CAMA Land Use Plan Update & Comprehensive Plan-1997-2010

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Wilmington - New Hanover County
CAMA Land Use Plan Update
Comprehensive
Plan1997-2010
Adopted: September 7, 1999
Wilmington City Council 6-
New Hanover County Board of Commissioners
Certified: November 19, 1999
NC Coastal Resources Commission
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I. Acknowledgments
Steering Committee
John Jefferies, Chairman
William Caster, Chairman, County Commissioners
Hamilton Hicks, Mayor, Wilmington City Council
Buzz Birzenieks, County Commissioners
Harper Peterson, City Council
Kirk Davy (1997-99), County Planning Board
Rodney Harris (1999), County Planning Board
Glenn Richardson, Chairman, Wilmington Planning
Commission
Wes Beckner, Chamber of Commerce
Carlton Fisher, Wilmington Regional Association of
Realtors
Johnnie Henagan, Council of Neighborhoods
Association
Tilghman Herring, Historic District Commission
Edward Higgins, Chairman, Board of Education
Debbie Keck, Board of Education, alternate
Jim Hunter, At -Large Representative
Jim Kenny, President, Home Builders Association
Gerry McCants, At -Large Representative
Linda Pearce, Elderhaus Representative
Ernest Puskas, Castle Hayne Area Representative
Tracy Skrabal, Environmental Representative
Special Acknowledgement
Members of Community Growth Planning & Chairman,
Bob Warwick
Citizens that participated in the Public Forums, Public
Opinion Survey, Sub -Committee Public Meetings,
Steering Committee meetings, and fall 1998 Public
Forum/Hearing
New Hanover County
Board of Commissioners
William A. Caster, Chairman
Robert G. Greer, Vice Chairman
Buzz Birzenieks
Ted Davis, Jr.
Charles R. Howell
Wilmington City Council
Hamilton E. Hicks, Jr., Mayor
Don Betz, Mayor 1981-97
Katherine B. Moore, Mayor Pro Tem
Frank S. Conlon
J. C. Hearne, II
Rose Ann Mack 1997-98
Laura Padgett 1993-97
Harper W. Peterson
Jim Quinn
Charles H. Rivenbark, Jr.
County Planning Board Members
Rodney Harris, Chairman
Kirk Davy 1997-99
McKinley Dull
Joyce Fernando
John Galarde
Michael Keenan
Robert Murphy 1997-98
Frank Smith
James E. Wolle
Wilmington Planning Commission
Glenn Richardson, Chairman
Jack Watkins, Vice Chairman
Frank Hamilton, III 1995-98
Donald M. Hand 1996-99
Rose Ann Mack
Terry Richardson
Mark Saulnier
Elaine Selden
Stephen Stein
New Hanover County
www.co.new-hanover.nc.us/
Planning Department
414 Chestnut St., Suite 304, Wilmington, NC 28401
Tel. [phone], Fax [phone]
Dexter Hayes, Director
Patrick Lowe, Assistant Director
Chris O'Keefe, Senior Planner
Wanda Coston, Planner
Sam Burgess, Planner
Grant D. Gore, Graphics Technician
Pete Avery, Senior Planner 1984-99
Phoebe Saavedra, Secretary 1989-99
Margie Titus, Intern
Bert Hatchell, Intern 1997-98
Elizabeth Adams, Intern 1997
Mike Gutekunst, Intern 1998
Katheryn Quinelly, Intern 1997
Kim Wolfer, Intern 1996-97
Information Technology
Mike Arkinson, GIS Manager
Bruce Walker, GIS Analyst
Budget
Cam Griffin, Budget Director
Managers Office
David Weaver, Assistant County Manager
Andy Atkinson, Deputy County Manager

County Public Schools
Bill Hance, Assistant Superintendent for Operations
Engineering
Wyatt Blanchard, County Engineer
Environmental Management
Ray Church, Director
Fire Services
Phil Kouwe, Fire Services Administrator
Libraries
David Paynter, Director
Parks
Neil Lewis, Director
Sheriff
Joe McQueen, Sheriff
City of Wilmington
www.ci.wilmington.nc.us/
Planning Division
202 N. P St., 4t' Floor, Wilmington, NC 28402
Tel. [phone], Fax [phone]
Wayne Clark, Planning Manager
Mark Zeigler, Planner
Bill Austin, Transportation Planner
John Ponder, Transportation Planning Engineer
Chad Ives, GIS Planner
Dorothy Chavious, Department Secretary
Deborah Haynes, Graphics Technician
Bruce Johnston, Engineering Technician
Arcelia Wicker, Director of Planning 1981-98
Ockert Fourie, Planner 1998
Mark Sudduth, Intern 1997
Zachary Taylor, Intern 1997
City Managers Office
Mike Hargett, Asst City Manager (Interim Planning
Manager 1998)
Development Management
Andrea Surratt, Development Mgmt. Manager
Kaye Graybeal, Historic Preservation Planner
Mellisa Allcox, Development Mgmt. Intern 1997-98
Eleanor Price, Historic Preservation Consultant
Jayson Ward, Planning Technician 1997-98
Paul D. Harsch, Intem 1997
Community Development
Mark Karet, Community Development Manager
Gaines Townsend, Planner
Hattie Herring, Code Enforcement Officer 1989-99
Fred Reisz, Housing Services Counselor
Bettie Bisbee, WHFD, Inc. Program Manager
Robert Lucas, WHFD, Inc. Administrator
Information Technology Services
Jim Sahlie, GIS Systems Analyst
Administration Services
Susan Dankel, Director 1975-99
Engineering
Bill Penny, City Engineer
Dave Mayes, Engineer
Police
John Cease, Chief of Police
Sharon Pulley, Captain
Public Services & Facilities
Ed Fare, Director
Public Utilities
Hugh Caldwell, Director
Fire
Sam Hill, Fire Chief
Cape Fear Community College
Eric McKeithan, President
Carl Brown, Vice President for Institutional Services
Facilitator
Robert Gerlach, President, The VTA Group
Todd Gerlach, Facilitator
N. C. Dept. of Environment & Natural Resources
— Division of Coastal Management
Zoe Bruner, District Planner
Kathy Vincent, District Planner
The preparation of this document was financed in part
through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal
Management Program, through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended,
which is administered by the Office of Ocean and
Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
• Date: July 30,1999

Table of Contents
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IAcknowledgments............................................................................. 1
II Executive Summary.......................................................................... 3
IIIIntroduction....................................................................................... 7
IV Issue Highlights............................................................................... 10
V Planning Process............................................................................ 14
VI Vision and Goals............................................................................ 16
VII Natural Resources.......................................................................... 24
VIII Land Use and Urban Design.......................................................... 35
IX Transportation................................................................................ 42
X Community Infrastructure.............................................................. 50
XIHousing.......................................................................................... 61
XII Economic Development................................................................. 68
XIII Historic Preservation...................................................................... 76
XIV Storm and Natural Hazards............................................................ 79
XV Land Classifications/Map.............................................................. 83
Appendix................................................................................................... 88
A. Definitions................................................................................ 89
B. List of Available Reports......................................................... 91

II. Executive Summary
INTRODUCTION
Population Growth Pressures
Between 1997 and 2010 it is projected that 31,000 new people will join the population of
Wilmington and New Hanover County. This is an increase from 149,000 people in 1997 to
180,000 in 2010. The challenge for the County and City is to wisely allocate land use in the urban,
urbanizing, and rural areas for existing residents as well as projected newcomers.
Plan Background Information and Land Use Survey
The 1997-2010 Comprehensive Plan has been in the making since December 1996 when
elected officials of the City and County authorized the creation of the Plan. Throughout 1997 and
into spring of 1998 technical reports were written addressing: population; environmental
resources and constraints; existing land use; transportation; community infrastructure/fiscal
impact analysis; hurricane mitigation/reconstruction; housing; economy; and other background
information.
In October 1997 a public opinion survey of registered voters was conducted. The results
showed that the major land use issue of public concern was that the current rate of growth was
much too fast. Survey respondents also expressed the desire for more economic growth, but only
if it is the right kind of growth such as high technology industrial. Eighty nine percent of the
survey respondents expressed the desire that developers pay for infrastructure costs caused by
new development, such as roads and schools. Protection of the environment was another clear
direction of the survey.
Public Participation and Plan Guidance
In the fall of 1997 six Public Forums were held across the City and County. Input was
solicited regarding the environment, land use and design, community infrastructure,
transportation, housing, and economy. The Plan Public Forums also included participants from a
citizen driven Community Growth Planning initiative.
Throughout 1998 the Comprehensive Plan's development and continued public
participation process was guided by an 18 member Steering Committee. Jointly appointed by the
County Commissioners and City Council, the Steering Committee was comprised of community
members from diverse backgrounds including: elected officials; planning commission and board
members; business, environment, development, minorities real estate, and the school board.
The Public participation process continued into the spring of 1998 with four Public Sub -
Committees meetings which were attended by more than 70 non -appointed volunteer members.
These meetings were used to gather additional information and create draft policy statements for
the Comprehensive Plan topics. Issues and vision statements from Community Growth Planning
were also included in the Sub -Committee meetings.
During the summer and fall of 1998 the Steering Committee molded the issues and
policies generated by the Public Sub -Committees, added detailed implementation actions and
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developed a vision statement for the Plan. In the fall of 1998 the future land use technical report
was written incorporating proposed concepts from the public and Steering Committee. In October
1998 the draft Plan was presented to City Council and the County Commissioners and was
authorized to be sent to the State for review. In the Spring and Summer 1999 the plan was
modified to address the state's review comments. Public hearing consideration and final adoption
of the Plan by the City and County is scheduled for fall 1999.
CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
PHYSICAL PLAN GUIDE
Land Classification - Guiding Architecture for the Physical Plan
The guiding architecture for the physical Plan is provided by the land classification map.
Intensity of development ranges from urban land to the less developed rural and resource
protection areas. The land classes are: developed; urban transition; limited transition; community;
rural; conservation; and resource protection.
Natural Resources Protection
Protection and preservation of our natural resources is important to our economic and
community well being. Natural resource protection addresses water quality, open space, wetlands,
creeks rivers and flood plain, estuaries, beaches, potable water supply, air quality, agriculture and
forestry, and harvesting mineral and fishery resources.
Conservation Corridors, Greenways, Parks and Open Space
The Plan provides for conservation corridors and greenways that link and incorporate
conservation areas, key parks and open space areas. The plan encourages the development of
residential neighborhoods that provide environmentally sensitive design and an integration of
open space.
Residential Neighborhood Development
The Plan focuses on modern residential development designs and options for Traditional
Neighborhood Development with narrower tree lined streets and sidewalks that emphasize a
pedestrian orientation and scale. Diverse housing types and lot sizes are encouraged. Public
spaces such as formal public parks, village greens are desired features in the Plan.
Linking Pedestrian Friendly Business and Residential Development
The Plan envisions concentrating business and residential development in nodes, while
retaining open space. The business nodes would include highly accessible linked pedestrian
friendly commercial centers, surrounded by mixed density residential neighborhoods. Moving out
from these centers the residential densities would decrease. The Plan establishes guidelines for
creating development regulations, along with incentives, that will encourage innovation and
provide flexibility in land use development.
Urban Design for Business and Residential Neighborhood Development
The Plan addresses the recurring theme desired by our citizens for improved design
guidelines for thoroughfare landscaping and signage, pedestrian access, dedicated bicycle routes,
and pedestrian friendly shopping centers and parking lots. The Plan design guidelines address
strip commercial development and the establishment of an integrated transportation network.
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Historic Preservation
Downtown Wilmington has inherited a unique treasure of existing historic residences and
business properties. The Plan recognizes the need to nurture and maintain this rich cultural
heritage through historic preservation guidelines.
Community Infrastructure
The Plan provides direction for community infrastructure needs including schools,
libraries, parks, sheriff and police, fire, roads, water, sewer, and storm water. Fiscal impact
analysis shows that provision of community infrastructure is cost efficient if focused within an
Urban Service Area, with the added benefit of deterring urban sprawl. Policy direction includes
how to pay for the needed community infrastructure with exploration of alternative forms of
financing. Also addressed are the improvements needed to provide a high quality level of service,
and to prevent a decline in the level of service provided to County and City residents. Paying for
community infrastructure should be fairly shared by new development and existing residents.
Transportation
The Plan acts as a guide for transportation planning. Directions include: new major and
minor thoroughfares; widening of existing streets where appropriate; the feasibility of multi -
modal transit alternatives; park and ride lots, express bus service, carpool and vanpool services;
increased rubber tired trolley service; bicycle and pedestrian pathways; and congestion
management.
Storms and Natural Hazards
�j. The Plan addresses storms and natural hazards through emergency management plans that
JI provide for mitigation, evacuation, and recovery in the event of a hurricane or disaster. Recovery
management also includes the provision for a recovery task force.
HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SOCIAL NEEDS
Housing
One of the key housing components of the Plan is to increase affordable housing for low
and moderate income persons. Methods for increasing affordable housing and ownership
include: expanding existing programs; establishing a mortgage revenue bond program; and
establishing a land trust program for affordable housing land acquisition.
Other key related housing components in the Plan are: creating County minimum
housing standards and enforcement, and enhancing the City's; consolidating the City and County
Community Development Block Grant program to increase money for programs; increasing
affordable rental housing; expanding programs for the homeless population; increasing public
outreach by government on growth and development challenges; housing challenges for the
elderly and special needs population; and adequate student housing for University of North
Carolina - Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College.

