Land Development Code Amendments

Aerial view of the city

The Land Development Code is the portion of the City’s adopted Code of Ordinances that governs development regulations.

Amendments to the Land Development Code, also known as text amendments, are changes that help keep regulations clear, up to date, and aligned with the City’s adopted plans and priorities.

Text amendments may be initiated by the City Council, the Planning Commission, the City Manager, or members of the public.

How to Apply Online Go to the Portal

Beware Fraudulent Invoices

The City of Wilmington is aware that fraudulent invoices have been sent to applicants requesting money via wire transfer. The emails often contain pertinent information pulled from the application (such as address, parcel number, and case number), but include a fake invoice with fabricated application fees.

Here are a few ways to spot a fraudulent invoice:

  • Applications must be filed online via the City's Development and Permitting Services (DPS) portal. This platform will generate invoices for application fees, and your personal dashboard will identify any outstanding fees. You can also obtain a copy of the invoice on that platform.
  • The City will never request payment via wire transfer or issue an invoice that asks you to contact someone via email or phone for them to provide the payment method. Acceptable payment types and locations are noted under fee information for Land Development Code amendments.
  • Fraudulent invoices may also reference exorbitant fees. As noted, your personal dashboard in the DPS portal will identify any outstanding fees. Additionally, the City's Fee Schedule is established annually and posted online. Please review the permit fees to ensure you are being charged the proper amount.

If ever in doubt, don't hesitate to call the City's Planning Department at +1-910-254-0900 to confirm if the email or invoice you have received is authentic. Or if you have any questions about online permitting, please email staff at planreview@wilmingtonnc.gov.

 

Process

Text Amendment Stages

Step 1.Pre-Application Meeting

A pre-application meeting is required prior to submission of an application for a Land Development Code amendment. Pre-application meetings will not be scheduled or held on the application submission deadline date. The purpose of the pre-application meeting is to provide an overview of the application process and general guidance on the proposed amendment. Pre-application meetings may be scheduled by emailing the Development Review team or calling the Planning & Development Department main phone line at +1-910-254-0900.

Step 2.Planning Commission Public Hearing

The Planning Commission will hold a legislative hearing on the proposed land development code amendment at a regularly scheduled meeting. Prior to the hearing, the planning staff will publish a case summary that provides an overview of the request and recommended action. The case summary will be available on the Planning Commission page as part of the agenda packet for the meeting.

Step 3.City Council Public Hearing

If the Planning Commission recommends approval of the application, a public hearing will be scheduled before the City Council. If the Commission recommends denial of the application, no further action will be taken unless the applicant files an appeal with the City Council.

Public Comment
Public comment on pending applications is accepted in advance of both the Planning Commission and City Council public hearings through online portals. Members of the public may also contact the Development Review team by email with any questions they may have on pending applications.

Apply

Electronic Submissions

All applications must be submitted electronically through the Development & Permitting Services (DPS) portal.

Application Components

All application components (e.g., application, narrative, etc.) must be submitted individually and named accordingly.

Fees

Fee Amount

  • $200

Regardless of whether the application is approved or denied by the City Council, the responsibility for all fees associated with the amendment process  lies with the applicant(s) or their designated representative. Signing the petition for rezoning indicates the applicant (or their designated representative) accepts this financial responsibility. 

Payment Options

If you plan to pay in advance, planning staff must first notify the collections department to enable acceptance of payments.

Payment by Phone

Payment in Person

  • 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday except for holidays)
  • Billing & Collections Office
    Skyline Center
    929 North Front Street, 1st Floor

Payment by Mail

  • Please include invoice number or account number
  • Make checks payable to: City of Wilmington
  • Regular Mail
    City of Wilmington Collections
    PO Box 1810
    Wilmington, NC 28402
  • Express Mail
    City of Wilmington Collections
    929 North Front Street, 1st Floor
    Wilmington, NC 28401

Deadlines

Applications Accepted Quarterly

Applications to amend the Land Development Code are accepted on a quarterly basis.

  • Applications submitted by the first Monday in January will be scheduled for a public hearing at the April Planning Commission meeting.
  • Applications submitted by the first Monday in April will be scheduled for a public hearing at the July Planning Commission meeting.
  • Applications submitted by the first Monday in July will be scheduled for a public hearing at the October Planning Commission meeting.
  • Applications submitted by the first Monday in October will be scheduled for a public hearing at the January Planning Commission meeting.

Late Applications

Applications received after the established deadline will be included with the following quarter's review cycle submissions.

Contact Us

Phone

+1-910-254-0900

Email

planreview@wilmingtonnc.gov

Location

929 North Front Street
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