Encroachment into
Proposed Thoroughfare
Rights-of-Way
0 ft.
Single-Family Residential
Building Separation (including
accessory structures) from
Other Residences
10 ft.
Multi-Family Residential
Building Separation (including
accessory structures) from Any
Other Building
20 ft.
Land Use Mixture 30% non-residential maximum
Commentary:
At the August 2018 Planning Board work session, staff proposed amending the intent statement for the PD district to emphasize that the district allows design
flexibility not available in other districts and to remove language regarding district requirements for the provision of urban services and approval of a master land
use plan. This intent statement reflects those changes, and the requirements removed are included in the district standards.
Commentary:
At the August 2018 Planning Board work session, staff proposed reducing the minimum district size and fringe use area requirements.
o Reducing the size of the district minimum to 10 acres could increase the likelihood that PD will be used to create the types of mixed use developments
envisioned in the Comprehensive Plan. Given the limited amount of large vacant tracts remaining in the county, the current 100 acre minimum limits the
usefulness of the district.
o The fringe use area requirement reduces the amount of a PD that can be used and is likely not needed. The same separation between commercial uses
and residential uses required in other districts would provide adequate buffers in this district as well.
NOTE: Other revisions (height standards, mix of use
requirements, density calculations, density bonus
structure, etc.) proposed at the August 2018 Planning
Board Work Session will be considered during the next
phase of revisions.
No changes from 03-07-2019 Profile Sheet
04-04-2019 Text Amendment Public Hearing Version
UMXZ URBAN MIXED USE ZONING DISTRICT ADAPTED FROM CITY OF WILMINGTON’S UMX DISTRICT
INTENT STATEMENT
Proposed Intent Statement
The UMXZ district is established to meet the following five primary objectives in the areas of New Hanover
County in proximity to the City of Wilmington and those intended for urban- or community-scale mixed use
development:
1. To encourage the efficient mixed use development pattern envisioned in the comprehensive plan;
2. To result in quality design and a variety of built forms of lasting value that result in a pedestrian
scale;
3. To provide a mix of housing options;
4. To promote and enhance transportation options, particularly those that are pedestrian-oriented,
while reducing demand for automobile trips; and
5. To encourage a mix of uses to foster a sense of community.
The district regulations include design elements intended to enhance the urban form, increase
neighborhood safety, and add flexibility for small lots. Integrated mix of uses on development sites and within individual buildings is encouraged. UMXZ zoning is intended to
promote mixed-use developments on sites large enough to create a mix of uses within the existing suburban environment. Typically, these developments will include creative
development and redevelopment solutions.
DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Current City of Wilmington Requirements (outside of 1945 corporate limits)
Minimum District Size 5 acres
Maximum Building Height Along arterial streets, 4 stories or 45 ft.*
Along residential & collector streets, 2 stories
or 35 ft.
Along arterial or internal collector streets, 5
stories or 55 ft. if structured parking is
provided within the project
Minimum Setback from
Single-Family Zoning Districts
35 ft. for buildings ≤ 35 ft. in height
45 ft. for buildings 36-45 ft. in height
45 ft. for buildings 46-55 ft. in height**
45 ft. for buildings 56-75 ft. in height**
Maximum Setbacks 10 ft.
(front setbacks are not required along
alleyways; TRC may waive strict adherence to
requirement where an existing easement or
significant natural feature exists)
Maximum Dwelling Units per
Acre
15 single family
25 multi-family
n/a vertically integrated mixed-use building
*May be increased 75 ft. with the issuance of a special use permit or entry into a
development agreement
** Only applicable for properties along arterial or internal collector streets and
when structured parking is provided
Proposed NHC Requirements
Size Requirements
Minimum District Size 5 acres
Setbacks
Minimum from single-family
residential zoning districts
35 ft. for buildings ≤ 35 ft. in height
45 ft. for buildings > 35 ft. in height
Maximum from any street
10 ft.
(front setbacks are not required along
alleyways; TRC may waive strict adherence
to requirement where an existing
easement or significant natural feature
exists)
Height (maximum)
Along arterial streets
4 stories or 45 ft. by-right
75 ft. with Additional Height Allowance
special use permit
Along residential & collector
streets 2 stories or 35 ft.