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Economy 0
The Plan addresses the need for a coordinated economic development strategy that will
attract high paying, environmentally friendly employers to create a more diversified economy. n
Another key concept of economic development in the Plan is to increase the skills level (�)
and education of the workforce. The Plan addresses this challenge through school and work
programs of Cape Fear Community College and the County public schools. The need for
vocational education is particularly emphasized.
Other economic development needs addressed by the Plan are: improving employment u
opportunities in economically distressed areas of the City and County; supporting the Wilmington
State Port's need to deepen the harbor, improve inland highway and rail access and upgrade the
terminal; support the local water dependent marine economy; support airport growth and
expansion; and encourage a diversified economy including heritage and historic preservation
tourism, boating, and eco-tourism. 9,
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III. Introduction
Background
The Wilmington City Council and New Hanover County Commissioners agreed to
jointly prepare a Comprehensive Plan in anticipation of continued growth, and in response to the
01 scheduled update of the Land Use Plan, as required under the provisions of the Coastal Area
Management Act (CAMA), and the Wilmington Urban Area Transportation Plan. These plans
have future land use implications for the City and County, and are coordinated through the
Comprehensive Plan.
The 1974 Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA), requires a cooperative coastal land
j management program between local government and the State of North Carolina for preparing,
adopting and enforcing local land use plans. CAMA requires that local government within 20
coastal North Carolina counties prepare land use plans which provide protection, preservation,
orderly development and management.
Wilmington is classified as an Urbanized Area by the US Census Bureau. As a result of
this designation, the area is required to have a continuous transportation planning process that
encompasses the urban area around Wilmington. A Greater Wilmington Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO) is responsible for guiding the transportation planning. One of the main
roles of the MPO is to develop the Transportation Plan.
The Wilmington -New Hanover County Comprehensive Plan will become an official
public document of the Wilmington City Council and the New Hanover County Board of
Commissioners upon its adoption. Public hearings and adoption for the Plan are scheduled for
Fall 1999. The Plan will act as a set of long range, general guidelines for local decision making.
LJ Upon local adoption the Plan will be officially certified by the State and used by regional, State
and Federal agencies in making project consistency determinations, funding and permit
decisions.
The Comprehensive Plan provides guidance to City and County officials in their
decisions on development plans, programs, regulations and incentives. The Plan also
communicates local government policies to interested citizens and organizations. While the
Comprehensive Plan is not statutorily binding in the sense of an ordinance, it is an important
policy document that is adopted, amended and updated by formal action of the City Council,
Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission.
This Plan is the fourth update to the original Wilmington -New Hanover CAMA Land
Use Plan which was adopted by the City Council and the Board of Commissioners in 1976.
Previous updates to the original Plan in accordance with State planning guidelines occurred in
_ 1981, 1986 and 1993.
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Purpose of the Plan
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County have experienced a high level of
population and employment growth throughout the 1990's. This growth is exerting increasing
pressure on the City and County's ability to provide services, insure wise development of the
land, and minimize further degradation of our resources and loss of our natural landscape.
The City -County Comprehensive Plan addresses the following:
• Recognize the need and provide for effective environmental and conservation
management measures to ensure environmental protection.
• Guide and monitor land use changes as a result of development and redevelopment.
• Meet the transportation challenges with diverse solutions including automobile, bus,
bicycle and pedestrian.
• Maintain and enhance the fiscal sustainability and community infrastructure needs.
• Support and enhance affordable housing and minimum housing programs.
• Increase efforts to improve economic diversification, and efforts to attract employers
with high paying jobs.
• Protect and nurture our historic heritage.
• Ensure citizen protection through proactive plans for hurricanes or other natural
disasters.
• Provide a land classification system and map to chart a course of growth and
development, and land conservation.
Components of the Plan
The Comprehensive Plan consists of the following sections: issue highlights; planning
process; vision and goals; issues, policies, and implementation actions; land classifications and
map. Any changes, additions, or deletions to these elements require an amendment to this Plan.
Technical reports were used to support and provide information for the public and
Steering Committee and are available from the County and City Planning offices. A title list of
available documents is included in the Appendix.
Issues
This section lists the issues of importance to the community. They were developed
through the public participation process and the guidance of the Steering Committee. The issues
relate to natural resources, land use and urban design, community infrastructure, transportation,
housing, historic preservation, economy, and storm and natural hazards.
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` Planning Process
` This section contains details of the planning process for public participation and the role
of the Steering Committee. The planning process was used to create a vision and goals; identify
issues affecting the community; and create policies and implementation actions to address the
issues.
i Vision and Goals
This section contains the vision and goals of the Comprehensive Plan. The vision and
j goals were synthesized by the Steering Committee as a result of issues and policies brought
U forward by the public through the planning process.
Issues, Policies, and Implementation Actions
This section of the Plan contains the issues (a restatement from the highlighted issue
section), policies and implementation actions to guide future growth and development. The
topics are: natural resources, land use and urban design, community infrastructure,
transportation, housing, historic preservation, economy, and storm and natural hazards.
For each of the main topics the implementation actions have been consolidated into
tables that provide the following detail: the priority given to the action item; the estimated
relative cost of implementation; the fiscal year in which it is proposed to be initiated; and the
responsible agency. These implementation action tables are to be used to evaluate progress in
implementing the Plan policies, and will serve as an annual status report to City Council and the
County Commissioners.
Land Classifications and Map
The land classification and map show the location of the land categories which are:
�/ developed; urban transition; limited transition; community; rural; and conservation. These
U categories are intended to guide and promote wise development, redevelopment, and natural
resource conservation for the Plan. The policies and implementation actions fit within the
architecture provided by the land classification.
Definitions
The appendix contains definitions to be used with the Plan elements containing issues,
policies, and implementation actions.
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IV. Issue Highlights
Introduction
An important first step in the Comprehensive Plan process was to identify community
concerns. Issues were identified through an extensive public consultation, participation and
review process which included: a New Hanover County voter survey (Eastcoast Consumer
Research Group, October 1997); public forums; the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce's
Community Growth Planning initiative; and the public Comprehensive Plan Subcommittees, and
Steering Committee.
The issues, as expressed by the community through this collaborative process, have been
grouped into the following topics: natural resources; land use and urban design; community
infrastructure; transportation; housing; economy; historic preservation; and storm and natural
hazards. The following major issues were identified.
Natural Resource Issues
1. Clean Water. Continued declining water quality has led to strong community desire for
protection and enhancement of our surface and ground water quality and to bring all coastal
water up to the highest quality possible.
2. Open Space Preservation and Acquisition. Loss of open space and farmlands to development
has resulted in strong community desire to preserve remaining areas of public use; greenways,
bike paths, hiking trails, conservation areas.
3. Environmental Protection and Quality of Life. The special quality of our coastal environment
is perceived as an important ingredient in our overall quality of life including our potential for
continued economic growth. We must ensure the protection and enhancement of our natural
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resources.
4. Growth Management. The current rate of growth is much too fast for the community's
comfort level and it is having a perceived negative impact on the quality of life. The
Comprehensive Plan must have implementable policies to encourage sustainable and orderly
growth.
5. Implementation of Plans. Identified as a weak area in previous plans; the Comprehensive Plan
should identify the time frame, resource costs, accountability, and feedback necessary to
ensure its implementation.
Land Use and Urban Design Issues
1. Allocation of sufficient land for all desirable land use types.
2. Flexible , and innovative site plan criteria are needed to guide the development process
throughout the county.
3. Continue to promote Wilmington as a regional trade center.
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4. Minimize dependence on the automobile by changing land use patterns and providing
facilities for alternative methods of transportation.
5. Allow higher density where adequate infrastructure exists and where natural conditions will
not be adversely effected.
6. Land use plans and regulations effecting land use should be coordinated between the City and
County and should incorporate the conclusions of other planning efforts (i.e. Community
Growth, Downtown 2020, River Corridor Plan).
7. Define urban growth boundaries.
8. Identify elements that define quality of life and determine the impacts of the built
environment on those elements.
Transportation Issues
