Zoning Compliance

'Sorry I missed you' note

The Zoning team manages general customer requests including verification of zoning districts, floodplain determination, certificates of compliance, and enforcement of Land Development Code regulations.

City Zoning Districts

Online Permit Portal

The city’s Development & Permitting Services (DPS) online platform has expanded to allow citizens to apply for all Zoning Permits and Minor Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) online. The platform allows users to submit permit applications, track the progress of existing applications, resubmit plans and documents, and pay invoices.

All new permit applications must be submitted via the DPS site. Staff will be available to assist applicants with the new platform and submitting permit applications.

Getting Started Guide(PDF, 155KB) Apply Online

Beware of 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) platform. This platform will generate invoices for application fees, and your personal dashboard on that platform will identify any outstanding fees. You can also obtain a copy of the invoice via 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 above.
  • Many of these invoices also reference exorbitant fees. As noted, your personal dashboard in the DPS platform will identify any outstanding fees. Additionally, the City's fee schedule(PDF, 703KB) 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 zoning@wilmingtonnc.gov.

Certifications

Step 1.Zoning Verification

You can check the zoning of your property using our online zoning map. In addition to our online zoning maps, the Zoning team is also available to assist with inquiries on the zoning of property.

Zoning verification letters regarding existing zoning and permitted uses can be issued for a fee of $25.

Step 2.Certificate of Zoning Compliance

A certificate of zoning compliance is an official determination of the zoning of a lot, including whether the existing or proposed land use(s) are compliant. Types of determinations include:

  • Principal uses and structures
  • Accessory uses, buildings, and structures
  • Signs

The fee for a Certificate of Zoning Compliance is $25.

Step 3.Flood Certification

Flood zones that are designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) affect parts of the city. Requests regarding the flood insurance rate map (FIRM) are handled by zoning staff.

There is no fee for a floodplain certification.

Step 4.Zoning Determination

Official determinations, including interpretations of the Land Development Code, may be issued by the Zoning Administrator upon request.

The fee for a Zoning Determination is $25.

Enforcement

The Zoning team is responsible for enforcing all provisions of the Land Development Code.

Step 1.Complaints

Zoning compliance staff investigate all complaints of potential violations of the Land Development Code. Complaints may be filed in person, via telephone, via email to the Zoning team, or through our online complaint form.

Our officers also initiate investigations of potential violations based on their observations in the field.

Step 2.Certificates of Occupancy

While building permits are issued by New Hanover County, a Certificate of Occupancy cannot be issued until one of our compliance officers inspects the work and determines the final product complies with the approved permit and Land Development Code regulations.

Fees

Step 1.Fee Amount

  • Zoning Verification Letter: $25
  • Certificate of Zoning Compliance: $25
  • Zoning Determination: $25
  • Zoning Re-Inspection: $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

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

  • Make checks payable to: City of Wilmington
  • 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

Zoning Compliance Form

Contact Us

Phone

+1-910-254-0900

Email

zoning@wilmingtonnc.gov

Location

929 North Front Street
View Map

Request Forms

Zoning and Floodplain Verification

Resources

Land Development Code

Back to top