The Wilmington Planning Commission held its regular meeting on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM (meeting called to order at 5:59 PM per agenda) in City Council Chambers. The meeting was adjourned at 8:29 PM. Commissioners voted unanimously (7-0) on all three rezoning items. Chairman John Lennon presided; Vice-Chair Danny Adams and Commissioners Ace Cofer, Richard Collier, Livian Jones, Jack Pollock, and Ron Woodruff were present.
The applicant (Cindee Wolf of Design Solutions, representing the owner) requested rezoning of 2.176 acres from R-20(L) (Residential Legacy) to R-7(CD) (Medium-Density Single-Dwelling Conditional District) to allow an eight-unit townhome development (two four-unit buildings). Staff noted the proposed three-story townhomes (max height 35 feet), 16 parking spaces, stormwater management requirement, removal of 12 regulated and 9 significant trees with retention of 5 specimen trees, and adjacency to a mix of uses. The applicant explained that environmental constraints reduce developable area to ~1.6 acres, and the conditional district process would provide better stormwater and tree preservation compared to by-right redevelopment. A deed restriction on short-term rentals was intended via HOA covenants. Commissioners discussed emergency access, tree preservation, stormwater, parking, and traffic. The public hearing was opened and closed with one speaker in favor and one written opposition. The Commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval with staff conditions, finding the request consistent with the Create Wilmington Comprehensive Plan and in the public interest due to greater environmental protection, expanded housing, and appropriate transition between commercial and residential areas.
The applicant (Matt Nichols, attorney for Cameron Properties Land Company) sought to modify the existing O&I(CD) (Office & Institutional Conditional District) zoning on 12.26 acres within the Barclay West master-planned development to a new O&I(CD) with updated conditions. Staff explained that current conditions limit residential density; the request removes that cap, allowing residential up to 17 units per acre (estimated 208 units), or unlimited density if 10% of units are workforce housing for 15 years. New conditions would prohibit certain incompatible uses, maintain architectural consistency, require ground-floor fenestration, and update the Traffic Impact Analysis. Commissioners extensively questioned the lack of a specific site plan, the 2013 master-plan density cap (1,375 units overall), traffic generation, and the effect on the overall cap. The applicant argued that 2013 conditions are outdated and the site is ideal for added density due to existing infrastructure and proximity to services. The public hearing had no speakers; one written opposition was received. The Commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval with staff conditions, concluding the proposal is consistent with the Create Wilmington Comprehensive Plan and reasonable in the public interest, as it allows additional residential density in a location with good access and services while maintaining compatibility through conditions.
The applicant (Andrea Van Trigt, attorney for KEA Properties) requested rezoning of 2.02 acres from LI (Light Industrial) to O&I (Office & Institutional). Staff noted the property is developed with a single-story, multi-tenant office building and is within the Burnt Mill Business Park, where most surrounding parcels were rezoned to O&I in 2002. The existing LI zoning no longer reflects the current office/service-oriented uses or the business park character. The applicant explained that the rezoning would better align zoning with existing and anticipated tenants (e.g., a dance studio). Commissioners discussed height allowances (unchanged at 45/96 feet) and confirmed no new construction is planned. The public hearing had no speakers; one written support was received. The Commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval, finding the request consistent with the Create Wilmington Comprehensive Plan and in the public interest as it brings the parcel into conformity with adjacent properties and the surrounding area.
I'd like to call the September 2nd 2026 Wilmington Planning Commission meeting to order and ask that everyone please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you. I believe we have a full dais tonight. Mr. Turney, do we have a quorum? Yes, Mr. Chairman. 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. 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 development code and consistency of a request with the Create Wilmington Comprehensive Plan and other relevant adopted 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 planning staff is the applicant, there will only be one presentation. City staff will make the first presentation. To maintain an orderly meeting, all presentations shall proceed without interruption unless the commission desires to intervene with questions or comments. 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 ten minute time limit 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 time periods and will notify the speaker at the five-minute, one and one minute mark and verbally call time when time expires. The chair and their discretion may extend these time periods. 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 on the city of Wilmington's website. All comments received prior to 3 p.m. today were forwarded on edited to the planning commission. And all comments received will be delivered to the city council when the item advances. Other than what you sent us today? Nothing for since 3 p.m. Thank you. All votes will be roll call votes after the proper motions are made and consistency statements read into the record. The chair will state the outcome of the vote and 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 be tentatively be heard by city council at its October 19th, 2026 meeting. Do we have any comments or questions in regards to the minutes? Do I hear a motion to approve? I make a motion to approve the minutes. Aye. Any opposed? Thank you. For item number one, we have a conditional district rezoning for properties containing two point one seven six acres located at 120 and 124 Canal Street from R20L to resident sorry, R20 residential legacy district to R7 C D, medium density single dwelling conditional district for an eight-unit residential development. We'll be presenting. If you're reviewed tonight, I present a conditional district rezoning at 120 and 124 Canal Street. A community meeting was held in July prior to the application being filed with the city. Staff has reviewed and made the recommendation on this, and today's the first public hearing. This site is zoned R20, uh low density residential legacy district. Um the applicant is proposing to rezone this to an R7 moderate density residential conditional district. Here is a vicinity map showing uh the site in a broader context near uh summer rest trail, the summer rest community, and uh near uh the right tool intersection between Eastwood Road and uh Wrightsville. The existing land use is uh single dwell single family dwelling uh surrounded by mixed use, uh single family dwelling and commercial. It's currently zoned R20, uh, like I mentioned to the south is O and I, to the west is community business conditional districts. Here are photos of the subject property and views looking north, south, and west on Canal Street.