1. The full impact of new development and changes in land use on transportation systems, and
the cost of mitigating this impact, is not adequately addressed.
2. Efforts to improve flow of people and products are not sufficiently coordinated.
3. Alternative forms of transport are not given enough emphasis.
4. Strip development along thoroughfares.
5. The preservation of transportation corridors is inadequate.
6. The appearance of road arteries needs improvement.
7. The construction and maintenance of transportation facilities negatively impacts the
environment, particularly water quality.
8. Driveway access to arterial roads are not sufficiently controlled.
9. Traffic volume exceeds the capacity of street networks.
10. The negative affects of new roads on neighborhoods.
Community Infrastructure Issues
1. The uncoordinated, costly provision of community services and facilities is of concern.
2. The high cost of infrastructure investment places a burden on public and private financial
resources.
3. Storm water drainage problems caused by existing and future development raises concern.
4. There are inadequate sewer and water services in some unincorporated areas.
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5. The optimal location, use and maintenance of education facilities, some of which are
overcrowded and need improvements.
6. Insufficient provision of community open space, recreation and cultural facilities for present
and future needs.
7. Recognition of Downtown Wilmington as the regional cultural nucleus.
8. Maintenance of adequate police and fire services in unincorporated areas.
9. Increased waste management problem due to growth and development.
10. The proliferation of telecommunication towers.
Housing Issues
1. The City minimum housing program should be improved. The County should establish and
adopt a minimum housing code and enforcement program.
2. There is a documented need for affordable housing, particularly for low and moderate income
residents.
3. The City and County need to ensure that it is receiving the maximum amount of federal and
state financial opportunities for community and economic development.
4. There is a need to provide an increased amount of affordable rental housing.
5. There are an estimated 800 homeless persons County wide with the majority living in the
City.
6. Neighborhood residents need a mechanism to voice their concerns regarding growth, and
change, and the County and City needs an efficient way to provide information to residents.
7. There is a need for adequate housing for the special need population, elderly, and disabled in
the City and County.
8. With the growth of UNC-Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College, students will need
adequate on and off campus housing.
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Economy Issues
1. There needs to be improved economic diversification, and continued effort to attract
employers that provide high paying jobs.
2. Continue efforts to attract and retain business to economically distressed areas.
3. To remain competitive into the next decade the State port will need to deepen its harbor,
improve inland highway and rail access, and upgrade the terminal.
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4. The area could increase marine related employment opportunities with: marine technology;
aquaculture; the aquarium; and boat manufacturing and marinas.
5. The Wilmington International Airport needs to expand to improve its competitiveness while
working to ensure community compatibility.
6. There is a need to balance tourism with a diversified economy.
7. There is a need to increase workforce preparedness, especially for the marginally trained and
under educated.
Historic Preservation Issue
The City and County need to identify, protect and plan for the preservation of its historic and
cultural resources.
Storm and Natural Hazard Issues
1. Three hurricanes and five major storms in the past few years have focused attention on the
need for examination of many existing ordinances and building codes.
2. Use of land susceptible to hurricane and flooding damage must be scrutinized to assure the
safety of visitors and citizens.
3. It is the responsibility of the governments of New Hanover County, the City of Wilmington
and the beach Communities to provide a plan of action to protect the lives and property of
their citizens and visitors.
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V. Planning Process
Community Participants to the Plan
Public involvement was assured throughout the creation of the Comprehensive Plan
with: public forums; a public opinion survey; inclusion of a citizen Community Growth Planning
initiative; Public Subcommittees; and a Steering Committee.
• A Public Opinion Survey.
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• Six Public Forums.
• A citizen initiative, Community Growth Planning.
• Four Public Comprehensive Plan Subcommittee meetings.
• Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee with 21 oversight meetings.
• Public Forum on Draft Comprehensive Plan
Subject topics discussed included: natural resources; land use and urban design;
community infrastructure; transportation; housing; economy; historic preservation; and storm
and natural hazards.
Public Opinion Survey
The Public Opinion Survey was conducted in 1997 through a random telephone survey
of 410 registered voters in New Hanover County. Detailed findings of the survey indicate:
"The current rate of (County) growth is much too fast for voters to accept and is much
higher than previous study levels. A total of 72% said growth was too fast, versus 5 1 % in 1991
or 41% in 1986. The voter population has decided to accept more (economic activity in the
County) but it is limited to mostly "light high tech" industrial business. This suggests that most
voters like (economic) growth if it is the right growth. The voters definitely want developers to
pay for the infrastructure costs, roads, schools, ect., caused by their growth or developments. The
89% rating was even higher than the 83% or 84% ratings of the previous studies (1986 and
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1991). However, developers would likely pass along any of these costs to their buyers, voters or
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taxpayers or businesses."
"Half of the voters said that continued growth and development is just as important as
protecting the environment in the current study. This indicates that they are having difficulty in
choosing, because both issues are important. Most of the voters are willing to see City and
County dollars spent on solving their most important problem (growth). The 88% current study
level is much stronger than the previous study levels (1991 and 1986). There was no clear choice
on what (transportation) facility needs improvement. Responses were evenly distributed across
most choices, except for a slight preference for improved roads. This likely reflects their traffic
0 issue concerns."
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Public Forums
In the fall of 1997 six Public Forums were held across the County and included help
from Community Growth Planning volunteers. Public input was solicited with a growth and land
use survey and prioritized issues.
Including a Citizen Initiative - Community Growth Planning
In response to concerns over rapid growth in the planning area a citizen driven
Community Growth Planning initiative was supported by the Chamber of Commerce. This
initiative identified and prioritized growth related issues facing our community. Community
Growth Planning conducted a visioning process attended by more than 250 citizens, representing
over 90 civic groups during six public meetings. Initiative issues and vision ideas were
incorporated directly into the Comprehensive Plan. This citizen initiative and the Comprehensive
Plan have been mutually beneficial.
Public Subcommittees
The Public Subcommittees for the Comprehensive Plan consisted of over 70 non -
appointed volunteer members who attended four meetings over a three month period during the
Spring of 1998. The Subcommittees developed issue and policy statements, and implementation
actions. This process included issues raised by Community Growth Planning.
Plan Oversight - Steering Committee
The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, was appointed by elected officials to
representing the community in creation of the Comprehensive Plan. The Steering Committee
met 18 times in 1998, from February to October and provided oversight for the duration of the
plan development. The statements and actions developed by the Public Subcommittees were
forwarded to the Steering Committee for review and refinement for inclusion in the
Comprehensive Plan. The Steering Committee created a vision statement and goals summarizing
the statements and actions for the Plan. A public hearing was held in September 1998 to further
solicit information regarding the draft Comprehensive Plan. In October 1998 the County
Commissioners and City Council authorized the submittal of this draft Comprehensive Plan to
the State for Initial Review. State comments were addressed in three meetings form February to
June 1998. Public hearings, consideration and adoption of the Plan by the County
Commissioners and City Council is scheduled for the Fall of 1999.
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u VI. Vision and Goals
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VISION STATEMENT
Wilmington and New Hanover County are rich in history, natural resources and
tradition. These are the characteristics that have formed our way of life and have made the area
attractive to those who live and visit here. This way of life has adapted to changing times and to
new people of differing ethnic proportion, customs and background. The natural resources have
contributed to the area's economic prosperity and beauty.
adapt to growth as we reserve the values that make r
Our vision is to continue tog p ou
community a great place to live in harmony with the earth and the sea and give our people
unique opportunity for making a living.
Thus, we combine the legacy of the past with the promise of the future.
VISION OBJECTIVES
Our Way of Life
Our overall quality of life will be enhanced through the preservation, renovation and
restoration of our neighborhoods.
We will have parks, greenways, and bike paths that provide recreational opportunities
for every citizen.
Our region will offer outstanding, affordable health care systems and facilities.
All these elements will continue to make this area a very desirable place to live work
�
and raise a family.
Government
There will be cooperation among all government agencies.
We will defeat crime, drugs and violence through community wide commitment and
action, coordinating educational, preventive, enforcement and rehabilitative programs
and initiatives.
-ti
Infrastructure and Transportation
Our infrastructure systems will meet the needs of our economy and provide a high level
of service to a growing population in a fiscally responsible manner.
I
Our highways will meet the appropriate levels of service and scheduled plans will be
ahead of anticipated growth patterns.
16

