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Ordinance Amending the Land Development Code, Chapter 18, Related to Various Administrative Provisions, Floodplain Requirements, and Dimensional Requirements (LDC-6-526)
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Department: |
Planning & Development |
Meeting Date: |
6/16/2026 |
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Contact Name: |
Linda Painter |
Public Hearing: |
Yes |
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Contact Phone: |
910-341-7806 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
6/5/26 & 6/12/26 / StarNews |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Ordinance; Attachment #2: Case Summary; Attachment #3: Planning Commission Minutes; Attachment #4: Planning Commission Recommendation |
PURPOSE:
The proposed amendment is intended to correct minor typographical errors, update administrative provisions, clarify and update floodplain management requirements, and update dimensional requirements.
BACKGROUND:
The Land Development Code (“LDC”) was adopted by City Council on August 17, 2021, with an effective date of December 1, 2021. At the direction of City Council, staff has continued to review and monitor the LDC for errors and elements that do not work in implementation.
As part of staff’s continuous efforts to update and maintain the LDC, the proposed amendment would:
• Correct typographical errors;
• Update administrative provisions to be consistent with statutory requirements and current practice;
• Add a minimum lot area for townhouses in the R-7 district that was inadvertently omitted from the dimensional standards table;
• Add exemptions to height requirements for rooftop elevator and mechanical rooms;
• Update floodplain management provisions to clarify applicability of requirements when buildings are located partially within a special flood hazard area or within multiple flood hazard areas; and
• Update floodplain management provisions for pools and spas to clarify applicability and be consistent with the new model regulations published by the State of North Carolina.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding the proposed amendment on May 6, 2026. After discussion, the Commission voted 6-0 in favor of recommending approval of the proposed amendment and recommended that the section on height exemptions be updated to include an exemption for rooftop mechanical rooms and that the floodplain management requirements for pools and spas be clarified to address applicability to both above- and in-ground pools and spas.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
N/A
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RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Staff recommends approval of the requested amendment to the LDC, as it is consistent with and helps implement the Create Wilmington Comprehensive Plan.