Along arterial & collector streets 5 stories or 55 ft. if structured parking is
provided within project
Density (maximum dwelling units/acre)
Single Family Residential 15
Multi-Family Residential 25
Vertically integrated mixed-use
building 36
Commentary:
Each of New Hanover County’s current mixed use districts—Riverfront Mixed Use, Exceptional Design Zoning (EDZD), and Planned Development—are intended for
very specific types of development. Riverfront Mixed Use projects are only allowed on properties along the Cape Fear River, EDZD allows a mix of uses in return for
more stringent development siting and design requirements, and Planned Development is intended for large, undeveloped parcels under common ownership. The
county does not have a zoning district where the mixing of uses is allowed and encouraged on smaller infill lots or as part of a redevelopment. However, this type
of development is a major goal of the 2016 Comprehensive Plan. The City of Wilmington’s UMX district was originally developed to allow complementary infill and
redevelopment of the city’s South Side and was later applied to other properties throughout the city. Its focus on development form and consistency with plan-
envisioned development patterns could assist in creating the urban mixed use and community mixed use places depicted in the county’s Future Land Use Map.
This district was not presented at the August 2018 Planning Board work session. Its inclusion in the recommended code changes is the result of continuing
conversations with community stakeholders.
To clarify that this district may be appropriate for properties not directly adjacent to City of Wilmington, the words “in proximity” replace the word “adjacent” used
on the initial profile sheet presented in April 2019.
Commentary:
All current City of Wilmington standards will be the same for the county’s UMXZ district, except that the density is capped at 36 units/acre for vertically integrated
mixed-use buildings. This will ensure that projects remain consistent with the maximum density allowed in other county zoning districts. The development
agreement provision is also not provided, as it is not set up in the county’s zoning code.
As a note, this district can only be applied to a property as a conditional zoning district or with a conceptual plan. This will allow the Board of Commissioners to
determine whether the project is at an appropriate scale. Projects in community mixed use areas or with lower current development intensities would not
necessarily reach the height or density maximums allowed for within this district. It would be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Changes from 03-07-2019
Profile Sheet indicated with a
04-04-2019 Text Amendment Public Hearing Version
USE PERMISSIONS NOTE: THE CITY’S UMX DISTRICT PERMITS ALL USES, UNLESS SPECI FICALLY PROHIBITED OR LISTED AS A SPECIAL USE. WHILE THE
COUNTY USES A TABLE OF PERMITTED USES. AS A RESULT, THE USES LISTED BELOW ARE ORGANIZED DIFFERENTLY.
Current City of Wilmington Permissions
Prohibited Uses
Adult establishments
Electronic gaming
Garbage collection, private
Gas companies
Manufactured home sales
Motor freight companies
Movers, van lines, and storage
Nightclubs
Uses Permitted w/Additional Standards
Auxiliary uses and wares
Communications facilities
Freestanding structured parking decks
Group home supportive, small, medium, large
Industrial uses in existing building
Utility stations and plants outside public rights-of-way, including lift stations,
substations, pump stations, etc.
Breweries, small regional and microbreweries
Artisan food and beverage producers
Proposed NHC Permissions
Uses Permitted by Right
Agricultural Uses
Kennels*
Veterinaries
Wholesale Nurseries & Greenhouses
Special Trade & General Contractors with no Outside Storage
Air Transportation
Bus & Taxi Terminals
Commercial Marina*
Dry Stack Storage of Boats as a stand-alone warehouse
Dry Stack Storage of Boats as accessory to a marina
Mini-Warehouses
Post Offices
Railroad Transportation
TV & Radio Broadcasting
Warehousing
Water Transportation Facilities
Wholesaling with No Outside Storage
Apparel & Accessory Store
Building Material & Garden Supplies
Convenience Food Store
Drug Store
Neighborhood Drug Store
Eating and Drinking Places
Farm Implement Sales
Food Stores
Fruit & Vegetable Stand Produced on Same Parcel as Offered for Sale
Furniture, Home Furnishing, & Equipment
General Merchandise Stores
Handcrafting Small Articles
Hardware
Landscaping Service
Miscellaneous Retail
Retail Nurseries
Banks, Credit Agencies, Savings & Loans
Barber/Beauty Shop
Bed and Breakfast Inn
Business Services including Printing
Drive-In Theater
Golf Courses
Hotels & Motels
Indoor Recreation Establishments
Outdoor Recreation Establishments
Indoor Theater
Parks & Recreation Areas
Personal Services
Resort Hotel/Motel
Watch, Clock, Jewelry Repair
Adult Day Care*
Child Care Center
Community Center
Family Child Care Home*
Hospitals
Nursing Home/Rehabilitation Center
Residential Care
Colleges, Universities, Professional Schools, & Technical Institutions
Elementary & Secondary Schools
Libraries
Museums
Churches
Labor Organizations
Lodges, Fraternal & Social Organizations
Fraternities/Sororities, Residential
Private Residential Boating Facility
Duplexes
Dwelling Unit Contained within Principal Use*
Government Offices & Buildings
Home Occupation
Offices for Private Business & Professional Activities
Research Facilities
Residential Private Pier
Senior Living: Active adult retirement community or Independent Living
Senior Living: Assisted Living or Personal Care Facility
Senior Living: Continuing Care Retirement Community or Life Care Community
Single Family Dwelling
Single Family Dwelling-Attached
Recycling Facilities: Small Collection*
Temporary Relocation Housing*
Antenna & Towers less than 70 ft. in height and ancillary to the principal use
Cellular & PCS Antennas*
Amateur Radio Antennas (up to 90 ft.)