There will be an inter -modal transportation system serving our County, State and
Region.
Housing and Economics
Safe, sanitary and affordable housing will be available to every citizen.
Business development and diversity will embrace all economic, ethnic, social and
cultural segments of the community.
We will have grown our economic base and average wages/salaries by growing our high
tech, heritage tourism, movie industry and port industry.
We are recognized for our culturally diverse and highly inclusive business community
The business and industrial sectors will first look within our community for human
resources development.
Employment and financial opportunities will be provided for all citizens.
Our historic and commercial districts will flourish and continue to be a hub for economic
and cultural activities.
Education
Our children and their education will be this community's highest priority beginning at
the pre-school level.
Our school system test results will be among the leaders in the state.
Vocational and technical training alternatives will begin at the middle school level.
Cape Fear Community College and UNC-Wilmington will continue to grow and offer
advanced vocational and post -secondary educational opportunities.
Environment
We envision that in the year 2020, Wilmington and New Hanover County will be an
environmentally clean area with a healthy economy.
Our natural resources, including our beaches, rivers, sounds, aquifers, natural vegetation
and tree canopy will be preserved and protected.
17

u GOALS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The following goals and common themes for the Wilmington and New Hanover County
Comprehensive Plan are summarized from the policies and implementation actions.
CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT - PHYSICAL PLAN
n Land Classification
�! The guiding architecture for the physical Plan is provided by the following mapped land
classifications. Land classes range from developed urban land to the less developed rural and
resource protected environment. The land classification system is supported and complemented
by zoning.
Ll Land Classification - Guiding Architecture for the Physical Plan
�} Developed Limited Transition Rural Resource Protection
Urban Transition Community Conservation
The developed and urban transition classes comprise the urban service area. The purpose
of the developed class is to provide for continued intensive development and redevelopment of
existing urban areas. The urban transition class provides for future intensive urban development
on lands that have been or will be provided with necessary urban services. The developed and
urban transition classes allow residential densities greater than 2.5 units per acre.
Residential densities may not exceed 2.5 units per acre for the non -urban service area
composed of: limited transition; community; rural; conservation; and resource protection. The
limited transition class provided for development in areas that will have some services, but at
lower densities than those associated with urban transition. The community class provides for a
"crossroads" type of development to help meet housing, shopping, employment and public
service needs within the more rural areas of the County. The rural class provides for areas of low
intensity land uses, such as agriculture, forests, and mineral extraction areas. The conservation
class provides long-term management and protection of significant, limited or irreplaceable
natural resources. The resource protection class provides preservation and protection of
important natural, historic, scenic, wildlife, and recreation resources.
Conservation and Development - Physical Plan
The Plan's policies and implementation actions fit within the land classification. Together
they address the need to balance conservation and development, through physical planning, for
the City and County. The following are the key physical Plan elements and objectives.
Key Elements for the Conservation and Development - Physical Plan
Natural Resource Protection
Conservation Corridors, Greenways, Parks, and Open Space
Residential Neighborhood Development
Linking Pedestrian Friendly Business and Residential Development
Urban Design for Business and Residential Neighborhood Development
Historic Preservation
Community Infrastructure
18

Transportation
Storm and Natural Hazards
Natural Resource Protection
Our City and County is characterized by low lying land and tidal waters that meet the
Atlantic Ocean. The plan emphasizes protection of our marshlands which act as a natural
stormwater management system. Wetlands act as hurricane buffers, protect us from flooding, and
are important natural filters for plants and animals. Natural resource protection focus areas
include water quality, open space, wetlands, creeks rivers and flood plain areas, estuaries,
beaches, potable water supply, air quality, agriculture and forestry, and harvesting mineral and
fishery resources.
Conservation Corridors, Greenways, Parks and Open Space
The plan provides for conservation corridors and greenways which are linear open space
systems that link and incorporate conservation areas, key parks, open space areas and utility
corridors.
The Plan includes neighborhood, community and regional parks. These are intended to
provide a wide range of facilities to serve the diverse recreational and sporting needs of the
community. The parks and facilities serve both passive and active recreational needs of the
community. The proposed facilities range from playgrounds, picnic areas, basketball courts,
baseball diamonds and tennis courts to larger athletic fields and parks which provide for resource
oriented activities, such as boating, fishing, and hiking. Specialized parks include golf courses
and nature parks.
Proposed greenways would be located along natural and -or man-made features and
would serve as conservation areas or as recreation areas for walking, jogging, biking and
enjoying nature. The conservation component of greenways afford opportunities to protect and
connect key natural features and functions, preserve essential water resources, act as natural
filtration areas for runoff and pollutants, and to provide corridors for wildlife migration.
Greenways are typically located along streams, flood plains and wetlands, and
correspond to natural vegetated buffers adjacent to wetlands and perennial stream channels.
Greenways may be either publicly or privately owned. Utility corridors such as roads, canals,
reservoir shorelines and water, sewer, and power line easements can also be good locations for
greenways. Greenways range in improvements from slightly cleared natural pathways to fully
paved bike and pedestrian paths, and may or may not be accessible to the public.
Residential Neighborhood Development
The Plan provides guidelines for creating regulations and incentives that will encourage
the development of residential neighborhoods with environmentally sensitive design and an
integrated open space system. The Plan focuses on improving modern residential development
designs such as planned unit developments. The Plan accommodates Traditional Neighborhood
Development with smaller lot neighborhoods, narrower tree lined streets, and sidewalks on both
sides of the street. This design emphasizes a pedestrian orientation and scale. Diverse housing
types and lot sizes are mixed and houses are located close to the fronting street. There may also
be compatible nonresidential uses mixed in among the residential uses in the neighborhood.
Public spaces, such as formal neighborhood parks, village greens or squares are primary features
lr

included in the design. These serve as focal points for community interaction to compensate for
the smaller lot sizes. Traditional neighborhood designs include alleys for access to parking and
for essential public services. Most traditional neighborhoods use on -street parking , which also
serves to reduce traffic speed, buffer sidewalk pedestrians from traffic, and supply daily
overflow or guest parking.
Linking Pedestrian Friendly Business and Residential Development
The Plan envisions concentrating business and residential development in nodes, while
retaining open space. This vision provides an alternative to unattractive, inefficient, and land
wasteful strip development, with isolated cut off residential neighborhoods. This vision
decreases dependence on the automobile. The business nodes would include highly accessible,
pedestrian friendly commercial centers, surrounded by mixed density residential neighborhoods.
Moving outwards from these centers, the residential densities would decrease.
The Plan provides for innovation and flexibility in land use. Proposed business and
residential nodes are identified, but the precise internal arrangement of the commercial, office,
institutional and higher density residential uses that make up the activity center is not specified.
Instead the Plan establishes for creating development regulations along with incentives that will
provide for innovation and flexibility in land use development. Changes to the Unified
Development Ordinance regulations and procedures will provide the flexibility for innovation to
establish and promote a hierarchy of neighborhood, community and regional activity centers.
Urban Design for Business and Residential Neighborhood Development
A recurring theme from the community involvement and consultation process was a
desire for improved urban design. These included thoroughfare landscaping and signage,
pedestrian access, dedicated bicycle routes, and pedestrian friendly shopping centers and parking
lots.
The Plan includes general design guidelines to be expanded in the Unified Development
Ordinance. The aim is to maintain and enhance the City and County's visual appeal and its
image as an attractive place in which to live, work and recreate. The Plan design guidelines
address the aesthetic qualities of residential areas, activity and employment centers. The focus of
the Plan design guidelines is on the preservation and creation of a connected open space system
with recreation facilities, and the preservation of environmentally significant features and
functions. The design guidelines also address preventing strip commercial development, and the
establishment of an integrated transportation network. The Plan guidelines serve as a basis for
developing specific regulations, standards and requirements to manage growth and development.
Historic Preservation
Closely related to urban design for business and Traditional Neighborhood Development
is the unique treasure of existing historic residences and business properties, primarily located in
downtown Wilmington. The public involvement process of the Plan identified the need to
nurture and maintain this rich cultural heritage through historic preservation. To date a revised
set of historic preservation guidelines has been writen for homeowners, builders and contractors.
The Plan recognizes the established Historic Districts which protect and preserve areas with
architectural significance, heritage, historic importance, and their overall aesthetic qualities.
20

Community Infrastructure
The Comprehensive Plan serves as an official statement of where growth and
development will be given preference in the future. Not only does it serve to guide investment
decisions by the private sector and citizens; the plan provides a powerful tool to direct new
community infrastructure and investment.
The developed and urban transition land classes comprise the urban service area of the
Wilmington and the unincorporated County (see map in Land Classification section of Plan).
Beyond the urban service area are the land classes of the non -urban service area. Guiding growth
in the urban service area will deter land development sprawl and provide for more efficient
infrastructure levels of service.
Policy direction on how to pay for the needed community infrastructure includes
exploration of alternative forms of financing included impact fees, bonds, user fees, and tax
increases for the improvements needed to have a high quality level of service. These
infrastructure projects will prevent a decline in the level of service provided to County and City
residents. Paying for community infrastructure will be fairly shared by new development and
existing residents.
Transportation
The Greater Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is responsible for
developing and implementing the Transportation Plan for most of the Plan study area. The MPO
includes the City of Wilmington, New Hanover and Brunswick Counties, Belville, Leland,
Navassa, and Wrightsville Beach.
Future housing and employment data forms the basis for the development and testing of
alternate transportation plans. These plans were developed taking into account economic
feasibility, public desires, and environmental impacts. For these plans to be successfully
implemented, the future rights -of -way must be procured or protected.
The current draft Greater Wilmington Urban Area Transportation Plan contains
recommended improvements to the transportation system and these recommendations are
reaffirmed by the policies and actions contained in the Comprehensive Plan. Recommendations
focus on the following.
• The provision of major and minor new thoroughfares.
• Widening of existing streets where appropriate.
• The feasibility of multi -modal transit alternatives.
• Park and ride lots, express bus service, and carpool and vanpool services.
• Increased rubber tired trolley service.
• Bicycle and pedestrian pathways.
• Congestion management.
Storms and Natural Hazards
Three hurricanes passing over our County and City between 1996 and 1998 fully
demonstrate the need for proactive storm and natural hazard policies with implementation
actions in the Plan. The policies and implementation actions address mitigation, evacuation, and
recovery in the event of a hurricane or disaster. These policies and actions focus on measures to
21

0
safeguard increased future populations from the risk of natural disaster. A Recovery Task Force
may be appointed with the responsibility for directing reconstruction after a damaging storm. If
(� needed the City and County may retain on a seasonal basis a facilitator or consultant to assist
j� with mitigation, evacuation, recovery efforts. Actions address immediate removal and debris
nclean up and restoration of services following a major storm event.
U
HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - SOCIAL NEEDS
Housing and Related Challenges
The following are key housing related challenges to come out of the Plan public
consultation process.
The Plan supports the effort for the City to enhance it's minimum housing program, and
for the County to establish a minimum housing program with appropriate enforcement.
The Plan contains policy and action to increase affordable housing for low and moderate
income persons. Methods for increasing affordable housing and ownership for low and moderate
income residents include: expanding existing programs; establishing a mortgage revenue bond
program; and establishing a land trust program for affordable housing land acquisition.
�1 Federal and State funding for housing and economic development programs would be
maximized through a consolidation of the County and City, Housing and Urban Development,
Community Development Block Grant program. It is recommended that consolidation of the
City and County programs should be considered.
The amount of rental affordable housing needs to be increased and the Plan calls for an
expanded City rental rehabilitation loan program and the establishment of a similar County
program.
The City and County homeless population is a challenge to be addressed. The Plan calls
for expanded programs for homeless shelters with acceptable quality accommodations, and with
an emphasis on housing for the mentally disabled.
There are concerns for better public outreach on growth and development. These
concerns include the need for better communication in both the City and County between
ii government staff, elected officials, and citizens neighborhood associations. The Plan calls for
creating neighborhood guidelines to remedy this challenge.
The elderly population in the City and County will increase because of immigrating
retirees and aging "baby boomers" in the next decade. The Plan calls for establishing a housing
program to deal with the challenge of the projected increase in persons with special needs and
elderly persons.
To insure that there will be adequate student housing for the University of North
Carolina at Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College, the Plan calls for an on and off
campus student housing program coordinated with the University, the College, and the City and
County.
22

