Planning Board DRAFT Amendment 02-2022TA22-01 Draft Amendment Planning Board 2022-02
1
2.1 Measurements
CALCULATIONS AND ROUNDING
Unless otherwise expressly stated, all calculations that result in a part or a fraction of a whole number
shall round as follows:
1. Any fractional result less than 0.5 shall be rounded down to the next (lower) consecutive whole
number; and
2. Any fractional result of 0.5 or more shall be rounded up to the next consecutive (higher) whole
number.
This method of calculation and rounding shall not apply to density calculations, for which any fraction over
the density maximum shall not be allowed.
2.3 Definitions
MAJOR SUBDIVISION
See “Subdivision, Major”.
SPECIAL PURPOSE UTILITY LOT
A lot used solely for the purpose of accommodating a public utility that is not required to meet the
minimum district dimensional standards lot area, minimum lot dimensions, or minimum access
requirements of the underlying zoning district.
SUBDIVISION, MAJOR
Any subdivision that exceeds this ordinance’s criteria for a minor subdivision and is not exempted under
NCGS 160D-802.
3.1.3. Superseding Dimensional Standards
G. Special Purpose Utility Lots
Special purpose utility lots that do not meet the minimum district dimensional standards lot area,
minimum lot dimensions, or minimum access requirements may be approved by the Planning Director,
or other applicable approval authority, under the following circumstances:
1. The use of the Special Purpose Utility Lot shall be limited to the following uses as defined in this
ordinance: Electric Substation; Communications and Infrastructure uses; and General Utility Lines,
Structures, and/or Facilities.
2. The use is allowed in the zoning district subject to the principal use permissions of Table 4.2.1:
Principal Use Table.
3. The use meets the required setbacks of the zoning district.
4. The use meets any applicable use-specific and general development standards required by this
ordinance and all other applicable codes.
5. The lot has a minimum 20-foot access easement or driveway to a public or private road with an
all-weather surface access point.
6. The lot meets all Unified Development Ordinance requirements for parking and loading, tree
retention, landscaping and buffering, exterior lighting, signs, conservation resources, and airport
height restrictions.
7. The use meets all other applicable codes.
Removed to better reflect the
County’s existing practice of
density rounding
Revised for consistency
with past practices
TA22-01 Draft Amendment Planning Board 2022-02
2
4.2.1 Principal Use Permissions
Table 4.2.1: Principal Use Table
Key: P = Permitted by Right S = Special Use Permit Required * = Specific Use Standards Apply in District blank cell = not allowed
Use
Zoning District Use Standards RA AR R-20S R-20 R-15 R-10 R-7 R-5 RMF-L RMF-M RMF-MH RMF-H PD UMXZ B-1 CB B-2 O&I SC SC AC I-1 I-2 Group Living
Senior Living: Assisted Living
Facility S* S* S* S* S* S* S* S* S* P* P* S* S* S* 4.3.2
Communication and Information Facilities
Other Wireless
Communication Facilities
including Wireless Support
Structures & Substantial
Modifications
S* S* S* S* S* S* S* S* S* S* S* S* S* S* SP
*
SP
*
SP
*
SP
*
SP
*
SP
*
SP
* P* P* 4.3.3
2022-02 Maintenance Amendment Planning Board Draft
3
4.3.3 Civic and Institutional Uses
C. Communication and Information Facilities
1. General Requirements for All Communication and Information Facilities.
The following standards shall apply to all communications and information facilities:
a. Setbacks
The following setback requirements shall apply to all communication and information
facilities except for Amateur radio antenna below 90 feet in height, which are exempt from
these requirements in accordance with NCGS 160D-905.
1. Residential Districts
The minimum setback for wireless facilities located in general residential districts
(RA, AR, R-20, R-20S, R-15, R-10, R-7, or R-5), multi-family districts, and
residentially designated portions of master planned developments shall be a
distance equal to the height of the wireless facility, as measured from the base of
the wireless facility to the tallest point, including lightning rods or similar
appurtenances.
2. All Other Districts
The minimum setback for wireless facilities located in all other districts shall be
equal to each facility’s engineered fall zone, as established by a letter sealed by a
licensed professional engineer certifying that the wireless facility will not exceed
the distance specified in the letter should the wireless facility fail. Where an
engineered fall zone certification is not submitted, wireless facilities shall be set
back a distance equal to the height of the wireless facility, as measured from the
base of the wireless facility to the tallest point, including lightning rods or similar
appurtenances.
