Obtain a use permit

Step 1.When is a permit required?

All new uses and changes to existing use require a zoning permit. Permits for certain uses must be renewed annually - see Specific Use Permits tab for more information.

Step 2.What do I need to apply?

• Completed application form
• Fee ($25) unless otherwise specified on the Fees tab for a specific use

Step 3.Required Improvements

As part of the permit review process, any improvements required due to the change in use pursuant to Section 18-359 of the Land Development Code will be identified. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Screening of existing parking
• Additional landscaping (Table 18-326)
• Full compliance with Divisions 1 and 6 of Article 5 of the LDC
• Bicycle parking
• Installation and/or repair of existing sidewalk
• Closure or modification of nonconforming driveways

Step 4.Business License

Once you have confirmed your use is permitted and obtained a use permit, contact or visit the Collections office to obtain your business license.

Step 1.Temporary Uses

Temporary uses are allowed on a limited basis; see Table 18-229 of the Land Development Code for allowable frequency. Application fees are based on the scale of the temporary use: 

• Small-Examples include tree sales, weekend events
• Large-Regional events

Step 2.Uses Requiring Annual Permit Renewal

• Bed and Breakfast
• Sexually-Oriented Business
• Sidewalk Cafe
• Street Furniture
• Vehicle Towing

Step 3.Other Specific Use Permits

• Community Garden
• Home Occupation
• Mobile Food Truck

Step 4.Special Use Permits

Some uses may only be appropriate under certain conditions. Uses identified in Table 18-19.2 of the Land Development Code as requiring a special use permit can only be approved by the City Council. For more information on the process, see Special Use Permits.

Step 1.Fee Amount

• Sidewalk Cafe-Initial Permit: $250 plus  $2.50 per square foot
• Sidewalk Cafe-Annual Renewal: $150 plus $1.50 per square foot
• Street Furniture-Initial Permit:  $25
• Street Furniture-Annual Renewal: $10
• Shipping Containers: $50
• Temporary Use Permit-Small (i.e. tree sales, weekend): $25
• Temporary Use Permit-Large (i.e. regional event): $50
• Temporary Health Care Structure-Initial Fee: $100
• Temporary Health Care Structure-Annual Renewal: $50
• Manufactured/Mobile Home Park (less than 5 acres): $50 plus $1 per manufactured home space
• Manufactured/Mobile Home Park (5 or more acres): $100 plus $1 per manufactured home space
• All other zoning compliance permits: $25 (???????)

Step 2.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 (910. 343.4745)

• 8 am to 5 pm (Monday through Friday except for holidays)
• Limited to VISA and MasterCard payments.

Payment in Person

• 8 am to 5 pm (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
• 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