Economy
Key economic concepts to come out of the Plan public consultation process include the
following.
Data from the economic technical report show that 57% of the jobs in the County are
relatively low paying, consisting of retail trade, service, and construction. Manufacturing jobs
are the highest paying but they have been steadily declining and now constitute only 11% of the
work force. Policy and implementation action to address this challenge is to develop a
coordinated economic development strategy to attract high paying employers, while creating a
more diversified economy.
Some areas are economically distressed and both the City and County are working with
non-profit and for profits organizations to attract and retain business in these areas. A priority is
to expand economic opportunities for low and moderate income residents so that poverty is
reduced, and employment increased. As more businesses are located in economically distressed
areas commercial districts. will improve and related jobs will increase for local residents.
From 1990 to 1996 the Wilmington State Port Authority added to the state economy by
ripple effect: 46,000 new jobs, $1.3 billion in income; $8.3 billion in new sales; $185 million in
new taxes. This major player in our local economy will need to remain competitive into the next
decade by deepening its harbor, improving inland highway and rail access, and upgrading the
terminal. The Plan supports the needed Port upgrades with policy and implementation actions.
An important part our coastal County and port City heritage is the water dependent
marine economy. The Plan supports: local aquaculture research and marine technology; the
expansion efforts of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher; and expanded boat
manufacturing and boating services such as marinas.
The Plan encourages airport economic growth and development that will be compatible
with surrounding land uses.
The City and County are a favorite destination for tourists. New Hanover County's per
capita retail sales ranked fourth highest in the state in 1995. The Plan encourages a diversified
economy including heritage and historic preservation tourism, boating tourism, and eco-tourism
activity.
A skilled and educated workforce is essential for a healthy economy. The Plan addresses
this challenge by supporting the school and work programs of Cape Fear Community College
and the New Hanover County Public Schools. Vocational education is a particular emphasis to
the Plan. An action item in the Plan is to expand the job skills program for the post high school
aged under -prepared. The Plan supports a study needed to prepare guidelines to address
challenge of public school drop outs and high school students working excessively during the
school year.
23

VII. Natural Resources
Environment
nISSUES............................................................................................................................
U
The following issues have been identified by Citizens through the Community Growth Planning Initiative
and throughout the Comprehensive Plan public participation process, which has included public forums, a telephone
public opinion survey, Subcommittees, and the Steering Committee Task Groups.
1. Clean Water - continued decliningwater quality has led to strong community desire for protection
� ty � ty
and enhancement of our surface and groundwater quality and to bring all coastal waters up to the
highest quality possible.
2. Open Space Preservation & Acquisition - loss of open space and farmlands to development has
resulted in strong community desire to preserve remaining areas for public use; parks, greenways,
bike paths, hiking trails, conservation areas; Save Airlie Gardens!
(� 3. Environmental Protection/Quality of Life - the special quality of our coastal environment is
�J perceived as an important ingredient in our overall quality of life including our potential for
continued economic growth. We must ensure the protection and enhancement of our natural
resources as stewards for future generations.
4. Growth Management- the current rate of growth is much too fast for the community's comfort level
and it is having a perceived negative impact on the quality of life. The Comprehensive Plan must
have implementable policies to encourage sustainable and orderly growth.
5. Implementation of Plans - identified as a weak area in previous plans; the Comprehensive Plan
should identify the time frame, resource/costs, accountability, and feedback necessary to ensure its
implementation.
.0 24
III

Natural Resources
POLICIES........................................................................................................................................
A. RESOURCE PROTECTION
We must preserve, protect and enhance the area's natural resources, because the quality of our environment
is an important ingredient in our overall quality of life, including our potential for continued economic
growth.
The protection of our resources shall be pursued in a regional context with area -wide planning, through a
political process that favors long-term goals over short-term interests and provides accountability for the
implementation of the goals and policies stated herein.
1. WATER QUALITY The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
1.1 Prevent further deterioration of estuarine water quality and loss of public trust uses in the
creeks and sounds and bring all coastal waters quality up to its use designation as
determined by the Division(s) of Water Quality, Marine Fisheries, Health, and E.P.A.
1.2 Ensure the protection of water quality throughout the Cape Fear River Basin within New
Hanover County and the management & maintenance of drainage within our coastal
watersheds through participation in the development of regional water quality / stormwater
management, programs.
1.3 Ensure the protection, preservation and wise use of our natural resources by careful
review and consideration of the anticipated impacts of development through the creation and
implementation of an Environmental Review Program.
1.4 It is the intent of this plan to further provide for the protection and improvement of our water
quality through our Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The UDO should specify
standards for water quality, buffers, setbacks, density, impervious surface, and overlay
corridors; it should consider estuarine, river and other feeder creeks water quality; and it
should build upon existing information and ordinances.
2. OPEN SPACE The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
2.1 Ensure the preservation of adequate open space for its continued enjoyment and
contribution to our community today and for generations to come, to protect our natural
environment and wildlife habitats and to provide educational & recreational opportunities.
2.2 Identify and protect wildlife corridors as a part of the greenway system and require their
protection or mitigation with all new development.
2.3 Preserve Airlie Gardens as a part of the greenway system to provide public open space,
natural environment and water quality protection, coastal landscape, educational
opportunities, and to ensure its continued enjoyment and contribution to our community.
2.4 Ensure the protection of our community's significant trees and the provision of adequate
25

landscaping to address urban design and resource protection issues through the update
of city and county development ordinances & processes and establishment of a joint
Tree Advisory Commission. Encourage and support the replacement of trees lost to natural
disaster and the use of native vegetation in landscaping.
2.5 Provide for the protection, acquisition and development of public shorefront and boat access
areas.
3. NATURAL RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS The City of Wilmington and New Hanover
County shall:
3.1 Preserve and restore shell fishing to all SA waters and bring all coastal waters designated
or formerly designated SA up to their use designation.
3.2 Provide for the continued protection of the Cape Fear River from the cumulative impacts
of development by ensuring that Industrial permitting does not exceed the river's carrying
capacity and land disturbing activities are carefully reviewed and considered for their
potential sediment/turbidity and nutrient impacts.
f3.3 Minimize dense development activities in ocean erodible areas, high hazard flood areas,
1 inlet hazard areas, and coastal & federally regulated wetlands to protect the public safety,
reduce the risk of property damage, and provide for the long-term protection and
management of these environmentally significant resources due to their natural role in the
integrity of the coastal region.
3.4 Ensure the protection of coastal and federally regulated wetlands that have important
�I functional significance through early identification in the development process. Review of
development proposals should seek to achieve the hierarchical goals of avoidance,
!►� minimization, and/or compensation.
3.5 Ensure the protection of our undeveloped barrier and estuarine system islands and support
research and passive recreation as their primary uses. Undeveloped barrier and estuarine
system islands should not be developed and should be identified as public acquisition
areas.
3.6 Carefully control development activities within the 100-year floodplain to minimize
density and impervious surfaces and require low intensity uses such as open space and
recreation, to protect the public safety, reduce the risk of property damage, and provide for
the long-term protection and management of these environmentally significant resources.
• Limited shared industrial access corridors and exceptionally designed residential
development projects may be allowed within the floodplain only where it can be
demonstrated that the project cannot be located out of the floodplain and where
adverse impacts to the estuarine system can be shown to be negligible.
• All projects shall comply with hierarchical review standards of avoidance,
minimization, and compensation for unavoidable impacts.
3.7 Require that the cumulative and secondary impacts of land use and development, and the
limited carrying capacity of our coastal ecosystems be considered in all land use decisions
and in the development or revision of local plans, capital facilities, services, and ordinances.
26

3.8 Allow channel maintenance projects only where the public trust interest is preserved or
enhanced; significant economic or recreational benefits will occur for planning area
residents; and no significant adverse impacts will occur on shoreline dynamics. Support State
and Federal channel and inlet maintenance projects, including the continued use and
development of the Wilmington Harbor and the State Ports, maintenance of the Atlantic
Intracoastal Waterway, and beach renourishment projects.
3.9 Allow estuarine shoreline erosion control only where the public trust interest is not adversely
impacted and the public shoreline will be the primary beneficiary.The shoreline stabilization
method chosen shall, to the maximum extent feasible, maintain water quality and avoid or
minimize adverse effects on nearshore habitat or natural resources.
3.10 Carefully control development activities within the estuarine watersheds to prevent the
degradation of water quality in the creeks and sounds, to protect the public health, and to
ensure the protection of these vital natural resources by reducing nutrient, pesticide,
sediment and other harmful loadings through density controls, setbacks, buffers, impervious
surface limits, and other means. The following standards shall apply:
• Limit density to 2.5 units/acre or less in Resource Protection & Conservation.
• Limit impervious surface coverage.
• Increase existing setbacks and establish a natural vegetative buffer to effectively
filter runoff prior to entering surface waters.
3.11 To preserve, protect, and where possible restore water quality and vital estuarine resources,
a naturally vegetated buffer with an average width of 35 linear feet shall be established or
maintained within established setback areas defined as Conservation Overlay Districts
(COD's). The determination and management of buffers must balance the above stated
goals with the property owner's right to develop and use the property. Guidelines for
standards to maintain, alter and properly manage vegetation within the buffer areas should
be established within the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) process and should be
included in the COD guidelines.
3.12 Limit density in hydric soils and Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's) and encourage
Planned Residential Development and Planned Unit Development to allow greater design
flexibility to save trees and natural buffers.
3.13 Clearcutting or mowing of coastal wetland vegetation within any coastal wetland AEC
shall not be allowed.
4. AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN The City of Wilmington and New Hanover
County shall:
4.1 Prohibit the use of estuarine waters, estuarine shorelines and public trust areas for
development activity which would result in significant adverse impact to the natural
function of these areas.
4.2 Carefully control development activities within AEC's to prevent the degradation of water
quality and to ensure the protection of these vital natural resources by reducing nutrient,
pesticide, sediment and other harmful loadings through the use of density control, setbacks,
buffers, impervious surface limits, and other means. The following standards shall apply:
• Limit density to 2.5 units/acre or less in Resource Protection and Conservation.
27