Group Home *
Electric/Gas & Sanitary Services*
Electric Substations*
Telephone & Telegraph Facilities
Artisan Manufacturing (includes small-scale breweries)*
Laboratories, testing
Commercial Parking Lots
Research Laboratories Use not added to list at this time.
Motion Pictures Production and Distribution
Accessory Buildings or Uses, clearly incidental to the permitted use or building
Christmas Tree Sales*
Circuses, Carnivals, Fairs & Side Shows of no more than 30 days duration per year
Evangelistic and Religious Assemblies not Conducted at a Church*
Special Fund Raising for Non-Profit Organization*
Temporary Sign
Commentary:
Because the city lists prohibited uses instead of permitted uses, it can be difficult to
compare the permissions. In general, the uses prohibited by the city are also prohibited
by the county, but some differences in terms apply:
o The uses prohibited by the city and county include:
Adult Entertainment Establishments
Electronic Gaming Operations
Mobile Home Dealers & Prefabricated Buildings
Motor Freight Transportation Warehousing
Entertainment Establishments, Bars, Cabarets, Discos
Entertainment Establishments, Bars, Cabarets, in a Shopping Center
o Additional uses will not be allowed in the county UMXZ district since it is not
intended to apply primarily to previously developed industrial or heavy commercial
areas, like the city’s district. In general, these uses are ones only currently allowed in
industrial districts or that are not appropriate in a more dense, urban or community
setting:
Solar Power Farms
Junk Yards, Scrap Processing
Livestock Sales
Wholesaling (with outside storage)
Dry Cleaning/Laundry Plant
Electrical Repair Shop
Funeral Home
Demolition-Landscape Landfill
Camping, Travel Trailer Parks
Outdoor Shooting Ranges
Stables
Septic Tank Vacuum Service
Outdoor Advertising
Principal Use Sign
Automobile/Boat Repair Sales
Automobile Dealers & Truck Sales
Boat Dealers
Recreational Vehicles and Boat Trailer Storage Lots
Commercial Marina with Floating Structures
High Density Development (special use permit to allow greater residential density)
Manufactured Home
Manufactured Home, Doublewide
Manufactured Home Park
Manufactured Home Subdivision
Septage, Sludge Disposal
Recycling Facilities: Large Collection
Recycling Facilities: Processing
Recycling Facilities: Large Collection & Processing
All Manufacturing uses, except Artisan Manufacturing
All Intensive Manufacturing uses
The way the city’s and county’s terms are written require that these uses be included as
permitted or special uses in the county’s district.
Uses with an asterisk* will be shown as permitted on the NHC Table of Permitted Uses,
but they have supplemental standards in this district. The reference for the
supplemental standards will be provided on the table, which is the county’s current
practice.
These uses will be added to the county’s list of uses as part of this amendment.
04-04-2019 Text Amendment Public Hearing Version
Current City of Wilmington Permissions
Uses Permitted w/Special Use Permit
Automobile renting and leasing
Automotive services and towing services
Communication facilities
Contractor equipment or supply dealers and service
Contractor storage yard
Dormitories, private
Drive-through services
Group day facility
Industrial and manufacturing uses greater than 10,000 square feet
Motor vehicle dealers, including automobiles, boat dealers, motorcycles, recreational
vehicles, and utility trailers
Tire dealers and service
Group home residential
Proposed NHC Permissions
Uses Permitted w/Special Use Permit
Automobile Rentals
Automobile Service Station
Other Communication Facilities including Towers
Equipment Rental & Leasing
General Building Contractor
General Contractors other than Building
Landscaping Contractors
Special Trade Contractors
Cemeteries
Community Boating Facility
Commentary:
Because the city and county do not have the same list of uses, the city’s permissions have been translated as closely as possible to the closest county term. In
addition, the authorities and historic use permissions of the city and the county are not exactly the same. As a result, some anticipated changes to permissions
include:
o This use is permitted by the city but will not be included in the county CB district.
o These uses and/or permissions are specific to the city code and are not proposed to be added to the county’s list of uses.
o These uses are generally allowed in non-industrial county districts with these permit requirements.