Except for amateur radio antenna up to 90 feet, any tower, antenna, or related wireless
support structure in any zoning district shall be set back from any existing residential
property line or residential zoning district boundary a distance equal to the height of the
tower as measured from the base of the tower. In no case shall the setback for any tower,
antenna, or related structure be less than 50 feet.
b. Certification Required
All applicants seeking approval shall also submit a written affidavit from a qualified person
or persons, including evidence of their qualifications, certifying that the construction or
placement of such structures meets the provisions of the Federal Communications Act,
47 U.S.C. § 332, as amended, section 6409 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation
Act of 2012, 47 U.S.C. § 1455 (a), in accordance with the rules promulgated by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC), and all other applicable federal, state, and local laws.
The statement must certify that radio frequency emissions from the antenna array(s)
comply with the FCC standards. The statement shall also certify that both individually and
cumulatively the proposed facilities located on or adjacent to the proposed facility will
comply with current FCC standards. In accordance with NCGS 160D-932, the county
cannot base its permitting decision on public safety implications of radio frequency
emissions of wireless facilities.
Concept to incentivize
towers in nonresidential
districts with reduced
setbacks
Concept to incentivize
towers in nonresidential
districts with reduced
setbacks
2022-02 Maintenance Amendment Planning Board Draft
4
c. Expert Review
Outside experts and disputes are subject to the following provisions:
1. Siting of telecommunications facilities may involve complex technical issues that
require review and input by outside experts. Staff may require the applicant to
pay the reasonable costs of a third-party technical study or a proposed facility.
Selection of expert(s) to review the proposal shall be at the sole discretion of the
decision-making body.
2. If the applicant for a telecommunications facility claims that one or more
standards of this ordinance are inconsistent with federal law as applied to a
particular property, or would prohibit the effective provision of wireless
communications within the relevant market area, the decision-making body may
require that the applications be reviewed by a qualified engineer for a
determination of the accuracy of such claims. Any costs shall be charged to the
applicant.
d. Signage
Signage shall comply with the following standards.
1. Attaching commercial messages for off-site or on-site advertising shall be
prohibited.
2. The only signage that is permitted upon an antenna, wireless support structure,
equipment cabinet, or fence shall be information and for the purpose of
identifying:
i. The antenna support structure (such as ASR registration number);
ii. The party responsible for the operation and maintenance of the facility;
iii. Its current address and telephone number;
iv. Security or safety signs;
v. Property manager signs for the tower (if applicable); and
vi. Signage appropriate to warn the general public as to the use of the facility
for radiofrequency transmissions.
2. Amateur Radio Antenna
Except for in the I-1 and I-2 districts, Amateur Radio Antenna 90 feet in height or taller, in addition
to the standards set forth in Subsection 4.3.3.C.1 above, shall require a Special Use Permit and
are subject to the standards of 4.3.3.C.6 below.
3. Antenna & Towers Ancillary to the Principal Use
Except for in the I-1 and I-2 districts, Antenna & Towers 70 feet in height or taller, in addition to
the standards set forth in Subsection 4.3.3.C.1 above, shall require a Special Use Permit and are
subject to the standards of 4.3.3.C.6 below.
2022-02 Maintenance Amendment Planning Board Draft
5
4. Collocations
a. Wireless collocations attached to existing structures that are not considered non-
substantial modifications shall not add more than six feet to the overall height of a
structure.
b. The applicant is encouraged to provide simulated photographic evidence of the proposed
appearance of the collocation and a statement as to the potential visual and aesthetic
impacts on all adjacent residential zoning districts. The simulation should include overall
height; configuration; physical location; mass and scale; materials and color (including
proposals for steel structures); and illumination.
c. Concealed (stealth) or camouflaged facilities are encouraged when the method of
concealment is appropriate to the proposed location. Stealth facilities may include but
are not limited to: painted antenna and feed lines to match the color of a building or
structure, faux windows, dormers, or other architectural features that blend with an
existing or proposed building or structure. Freestanding stealth facilities typically have a secondary, obvious function such as a church steeple, windmill, silo, light standards,
flagpole, bell/clock tower, water tower, or tree.