• Limit impervious surface coverage.
• Increase existing setbacks and establish a natural vegetative buffer to effectively
filter runoff prior to entering surface waters.
4.3 Support the preservation, protection, and acquisition of the Masonboro Island Estuarine
Research Reserve
4.4 Discourage the development of undeveloped barrier and estuarine system islands.
4.5 Continue the phased development and extension of the County sewer system within the
urban services area as a means of eliminating water pollution from malfunctioning or
inadequate septic systems and package treatment plants. In Conservation and Resource
Protection areas an environmental review shall be required prior to sewer system
development or extension and no additional density shall be allowed in these areas. Planned
Residential Development, Planned Unit Development and other methods of cluster
development shall be encouraged to allow greater design flexibility.
4.6 Allow only tertiary sewage treatment plants of the highest quality, whose standards of
operation provide the greatest measure of water quality protection, to discharge into public
surface waters; and then only if it is not feasible to connect to the public sewer system, or
as an alternative, on or off -site land application located away from surface waters.
4.7 Seek to provide additional boat access facilities, recognizing that adequate, properly
sited facilities are essential to the preservation of both the environment and economy.
4.8 Allow the development of marinas, dry stack storage, and moorings as a means of providing
public access to the extent that their development shall not adversely effect estuarine
resources or public trust waters.
• Marinas shall not be allowed in Primary Nursery Areas(PNA), Outstanding
Resource Waters(ORW), or open Shellfishing Waters(SA).
• Moorings and mooring fields shall not be allowed where they may have an
adverse effect on navigation channels.
• Pumpout facilities shall be required for existing marinas which have boats
containing enclosed heads.
4.9 Allow uses of estuarine and public trust waters that provide benefits to the public and which
satisfy riparian access needs of private property owners. In tidal waters, docks shall be
limited to the minimum necessary to provide riparian access to waterfront property owners
4.10 Not allow new dredging activities in Primary Nursery Areas (PNA), Outstanding Resource
Waters (ORW), or Shellfishing Waters (SA) , except for the purpose of scientific research,
designed for the purpose of protecting and enhancing water quality, and where supported
by sound scientific and technical knowledge. Limited exceptions may be allowed for the
urban waterfront and Wilmington's ports, consistent with the goals and objectives of the
Cape Fear River Corridor Plan (1997) and the Downtown 2020 Plan (1998).
4.11 Clearcutting or mowing of coastal wetland vegetation within any coastal wetland AEC shall
not be allowed.
28

4.12 Prohibit floating home development in order to protect our public trust and estuarine waters
and to avoid impacts on hurricane mitigation efforts.
4.13 Pursue a policy of "retreat" along our estuarine shorelines in order to accommodate future
sea level rise and wetland migration.
4.14 Allow shoreline erosion control and stabilization above our marsh wetlands only where
the public trust interest is not impacted and the public shoreline will be the primary
beneficiary. The shoreline stabilization method chosen shall, to the maximum extent
feasible, maintain water quality and avoid or minimize adverse effects on nearshore habitat
or natural resources.
5. POTABLE WATER SUPPLY The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
5.1 Ensure that all land use and development decisions protect our groundwater aquifers.
5.2 Not allow the development of mining operations if, based upon the best available information
and scientific data, adverse impacts to the ground water aquifer will most probably occur.
5.3 Conserve and protect the best sources of potable surface and groundwater.
5.4 Preserve the Castle Hayne and Pee Dee aquifers in their present unpolluted state as the
primary groundwater resources for the County.
6. OTHER FRAGILE OR HAZARDOUS AREAS The City of Wilmington and New Hanover
County shall:
6.1 Continue to support plans for the safe transportation of hazardous materials, for the
prevention and clean-up of spills of toxic materials, and the evacuation of area residents in
response to natural or man-made hazardous events.
6.2 Carefully review the siting of all industries, including energy facilities and high voltage
utilities, to ensure the protection of area residents and natural resources. Development of all
off -shore mineral, oil, and gas resources shall be discouraged.
6.3. Ensure that industrial permitting on the Cape Fear River does not exceed the rivers carrying
capacity and that land disturbing activities are carefully reviewed and considered for their
potential cumulative impacts.
6.4. Ensure the continued protection of the Masonboro Island Estuarine Research Reserve and
support the preservation and acquisition efforts.
7. AIR QUALITY The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
7.1 Ensure the protection and enhancement of air quality in our community through continued
commitment and actions to meet or exceed the Cape Fear Region's National Air Quality
Standards.
111
I]
29

I
B. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
• We must seek to ensure the continued sustainable development of the area's natural resources
through responsible management which avoids short sighted or premature commitments and
fulfills our community's needs without permanent impairment to the resource base.
• We will support efforts to wisely manage the natural resources of the area and the region through
cooperation with other governmental entities and public and private agencies.
1. AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY RESOURCES The City of Wilmington and New
0 Hanover County shall:
I
0
1.1 Discourage the premature conversion of the planning area's remaining farmlands and
commercial woodlands into more intensive uses.
2. MINERAL RESOURCES The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
a 3.
2.1 Not allow the development of mining operations if, based upon the best available
information and scientific data, adverse impacts to the ground water aquifer or other
significant environmental resources will most probably occur.
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
3.1 Support the continued productivity of commercial and recreational fisheries through the
protection of the unique coastal ecosystems, including primary nursery areas, shellfish
waters and coastal marshes upon which they depend, and the Masonboro Island Estuarine
Research Reserve.
(� 3.2 Pursue the protection, preservation, and restoration of shellfishing in all SA waters.
j� 4. OFF -ROAD VEHICLES The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
4.1 Ensure the continued protection of ecologically sensitive ocean and estuarine shoreline areas
through monitoring and control of off -road vehicle use, including signage programs,
rewards, increased fines, and other means.
I
a
0
30
0

All
Annually review and update the
1) Develop a review and update process for the implementation
One (1)
$
All
Planning
implementation action schedule
action schedule
A.
RESOURCE PROTECTION
A.I.
Water Quality
AL I
Develop a regional water quality/
1) Develop a joint city/county drainage and water quality program
One (1)
$$$$$
1999 -
Planning /
stormwater management program
to include ocean, river and estuarine water quality monitoring
2000 -
Engineering
2001 -
2) Develop drainage systems and design standards that reflect the
2002
natural carrying capacity of the watershed (ie-soils, slope,
permeability, & other natural features)
3) Develop specific water quality standards and development
performance standards for each watershed, to include max.
impervious surface, butters, permeable paving, reduced parking
surfaces, and others.
4) Develop standards to ensure the retention, acquisition and
management of natural vegetative buffers to preserve, maintain
and protect water quality.
5) Update/develop subdivision design standards to protect and
improve water quality in sensitive areas.
6) Seek legislation to require that NCDOT modify its standards to
ensure the protection and enhancement of water quality
7) Develop educational programs and other strategies to deal with
point and non -point source impacts on water quality, such as pet
waste and other sources.
8) Establish a funding mechanism through a county -wide
assessment and/or basin specific utility district fee, and pursue all
available grants.
9) Continue to support the Lower Cape Fear River Program & the
UNCW Tidal Creeks Program.
Also see A.1.3 >
Also see A.1.3 >
A.1.2
See A.1.1 >
See A.1.1 >
31
C7

A.1.3
Develop an environmental review
1) Develop an environmental review process and ordinance, to be
One (1)
$$
1999
Planning
program
required for all major development projects, or any development
in conservation, resource protection, coastal 404 wetlands or other
sensitive areas; to include:
a) guidelines for the evaluation of cumulative impacts on the
community.
b) guidelines for review of impacts in accordance with goals of
avoidance, minimization, compensation and/or mitigation.
c) identification and protection of historical, archaeological, and
other conservation resources
d) preservation of significant /specie trees
e) guidelines for mitigation of impacts
A.1.4
Update city and county
1) Revise and update the Unified Development Ordinance
One (1)
$$
1999
Planning
development processes and
ordinances
2) Include new standards to address identified resource protection
issues, urban design issues, tree preservation / landscaping issues
and others.
3) Develop specific performance standards for setbacks, natural
vegetated buffers, and impervious surface limts for each
watershed.
4) Revise and update development/permit review process
Also see A.1.1 & A.1.3 >
Also see A.1.1 & A.1.3 >
A.2
Open Space
A2.1
Develop a comprehensive open
I)Develop and implement a joint city -county masterplan for open
Two (2)
$$$$$
1999-
Planning/ Parks
space, greenways and trails system
space, greenways, parks, and trails.
2003
2)Develop a funding program to ensure adequate resources are
allocated. Funding strategies for consideration, to include fees,
bonds, grants, and others. .
3)Develop public access/boat access area plans
4)Identify areas on Future Land Use and Land Classification
Maps
Also see A.1.3 >
Also see A.1.3 >
A.2.2
See A.1.3 & A.2.1 >
See A.1.3 & A.2.1 >
A.2.3
Preserve Airlie Gardens
Pursue acquisition /preservation strategies, to include program
One (1)
$$$$$
1998-
Planning/ Parks
Completed
funding through grants, bonds, and others.
1999
Also see A.2.1 >
Also see A.2.1 >
32

