The Wilmington Planning Commission met on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Skyline Center, 929 North Front Street. The commission unanimously recommended approval of the Greater Downtown Plan as an appendix to the Create Wilmington Comprehensive Plan and approved a package of Land Development Code (LDC) amendments with modifications. Both votes were 6‑0.
Greater Downtown Plan
LDC Amendments
1. Greater Downtown Plan (OBG‑1‑526) Planning Director Linda Painter presented the plan, which covers 18 neighborhoods within Wilmington’s 1945 corporate limits plus the Lovegrove neighborhood. She highlighted that more than 6,300 people were engaged through three phases (surveys, pop‑up events, focus groups, open houses). Community priorities included safe walking/biking, green space, affordable housing, support for local businesses, and mobility improvements. The plan is organized around five themes: Local Character, Economy, Small Business, Mobility, and Resiliency.
Commissioners raised several points:
After discussion, Vice‑Chair Adams moved to recommend approval with a consistency statement. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jones and passed 6‑0.
2. LDC Amendments (LDC‑6‑526) Ms. Painter described amendments including: typographical corrections (removing extra “n” from “in”, adding “d” to “cul‑de‑sac”); striking the 6‑month resubmittal delay for zoning map amendments (to comply with state law); removing stamped‑envelope requirements; adding omitted 3,500 sq ft minimum lot area for townhouses in R‑7; exempting rooftop elevator rooms (and, at commissioners’ request, mechanical rooms) from height limits; and updating floodplain standards to align with the NC model ordinance—specifically clarifying rules for structures in multiple flood zones and for pools/spas in coastal high‑hazard areas. Nicole Smith, Certified Floodplain Manager, explained that the pool language comes directly from the state and requires pools to be designed to withstand flood loads; staff will incorporate the latest model language.
Commissioners discussed whether HVAC equipment should be included in the height exception (staff agreed to add “mechanical rooms”) and questioned the pool elevation language. Staff noted the updates reflect current practice and state requirements.
Public hearing was opened and closed with no comments.
Good evening. We'd like to call the City of Wilmington Planning Commission for Wednesday, May 6th to order. I'd ask that all please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge of allegiance to the flag in the United States of America. Thank you. For the record, Commissioner Callier is excused this evening due to a uh work conflict. Mr. Attorney, do we have a quorum? Yes, Mr. Chair. Thank you very much. The Planning Commission advises City Council on applications for rezoning, land development code amendments, street closures, and long-range plans and policies. The commission holds legislative hearings, meaning that anyone wishing to speak on a request may do so. The commission issues a recommendation based on consistency of the request with the intent and purpose of the land code, land development code, and consistency of a request with the Create Wilmington Comprehensive Plan and other relevant adoptive plans and policies. All matters requiring commission action shall be presented to the planning commission by the planning staff and the applicant. In situations where the planning staff is the applicant, there will only be one presentation. City staff will make the first presentation and the applicant will make the second presentation. To maintain an orderly meeting, all presentations shall proceed without interruption unless the commission desires to intervene with questions or comments. For public hearings, the chair will open the public hearing for those physically present wishing to speak about an item. Those in favor of an item shall be heard first, followed by those opposed to an item. A 10-minute time will be allowed for public comment in favor of an item, and a 10-minute time will be allowed for public comment in opposition to an item. A staff member will track the 10-minute periods and will notify the speaker at the five-minute mark, one minute mark, and verbally call time when time expires. The chair and their discretion may extend these time periods. And who's our timekeeper tonight? Excellent. Thank you, Mr. Chambers. All groups, organizations, neighborhoods, or similar associations desiring to comment are asked to appoint one spokesperson to present their concerns or point of view to the commission on each agenda item. The public has been encouraged to submit their comments in writing via a web-based form located at the City of Wilmington's website. All comments received prior to 3 p.m. today were forwarded on edited to the planning commission. All comments received will be delivered to City Council when the item advances. And all comments received will be made available to the public if requested. Ms. Bradshaw, have we received are you? We did not receive any comments for either item. Thank you. I can see the top of you, and that's all. For voting, all votes will be roll call votes after proper motions are made and consistency statements read into the record. The chair will state the outcome of the vote in the action. Rezoning requests that receive an unfavorable recommendation from the planning commission may be appealed by the applicant to the Wilmington City Council. Appeal should be in the form of a letter submitted to the city clerk within 10 days of this hearing. Any item that is appealed will tentatively be heard by City Council at the June 16th, 2026 meeting. First item of business is the approval of the April 1st Planning Commission meeting. Any comments from any of the members of the commission. Do I hear a motion for to approve? I'll make a motion. We approve. Second. We have a motion and a second motion and a second.