5. Non-Substantial Modification
a. The applicant is encouraged to provide simulated photographic evidence of the proposed
appearance of non-substantial modification and a statement as to the potential visual and
aesthetic impacts on all adjacent residential zoning districts. The simulation should
include overall height; configuration; physical location; mass and scale; material and color
(including proposals for steel structures; and illumination.
b. Concealed (stealth) or camouflaged facilities are encouraged when the method of
concealment is appropriate to the proposed location. Stealth facilities may include but
are not limited to painted antenna and feed lines to match the color of a building or
structure, faux windows, dormers, or other architectural features that blend with an
existing or proposed building or structure. Freestanding stealth facilities typically have a
secondary, obvious function such as a church steeple, windmill, silo, light standard,
flagpole, bell/clock tower, water tower, or tree.
6. Other Wireless Communication Facilities including New Wireless Support Structures &
Substantial Modifications
a. Standards For All New Wireless Support Structures and Substantial Modifications
The following standards shall apply to all wireless support structures and substantial
modifications:
1. A landscaped buffer with a base width not less than 25 feet and providing 100
percent opacity shall be required within the wireless support structure site to
screen the exterior of protective fencing or walls. The base station and equipment
compound of the wireless support structure and each guy wire anchor must be
surrounded by a fence or wall not less than eight feet in height.
2. All wireless support structures shall be constructed to accommodate collocation.
Structures over 150 feet in height shall be engineered to accommodate at a
minimum two additional providers. Structures 150 feet or less in height shall be
engineered to accommodate at a minimum one additional provider.
Existing standards
(black italics) have
been relocated for
clarity
2022-02 Maintenance Amendment Planning Board Draft
6
3. Equipment compounds shall comply with the following standards:
i. Shall not be used for the storage of any equipment or hazardous waste
(e.g., discarded batteries) or materials not needed for the operation. No
outdoor storage yards shall be allowed in a tower equipment compound.
ii. Shall not be used as a habitable space.
4. The applicant shall submit Form 7460 to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
to assure compliance with all FAA standards and to resolve issues of concern,
including required lighting, possible transmission interference or other conflicts
when the proposed wireless support structure site is located within 10,000 feet of
an airport or within any runway approach zone.
b. Additional Standards for New Wireless Support Structures and Substantial
Modifications Allowed By-Right
The following standards shall apply to wireless support structures and substantial
modifications allowed by-right:
1. Except in the I-1 and I-2 districts, wireless support structures shall be monopole or
unipole construction; guyed or lattice-type towers are prohibited.
2. Except in the I-1 and I-2 districts, all wireless equipment, including any feed lines,
antennas, and accessory equipment, must be enclosed in the tower cannister,
camouflaged, screened, obscured, mounted flush, or otherwise not readily
apparent to a casual observer.
c. Additional Standards for New Wireless Support Structures and Substantial
Modifications Requiring Special Use Permits
Where Special Use Permits are required, all of the following standards shall be applied,
and all requirements must be met. Additional conditions may be determined to mitigate
negative impacts, and the permit should be approved only if all negative impacts can be
mitigated. No reduction in setbacks may be granted for this use for increased buffers.
The minimum distance between the wireless support structure and any other
adjoining parcel of land or road must be equal to the minimum setback described
in Subsection 4.3.3.C.1.a above, plus any additional distance necessary to ensure
that the wireless support structure, as designed, will fall within the wireless
support structure site.
1. The applicant shall provide evidence that collocating new antennae and
equipment on an existing wireless support structure or structures within the
applicant’s search ring is not reasonably feasible. For the purposes of this section,
collocation on an existing wireless support structure is not reasonably feasible if
the collocation is technically or commercially impractical or the owner of the
existing wireless support structure is unwilling to enter into a contract for such use
at fair market value.
2. The applicant shall conduct a balloon test prior to the submittal of provide
simulated photographic evidence of the proposed appearance of the wireless
support structure and wireless facilities. The applicant shall arrange to raise a
colored balloon no less than three (3) feet in diameter at the maximum height of
Setbacks for all
wireless facilities
addressed in
Subsection
4.3.3.C.1.a
Concept to require
balloon tests
Concepts to
address structural
and aesthetic
design standards
Concept to require
collocation when
feasible, per NCGS
160D-933(c)
Existing standards
(black italics) have
been relocated for
clarity
2022-02 Maintenance Amendment Planning Board Draft
7
the proposed wireless support structure. The balloon test shall provide the basis
for simulated photographic evidence from four vantage points and a statement
as to the potential visual and aesthetic impacts on all adjacent residential zoning
districts. The simulation shall include overall height; configuration; physical
location; mass and scale; materials and color (including proposals for stealth
structures); and illumination.