A.2.4-2.5
See A.1.4 & A.2.1 >
See A.1.4 & A.2.1 >
A.3
Natural Resource Constraints
A.3.1
See A.1.1 >
See A.1.1 >
A.3.2
Support the protection of the Cape
1) Support the Lower Cape Fear River Program, Cape Fear River
One (1)
$
1999-
Planning
Fear River from the cumulative
Assembly, Cape Fear Resource, Conservation & Development
2002
impacts of development
Council, and the Cape Fear River Basin Modeling Program (NC
Div. of Water Quality).
2) Support the development of best management practices and
pursue their implementation for upstream non -point sources of
pollution, including agricultural (hog, poultry, etc) and forestry
operations.
3) Support a continued moratorium on new or expanded industrial
hog farming operations pending basinwide environmental impact
assessment.
Also see A.1.3 >
Also see A.1.3 >
A.3.3-3.7
See A.1.3 & A.1.4 >
See A.1.3 & A.1.4 >
A.3.8
See A.1.3 >
See A.1.3 >
A.3.9
See A.1.1 & A.1.3 >
See A.1.1 & A.1.3 >
A3.10-3.13
See A.1.1, A.1.3 & A.1.4 >
See A.1.1, A.1.3 & A.1.4 >
A.4
Areas of Environmental Concern
A.4.1
See A.1.1 & A.1.3 >
See A.1.1 & A.1.3 >
A.4.2
See A.1.1 >
See A.1.1 >
A.4.3
Support the protection and
1) Pursue island acquisition and preservation strategies
One (1)
$$
1999-
Planning
preservation of Masonboro Island
2002
Estuarine Research Reserve
2) Develop guidelines for the environmental review process to
ensure no significant adverse effects from mainland development
activities
3) Support the scientific research activities of the Reserve
AAA
See A.1.3, A.1.4 & A.4.3 >
See A.1.3, A.1.4 & A.4.3 >
A.4.5-4.6
See A.1.3 >
See A.1.3 >
A.4.7
See A.2.1 >
See A.2.1 >
33

A.4.8
See A.1.3 & A.2.1 >
See A.1.3 & A.2.1 >
A.4.9-4.10
See A.1.3 >
See A.1.3 >
A4.11-4.12
See A.1.4 >
See A.1.4 >
A.4.13
See A.1.3 & A.1.4 >
See A.1.3 & A.1.4 >
A.4.14
See A.1.3 >
See A.1.3 >
A.5
Potable Water Supply
A.5.1-5.5
See A.1.3 & A.1.4 >
See A.1.3 & A.1.4 >
A.6
Other Fragile or Hazardous Areas
A.6.1-6.3
See A.1.3 >
See A.1.3 >
A.6.4
See A.1.3 & A.4.3 >
See A.1.3 & A.4.3 >
A.7
Air Quality
A.7.1
See A.1.3 >
See A.1.3 >
B.
RESOURCE PRODUCTION &
MANAGEMENT
B.1
Agricultural & Forestry
Resources
13.1.1
See A.1.3 >
See A.1.3 >
B.2
Mineral Resources
B.2.1
See A.1.1 >
See A.1.1 >
B.3
Fisheries Resources
B.3.1-3.2
See A.1.1 & A.1.3 >
See A.1.1 & A.1.3 >
BA
Off -Road Vehicles
B.4.1
See A.1.3 >
See A.1.3 >
34

I
VIII. Land Use and Urban Design
ISSUES.........................................................................................................
1. Allocation of sufficient land for all desirable land use types.
2. Flexible and Innovative site plan criteria are needed to guide the development process throughout the
County.
3. Continue to promote Wilmington as a regional trade center.
4. Minimize dependence on the automobile by changing land use patterns and providing facilities for
alternative methods of transportation.
5. Allow higher density where adequate infrastructure exists and where natural conditions will not be
adversely effected.
6. Land use plans and regulations effecting land use should be coordinated between the city and county
and should incorporate the conclusions of other planning efforts (ie. Community Growth, Downtown
2020, River Corridor Plan).
7. Define urban service district.
8. Identify elements that define quality of life and determine the impacts of the built environment on
those elements.
35

Land Use and Urban Design
POLICIES...................................................................................... .
1. Location/Demand
1.1 The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall strive to enhance the quality of the built
environment while preserving and protecting the area's natural environment.
1.2 The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County will designate sufficient land area and
suitable locations for the various land use types.
2. Open Space, Cultural and Recreation
2.1 The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County will strive to acquire, protect and beautify
historic and cultural sites, corridors along key roadways and significant open spaces.
3. Industrial
3.1 New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington will delineate areas for industrial usage so that
these sites maximize the efficient use of man made resources while not harming the fragile
ecosystem or causing undue impacts upon residents.
4. Commercial
4.1 New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington will assure that land is available for
commercial uses within close proximity to the markets they serve while not diminishing the
quality of residential and mixed use neighborhoods.
5. Mixed Use
5.1 The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County will promote mixed use development in
undeveloped areas in order to maximize benefits from available infrastructure, preserve valuable
natural resources including open space and reduce dependency on the automobile.
6. Residential Neighborhoods
6.1 The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall strive to protect the character of the [�
area's existing residential neighborhoods. u
7. Design/Regulatory 0
7.1 The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall encourage innovative development
strategies while providing flexible design guidelines that enhance the aesthetic impact of the
built environment. 0
7.2 New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington shall adopt specific performance criteria to
encourage the conservation of natural resources and enhance economic desirability by promoting
accessibility of goods and services, providing alternatives to automobile transportation and
adopting specific performance criteria for new development. 1-}
36 0

I
a8. Infrastructure
8.1 New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington shall promote development within an
established urban service area defined by the existence of essential urban services and the
planned provision of those services.
0
[in
I
0 37

C=7 r� © �7 0 + G J = O = Czi CJ C] O
LAND USE AND URBAN DESIGN
Policy# ,
Implementation Actions °
Details for Actions
Priority
Resources :
Requued, L
Fiscal;,
Year(s)
Responsibility,
Status;"
;
1
LOCATION/DEMAND
1.2
Use projected needs and available
Compare projections with future land use
N/A
$
September
Planning
services identified in the technical
map.
1998
studies as the basis for land use
allocations.
1.2
Locate land use types based on the
Future Land Use Map
N/A
$
September
Steering
following guiding policies and
1998
Committee
implementation items:
2
OPEN SPACE, CULTURAL AND
RECREATIONAL
2.1
Establish protective corridors along key
Reflect on Future Land Use Map (Sept.
1
$
Spring,
Steering
roadways, historic and cultural sites
'98), incorporate into revisions to UDO;
1999
Com/Planning
and other areas that are visually
Brd./ Planning
significant.
Comd Planning
2.1
Pursue railroad and other rights -of -way
Monitor for abandonment.
2
$
Planning
On -Going
as potential open space, trailway and
recreation areas.
2.1
Identify environmentally sensitive land
Incorporate into Parks Master Plan and
2
$$$
1999-
Parks & Recd
as potential open space and recreation
Capital Improvement Programs.
2000
Admind
areas and key sites for parks.
Planning
3
INDUSTRIAL
3.1
Locate heavy industrial uses in
Reflect on Future Land Use Map (Sept.,
1
$
Spring,
Steering Com.
locations w/adequate land area to
1998), incorporate into revisions to UDO.
1999
/Planning.
accommodate expansive sites required
Commission/
for such uses; that are environmentally
Planning
suitable; and, where necessary
infrastructure (utilities, transportation
facilities) is available or included in
capital improvement plans.
3.1
Allow light industrial (clean) uses in
Reflect on Future Land Use Map (Sept.,
1
$
Spring,
Steering Com.
mixed use areas with clear requirements
1998), incorporate into revisions to UDO.
1999
/Planning
for location on no less than collector
Commission/
streets, availability of utilities, and
Planning
appropriate performance controls to
address odor, noise, lighting and other
impacts on surrounding uses.
3.1
Provide a wide choice of sites with
Develop inventory of sites.
2
$
1999-
Planning/WID/
good access to labor markets, suppliers
2000
Chamber/
& buyers through consultation w/
SPA/UNCW
Wilm. Indus. Devel., the State Port and
others in the field of industrial
promotion.
38

LAND USE AND URBAN DESIGN
Policy#
Implementation Actions
Details for Actions ,
Priority. - ..-
Resources
Required
Fiscal
Year(s)
Responsibility
Status
4
COMMERCIAL
4.1
Locate regional commercial nodes at
Reflect on Future Land Use Map (Sept.,
1
$
Spring,
Steering Com.
major intersections to accommodate
1998), incorporate into revisions to UDO.
1999
/Planning
uses that serve a regional market.
Commission/
Planning
4.1
Designate the central business district
Reflect on Future Land Use Map (Sept.,
1
$
Spring,
Steering Com.
as a regional trade/office center.
1998), incorporate into revisions to UDO.
1999
/Planning
Commission/
Planning
4.1
Locate commercial centers to provide
Conduct design charettes, research
1
$
Fall, 1998
Steering
community level service and trade
regulations in other communities,
Com/Planning
needs at key intersections or on major
incorporate results into UDO revision.
Brd./ Planning
thoroughfares with appropriate
Com./ Planning
performance and design requirements.
4.1
Allow neighborhood level commercial
Conduct design charettes, research
1
$
Fall, 1998
Steering
in mixed use areas with strict guidelines
regulations in other communities,
Com/Planning
for development.
incorporate results into UDO revision.
Brd./ Planning
Com./ Planning
5
MIXED USE
5.1
Develop performance criteria for mixed
Conduct design charettes, research
1
$
Fall, 1998
Steering
use development to ensure proper
regulations in other communities,
Com/Planning
design, density, access, etc.
incorporate results into UDO revision.
Brd./ Planning
Com./ Planning
5.1
Designate undeveloped and
Reflect on Future Land Use Map (Sept.
1
$
Spring,
Steering
underdeveloped areas as mixed use to
'98), incorporate into revisions to UDO;
1999
Com/Planning
accommodate residential and less
Brd./ Planning
intense commercial, office, industrial
Com./ Planning
uses with strict performance controls.
6
RESIDENTIAL
NEIGHBORHOODS
6.1
Afford existing residential
Conduct design charettes, research
I
$
Fall, 1998
Steering
neighborhoods performance standards
regulations in other communities,
Com/Planning
to keep the neighborhood character
incorporate results into UDO revision.
Brd./ Planning
consistent with the pattern of
Com./ Planning
development for the area.
6.1
Afford a higher level of protection for
Conduct design charettes, research
1
$
Fall, 1998
Steering
existing residential neighborhoods by
regulations in other communities,
Com/Planning
limiting non-residential uses and
incorporate results into UDO revision.
Brd./ Planning
allowing public review.
Com./ Planning
39