04-04-2019 Text Amendment Public Hearing Version
DISTRICT SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
Review Process
Processed as a condition district subject to a conceptual site plan review
Commentary: The city allows the UMX district to be processed either as a conditional district or a general rezoning subject to a
conceptual site plan. To clarify how this would work given current county processes, the UMXZ district is set up to process as a
conditional district, but explicit conceptual site plan requirements are outlined to ensure too much specificity is not required at the
rezoning stage. This will allow the boards the ability to review the mix or uses, heights, etc. of projects during consideration of the
rezoning while supporting some flexibility.
Mix of Uses
A mix of both residential and nonresidential uses is required, but no specific percentage formula is outlined. The mix for each
project could be different and would be reviewed at the rezoning phase.
Commentary: This is the city’s current requirement for UMX projects outside the 1945 corporate limits.
Utility and Equipment Screening
-Equipment and fire escapes not allowed on building façades with street frontage.
-Through-wall mechanical units allowed on any façade if design and condensation drip system standards met.
-Equipment that can’t be located out-of-sight must be screened.
-TRC may approve alterations if criteria met.
Commentary: These are the city’s current requirements, but specific criteria is provided to guide TRC decisions.
Site Lighting
-Lighting must be located, shielded, etc. so no direct light is cast on adjacent properties and off-site backlighting and up-lighting is
minimized
-Light posts shall be no taller than 12 ft.
Commentary: These are the city’s current requirements.
Parking and Driveway Requirements
-Parking shall be provided in accordance with code’s general parking standards, though shared parking is allowed subject to a
parking study.
-Surface parking lots must be located to side or rear of buildings and screened if visible from public right-of-way. TRC waivers
are provided for in cases where this is not consistent with existing corridor frontage pattern in 04-04-2019 draft.
-Parking should be accessed via alleyways wherever possible.
-Above-grade parking structures should be designed to relate to context of the area.
-Pervious pavement materials, vegetated bio-infiltration parking lot islands, or infiltration systems must be used to minimize run-
off to the extent that soil permeability, depth to groundwater, or site constraints allow.
Commentary: The majority of the city’s current parking design standards will be included in the county’s UMXZ district. However,
district-specific parking minimums will not be outlined, including bicycle parking. Parking minimums and other lot design
standards will be considered during the targeted code updates that will be addressed in the next phases of this project.
General Site Design
-Multi-modal transportation opportunities such as defined pedestrian circulation, sidewalks, bicycle and pedestrian connectivity to
adjacent developments or existing or funded bike/ped facilities, and internal grid with 400 ft. maximum blocks are required
(though TRC may waive based on pre-defined criteria).
-Street trees at the rate of 1 tree per 30 ft. frontage will be required. NCDOT approval will be required for public rights-of-way.
-A minimum buffer of at least 20 ft. in width will be required adjacent to single-family residential zoning districts.
-Other buffering and streetyard requirements can be exempted upon approval of TRC when contextual design constraints dictate
or when other design and/or landscaping features meet the needs of the buffering or streetyard requirements.
-Trash containment areas shall be located within a building if possible or placed to rear and side and screened with an opaque
fence.
-Open wire fencing is prohibited, and front yard fences can be no taller than 4 feet.
Commentary: The majority of site design standards in the county’s UMXZ district are the same as the city’s UMX standards outside
the 1945 corporate limits. Some clarity regarding the criteria for TRC amendments and off-site bicycle and pedestrian facilities that
must be connected to is provided. In addition, encroachment agreements for balconies and door swings are not specifically
required, as interior sidewalks and pedestrian ways within the county are unlikely to be publically owned and/or maintained.
Building Design
-Primary entrances should be distinct and oriented toward sidewalks along primary street frontages.
-Large expanses of flat, unadorned walls are prohibited, and façades must incorporate architectural details and periodic
transitions.
-Building façades exceeding 30 ft. in width along rights-of-way shall be divided into distinct areas utilizing methods such as offsets,
pilasters, change in materials, fenestration, etc. Transitions shall be no further apart than 2/3 of the height of the façade.
-New building shall front onto sidewalks to reinforce pedestrian activity along streets and pedestrian ways.
-Exterior burglar bars, fixed “riot shutters,” or similar security devices shall not be visible from the public right-of-way.
-Exterior building materials for all new nonresidential or multi-family structures shall be of quality finish materials. Structural
metal panels or unparged or non-architectural, non-decorative concrete block shall be prohibited on façades visible from the
public right-of-way.
Commentary: The majority of building design standards in the county’s UMXZ district are the same as the city’s UMX standards
outside of historic districts. The language of some standards is amended slightly to reflect that not all sidewalks and streets will
likely be publically owned and/or maintained and that UMXZ developments may not be located in already developed areas with a
common architectural context.