3. Wireless support structures shall be monopole or unipole construction; guyed or
lattice-type towers are prohibited.
4. All wireless equipment, including any feed lines, antennas, and accessory
equipment, must be enclosed in the tower cannister, camouflaged, screened,
obscured, mounted flush, or otherwise not readily apparent to a casual observer.
5. Wireless support structures located within general residential districts (RA, AR, R-
20, R-20S, R-15, R-10, R-7, or R-5) shall be required to utilize faux tree stealthing
except where a structure is proposed in an area containing such dense existing
tree clusters that the structure is not visible from existing single-family or duplex
residential uses and/or platted lots located within a general residential district.
Faux structures shall be designed to match a species of tree located within the
existing cluster of trees in which a structure is proposed.
i. A wireless support structure may be exempted from this requirement only
by the Board of Commissioners as a condition of approval on the special
use permit.
ii. Concealed (stealth) or camouflaged facilities are encouraged when the method
of concealment is appropriate to the proposed location. Attached stealth facilities
may include but are not limited to painted antenna and feed lines to match the
color of a building or structure, faux windows, dormers, or other architectural
features that blend with an existing or proposed building or structure.
Freestanding stealth facilities typically have a secondary, obvious function such
as a church steeple, windmill, silo, light standards, flagpole, bell/clock tower,
water tower, or tree.
6. The proposed appearance of concealed or non-concealed facilities shall be
evaluated for compatibility with the surrounding community prior to submission
of the special use permit application. Applicants shall meet with Planning and
Land Use staff for a preliminary review of proposed appearance in order to assure
each facility will impose the least obtrusive visual impact.
d. Standards for Nonconforming Wireless Support Structures
Any wireless support structure and associated equipment which was lawfully constructed
under the terms of the Ordinance, which is now considered a nonconforming
improvement, may continue or be reconstructed as a conforming improvement even
though the wireless support structure and associated equipment may not conform with
the provisions of this ordinance for the district in which it is located. Wireless support
structures and associated equipment may only be enlarged and/or relocated if the
enlarged or relocated wireless support structure: is considered an eligible facilities
request, eliminates the need for an additional wireless support structure, provides
additional collocation opportunities on the wireless support structure, or provides
Concept to require
faux tree stealthing
where applicable in
general residential
districts
Concepts to
address structural
and aesthetic
design standards
2022-02 Maintenance Amendment Planning Board Draft
8
additional antenna space on the wireless support structure; and provided further than
the enlargement and/or relocation shall be in conformance with the following regulations
and design limitations:
1. Wireless support structure height may not be increased by more than 10 percent
of the originally constructed structure height, except where either of the
following is applicable:
i. The district in which the wireless support structure is located would allow
the increase by right, or
ii. The wireless support structure was originally permitted as a special use
permit and applicant obtains a special use permit modification, as
described in UDO Section 10.3.5 Special Use Permit.
2. A wireless support structure shall be allowed to be reconstructed and relocated
within the boundaries of the property on which it is located so long as the
decrease in the setbacks does not exceed 10 percent of the originally
constructed structure height and the relocated structure is sited to minimize any
increase in the existing nonconformity. Any request to reconstruct and relocate
the structure where the resulting decrease in setback exceeds 10 percent of the
originally constructed structure height shall require a special use permit or
special use permit modification, as described in UDO Section 10.3.5, Special Use
Permit.
5.2.4. Traffic Impact Analysis Worksheet
Before a nonresidential project is submitted for site plan review, the applicant shall prepare a Traffic
Impact Worksheet to the Planning Director for verification.
A. Where an application the worksheet indicates estimated traffic generation of 100 or more peak
hour trips according to the most current edition of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
Trip Generation Manual, the applicant shall be required to provide a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA)
in accordance with the standards, practices, and policies of the North Carolina Department of
Transportation (NCDOT) and the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
(WMPO).
B. If a TIA is required to be submitted, the applicant or the applicant’s consulting engineer shall
follow all scoping, submittal, review, approval, and appeal procedures promulgated by the NCDOT
and WMPO. request a pre-application conference with the Planning Director, the MPO
Coordinator, and an NCDOT Traffic Engineer to determine the scope of the TIA. (Electronic
communication among parties may be utilized to facilitate the scoping process, when necessary.)
