Res Densities Draft for Public Comment
Residential Density and Infill Draft Amendment
2016 Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Location in Plan
Appendix
Purpose
• Articulating and clarifying existing policy interpretations and
recommendations around residential density.
• Outlining recommended transitional design elements between
higher intensity and density uses and existing neighborhoods.
Components
• A graphic outlining site components to aid in identifying the
appropriate density along the scale outlined for a place type.
• A narrative outlining how and when the recommendations are
intended to be implied.
• A chart explaining transitional elements with graphics to assist in
identifying the needs and appropriateness for varying situations
and how they may be incorporated into infill design projects.
Comprehensive Plan Amendment – Residential Density & Infill Guidelines – 2024-05 Public Comment
Draft
Residential Density & Infill Development Guidelines
This plan outlines a recommended range of densities for each place type, but the entire spectrum
of densities may not be appropriate for every property or project. Appropriate densities are
tied to specific site constraints and community infrastructure, as outlined in the diagram below.
Much of New Hanover County’s existing development pattern is low density and makes less
efficient use of land resources, as it was developed at a time when water and sewer utilities were
not available. This plan envisions a more efficient development pattern, which means that the
density of new infill projects may be different from the development pattern of the surrounding
community. A greater mix of uses is also encouraged, so higher intensity mixed-use and
commercial developments that may have longer hours or more noise may be located in closer
proximity to existing neighborhoods than may have been anticipated when those communities
were designed.
When this occurs, site design of projects becomes more important, and transitional elements should
be included to ensure compatibility with the existing community’s character. This also includes
cases where higher densities are recommended or necessary to achieve the plan’s goals for
housing affordability and clustering of development to reduce the impact on sensitive natural
resources. Some common options for transitional elements are outlined in the charts on the
following pages and are recommended to be incorporated into site design when higher density
and intensity uses are located in close proximity to existing lower density and intensity
development patterns.
• Water & Sewer unavailable or not
planned
• Limited Vehicular Access
• Flood Plain Hazards in close
proximity
• Sensitive Environmental Features
Present
• Affordability – up to 120% of AMI,
minimum of 20%
• Proximity to Commercial Centers
• Proximity to Public Transit
• Proximity to Public Spaces
• New or Planned Water or Sewer
• New or Planned Roadway
Improvements
Comprehensive Plan Amendment – Residential Density & Infill Guidelines – 2024-05 Public Comment
Draft
Transitional Elements
Land Use
While adjacent land uses may not always be similar
in form or function, transitions in land use are
recommended for projects with a mix of uses or
housing forms. The intent of this is to locate higher
intensity uses closer to existing higher intensity
areas, such as major roadway corridors, and locate
lower intensity uses closer to existing lower density
and intensity development. Land use types that are
similar to existing adjacent land use types are
encouraged. Observe if there is a potential
transition between land uses and if so, how it is
proposed to occur.
Building Height
New residential and commercial construction is likely
to be taller than historic development in the
unincorporated county due to market demands,
more efficient use of land, and advances in building
techniques. It is encouraged that height be
considered when new structures are placed
adjacent to existing residential development. This
may require additional transitional elements, such as
landscaping and retention of existing tree buffers,
especially on the border between place types with
different recommendations for building height. This
is less of a consideration when the same heights are
possible on the abutting properties. Housing
diversity is encouraged. Housing types within
surrounding residential developments should be
evaluated for characteristics such as height,
orientation, setbacks, and scale.
Comprehensive Plan Amendment – Residential Density & Infill Guidelines – 2024-05 Public Comment
Draft
Connectivity
Connectivity between common open space both
provides a transition between higher intensity and
lower intensity areas and allows for larger
contiguous and connected green spaces, which serve
as an environmental benefit. Street connectivity is
encouraged while cul-de-sacs and gated
communities that impede connectivity and
emergency response are discouraged.
Pathways that enhance the pedestrian experience
by providing interconnectivity between different
land uses are encouraged. The scale, location, and
spatial relationship should be evaluated for
aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Landscaping
Landscaping features that are inviting and provide
visual interest to pedestrians or soften corridors
along roads and buildings are encouraged.
Comprehensive Plan Amendment – Residential Density & Infill Guidelines – 2024-05 Public Comment
Draft
Roadways and Private Drives
The layout and design of roadways adjacent to a
proposed development should be considered as a
transition piece particularly when a more intense use
is proposed adjacent to an existing, less intense
land use. Pedestrian and bicycle circulation is
encouraged to be considered when roadways and
private drives are designed.
Accessory Landscape Elements
Benches, lighting, and other accessory landscape
elements are encouraged to provide a pedestrian
oriented scale in a transitional space that might
occur between a building and roadway or between
buildings.
Comprehensive Plan Amendment – Residential Density & Infill Guidelines – 2024-05 Public Comment
Draft
Stormwater and Green
Infrastructure Features
Stormwater ponds can serve as a transitional buffer
between different land uses, adding visual interest
and the opportunity for passive recreation if a trail
or walkway is also incorporated in the design.
Hard Barriers
Barriers such as fencing or walls are encouraged in
cases when higher intensity uses abut lower intensity
uses without a spatial buffer or transitional space.
The scale of existing versus proposed development
should be considered.