C. All TIAs shall be prepared by a licensed Traffic Engineer that has relevant professional experience
to perform the analysis required for the TIA. Upon completion, the TIA shall be signed and sealed
by the licensed and qualified Traffic Engineer and submitted to the Planning Director for review.
(To the extent applicable, general guidance and standards for traffic impact analyses is outlined
in “Traffic Impact Study Standards” originally approved by the County Commissioners on May 20,
2002.)
D. The Planning Director, in collaboration with the MPO Coordinator and NCDOT, shall determine
whether the TIA and proposed mitigation (if appropriate) complies with the requirements of this
section, or whether additional analysis or mitigation is necessary based on identifiable cumulative
2022-02 Maintenance Amendment Planning Board Draft
9
impacts or special public safety situations. The collaboration shall follow procedures already
established by the MPO for communication with all parties.
E. The Planning Director shall notify the applicant with comments within 30 days of receipt of the
final TIA.
F. Once the mitigation measures are agreed upon by the MPO, NCDOT and County, the Wilmington
MPO will prepare a memorandum approving the TIA, identifying the transportation
improvements necessary to accommodate the proposed development. Mitigation measures
required as part of the TIA acceptance shall be included in the final site plan submitted for review.
G. An applicant may appeal a final decision on the mitigation required by a TIA to the Board of
Adjustment, by filing an appeal request within 10 working days of a final decision, to the Board of
Adjustment, in the form of a letter stating the reasons for appeal and including documentation in
support of the appeal. In hearing disputes, the Board of Adjustment may request an independent
study by an outside source, chosen by the County and paid for by the applicant, to resolve
questions of traffic impact and appropriate mitigation.
H. Nothing in this section may be construed to exempt an applicant from obtaining other applicable
approvals from the NCDOT, including but not limited to a NCDOT Driveway Permit.
5.4.6. Street Yard Standards
Table 5.4.6.B: Street Yard Area Standards
Zoning District or Use Required Area
B-2, CS, I-1, I-2, AC
• 25 square feet for every linear foot of
street yard frontage
• Minimum street yard width: 12.5 feet
• Maximum street yard width: 37.5 feet
B-1, CB, O&I, RMF-L, RMF-M, RMF-MH, RMF-H, EDZD,
UMXZ Districts
Developments with Additional Dwelling Allowance or
High-Density Development Special Use Permit
• 18 square feet for every linear foot of
street yard frontage
• Minimum street yard width: 9 feet
• Maximum street yard width: 27 feet
Non-Residential Uses in Residential Districts
• 12 square feet for every linear foot of
street yard frontage
• Minimum street yard width: 8 feet
• Maximum street yard width: 18 feet
− The road fronting width of driveways are not included in the linear street frontage when determining the base street
yard area.
− The area of any walkways, sidewalks or other bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and transit amenities shall be subtracted
from the base street yard area required above to get the total required street yard area.
− Areas designated for stormwater functions, except piped areas, shall not be included in the required street yard area.
− The applicant may choose to increase the required square footage per linear foot up to 25 percent to receive an
equivalent reduction in the building’s front yard setback.
− The applicant may install the street yard in any configuration that provides the required amount of street yard square
footage between the property line and any site improvements as long as it remains in compliance with the minimum
and maximum widths outlined above.
2022-02 Maintenance Amendment Planning Board Draft
10
5.4.7. Foundation Plantings
A. Foundation plantings located between the building face and the parking lot or drive aisle shall be
required for all portions of buildings adjacent to parking lots or internal drive aisles.
B. The following minimum standards are required, though additional landscaping is encouraged:
1. The foundation planting area shall be a minimum of 12 percent of the area of the first-floor
building face, or building face up to 25 feet in height, whichever is less, adjacent to the parking
area or internal drive; and.
2. The foundation planting area shall be planted as landscaped areas of sufficient variety, height,
and size, with plantings listed in “Tree and Plant Materials for Landscaping.”
C. Exemptions from foundation plantings may be granted by the Planning Director when the following
circumstances exist or when any of the following conditions are proposed on the site:
1. For those portions of buildings that have drive-up services (e.g., pharmacies, banks, fast food
restaurants, dry cleaners, photo shops, etc.); and
2. On the rear side of a building when less than 10 percent of the total required parking is located
in the rear of the building and the rear is not adjacent to any public right-of-way.