= = = C1 = C] = CZ3 C� = = C:D 0 CO
=1 0 = 0
LAND USE AND URBAN DESIGN
Policy#
Implementation Actions
Details for Actions
Priority
Resources
Required :
; Fiscal:.
Year(s)
Responsibility '
Status '.
7
DESIGN/REGULATORY
7.1
Develop performance standards that
Conduct design charettes, research
1
$
Fall, 1998
Steering
will allow the mingling of compatible
regulations in other communities,
Com/Planning
uses.
incorporate results into UDO revision.
Brd./ Planning
Com./ Planning
7.1
Develop specific urban design
Conduct design charettes, research
1
$
Fall, 1998
Steering .
standards to promote public spaces.
regulations in other communities,
Com/Planning
incorporate results into UDO revision.
Brd./ Planning
Com./ Planning
7.2
Conduct design charettes to develop
Conduct design charettes, research
1
$
Fall, 1998
Steering
models (examples) of desirable
regulations in other communities,
Com/Planning
characteristics of development elements
incorporate results into UDO revision.
Brd./ Planning
(streets, parks, neighborhood
Com./ Planning
services,... ).
7.2
Provide incentives to property owners
Conduct research and develop changes to
2
$
1999 —
Planning
to preserve and reclaim key natural
unified development ordinance.
2000
resources through innovative design
using available public and private
resources towards creative approaches
toward acquisition.
7.2
Develop standards to ensure that heavy
Revise unified development ordinance.
1
$
Spring,
Planning Board/
industrial areas have adequate access
1999
Planning
and are properly distanced from and
Commission
minimize impacts such as noise, fumes
and lighting, on adjoining non-
industrial areas.
7.2
Provide design criteria for regional
Conduct design charettes, research
1
$
Fall, 1998
Steering
nodes to ensure the appropriate
regulations in other communities,
Com/Planning
relationship to the existing streetscape.
incorporate results into UDO revision.
Brd./ Planning
Criteria will address the issues of
Com./ Planning
congestion, visual clutter, utilities and
the proper relationship with adjoining
properties.
7.2
Provide clear requirements for mixed
Conduct design charettes, research
1
$
Fall, 1998
Steering
use development to include maximum
regulations in other communities,
Com/Planning
square footage, buildable area ratio,
incorporate results into UDO revision.
Brd./ Planning
impervious surface coverage,
Com./ Planning
landscaping buffering, lighting, access,
height, density, exterior materials,
parking, orientation to the street, etc.
40

LAND USE AND URBAN DESIGN
Policy# :
Implementation Actions ,
Details for Actions .
Priority
Resources
Required
Fiscal
Year(s)
Responsibility
Status
8
INFRASTRUCTURE
8.1
Promote alternative modes of
Conduct, research and develop changes to
2
$
1999—
Planning
transportation in design guidelines.
unified development ordinance.
2000
8.1
Ref. Approved plans, such as Wilm.
Incorporate into applicable regulations.
2
$
1999—
Planning
Downtown Plan, Vision 2020 and the
2000
historic district guidelines, in applicable
development guidelines.
8.1
Modify applicable plans, regulations &
Incorporate into 1999 — 2000 budget
2
$
1999—
Planning/
budgets to focus provision of urban-
process.
2000
Admin.
level services within the areas desig. as
"Urban" on the land classification map.
8.1
Modify development regulations to
Revise unified development ordinance.
1
$
Spring,
Planning Board/
encourage development within the
1999
Planning
urban services area where existing
Commission
infrastructure is available.
8.1
Consider the cost of infrastructure that
Revise unified development ordinance.
2
$
Spring,
Planning Board/
are land use driven in modifying
1999
Planning
development regulations.
Commission
8.1
Initiate innovative capital facilities
Revise unified development ordinance.
2
$
Spring,
Planning Board/
financing as part of the development
1999
Planning
approval process.
Commission
8.1
Implement the comprehensive plan
Incorporate into 1999 — 2000 budget
2
$
1999—
Planning/
through the City and County capital
process.
2000
Admin.
improvement programs.
8.1
Pursue joint ownership by the City and
Continue City/County Utilities Committee.
1
1999—
City Council/
Present
County of major utility systems.
2000
County Com-
missioners/
Admin
8.1
Develop schematic collector street plan
Complete work on the collector street
1
$$
Spring,
Planning/
as a guide in the development approval
network in the metropolitan planning area;
1999
NCDOT/ TCC
process and implementation of an
possibly consulting contract.
effective transportation network.
8.1
Consider providing state of the art
Conduct research and develop changes to
3
$
1999—
Planning
technical services such as fiber optic
unified development ordinance.
2000
lines which make the area more
attractive to prospective coml. &
industrial companies when planning
other essential urban services.
41

0
0
0
0
0
a
0
0
a
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
IX. Transportation
ISSUES...................................................................................................
1. The full impact of new development and changes in land use on transportation systems, and the cost
of mitigating this impact, is not adequately addressed.
2. Efforts to improve flow of people and products are not sufficiently coordinated.
3. Alternative forms of transport are not given enough emphasis.
4. Strip development along thoroughfares.
5. The preservation of transportation corridors is inadequate.
6. The appearance of road arteries needs improvement.
7. The construction and maintenance of transportation facilities negatively impacts the environment,
particularly water quality.
8. Driveway access to arterial roads are not sufficiently controlled.
9. Traffic volume exceeds the capacity of street networks.
10. The negative affects of new roads on neighborhoods.
42

Transportation
POLICIES............................................................................................
1. TRAFFIC
1.1 The City and County shall initiate and support increased funding from state, and federal agencies
to improve the flow of people and products to and in the City and County.
1.2 The MPO and the urban area jurisdictions shall encourage the State and the federal authorities to
provide interstate connections to areas south of the urban area.
1.3 The City and County shall work with the MPO and NCDOT to increase the capacity of the
existing street network and other transportation facilities.
1.4 The County shall reduce the impact of new driveways on the roadway network.
1.5 The City and County shall require street connectivity and minimizing cul-de-sac development
through collector street planning.
1.6 In order that existing and planned thoroughfares may operate adequately, all new development
must adhere to the intent and policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
2. ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF TRANSPORTATION
I
0
I
I
2.1 The City and County shall support improved non -highway transportation facilities, including
rail, airport, and shipping facilities for both passengers and freight to access the area. U
2.2 City and County shall work with the NCDOT and the MPO to encourage alternative forms of
transportation including regional rail, local transit, Transportation Demand Measures such as
van -pooling and ride sharing, and an inter -modal transportation system.
2.3 New development and improvements to existing facilities shall make provision for a
comprehensive network of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, including pedestrian causeways,
breezeways and crossings, on collector streets and major arterials. These facilities will provide
an alternative to the automobile.
3. AESTHETICS
3.1 The City and County, through the MPO, will encourage the State to improve the community
through enhancements of streetscaping, including the preservation and use of indigenous flora,
on new and existing streets.
I
I
U
3.2 The City and County shall ensure the preservation of adequate landscaping and tree protection
for parking lots, sidewalks and in street right-of-ways for both public and private projects.
43
I
0

I
0
a4. ENVIRONMENT
4.1 Priority shall be given to environmental concerns, in particular water quality and surface water
a management, when considering the construction and maintenance of transportation facilities.
Reasonable and feasible road construction and design alternatives to protect water quality should
be considered for all projects.
a4.2 Have regard for noise, air quality, and other environmental impacts on existing neighborhood
areas when constructing and maintaining transportation facilities.
I
I
11
5. CORRIDOR PROTECTION
5.1 Local government and the State shall identify and utilize sources of funds and incentives to
purchase or preserve thoroughfare or rail corridors in a timely and equitable manner. Where
necessary the City will participate in these improvements using impact fees, bonds and or tax
increases.
5.2 City, County and State will investigate and use regulatory provisions for preserving thoroughfare
and rail corridors.
5.3 The City and County will cooperate through an agreement to allow for the purchase of rail and
road corridors
44

TRANSPORTATION
Pali ey :,`
Im lementatioin°Actioris
�...
Resources
Ftscal
�,
v
�
� k ,�s-'��
n •"*t
�� a � Details far Actions
Priority
�
x�s Respons►oihty ,�
'�w, i7tatus.
R« ,
,
Requtred
'5 Year"
"�,
' sax
a
,.h, -'�'. -'7x.�
v"�w•s< a_t n"
•p.e;�,
?'F
=.::'T�'' .R •
:.�52�d =:k
.�. ffi. •'� m L .•4nfna�v
1.0
Traffic
1.1.1
The Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan
Implement ongoing MPO
$
1998-on
City of
Established
Planning Organization(MPO) shall coordinate
operations
Wilmington, New
process
programs aimed at improving the flow of people
Hanover Co.,
and products.
NCDOT, FHWA
1.1.2
The MPO's transportation planning horizon shall
MPO Staff currently implementing 25 year
$
Plan must be
City of
Established
be at a minimum 25 years to anticipate future
planning horizon
updated every
Wilmington, New
process
growth.
5 years
Hanover Co.,
NCDOT
1.2.1
Create an interstate type facilities to connect with I-
MPO works with NCDOT, SCDOT,
$$$$$
1998-?
MPO, SCDOT,
New Project
20 at Florence, South Carolina
FHWA, and Florence SC to determine'
NCDOT, FHWA
feasibility, desirability and funding of
connection.
1.2.2
Create an interstate type facility to connect to
MPO works with NCDOT, SCDOT,
$$$$$
1998-?
MPO, SCDOT,
New Project
Charlotte, North Carolina.
FHWA, and Charlotte NC to determine
NCDOT, FHWA
feasibility, desirability and funding of
connection.
1.3.1
The City and County and NCDOT shall implement
MPO conducts study and makes
$$
1999-on
NCDOT, City of
Continuing
the Urban Area Congestion Management System
recommendations to NCDOT and the City
Wilmington
Project
and level of service standard currently being
of Wilmington
developed by the MPO.
1.3.2
All appropriate law enforcement agencies shall
Increased enforcement of traffic laws
$$
Continuous
State Highway
Continuing
improve the enforcement of traffic laws.
Patrol, New
Project
Hanover County
Sheriffs Dept.,
City of
Wilmington
Police
1.3.3
The City shall continue to improve the areas signal
Continuos upgrade of traffic operations data
1
$$
Continuous
City of
Continuing
system, and to provide the public with more
and equipment. Proactive public
Wilmington
Project
information on this program.
information effort.
1.3.4
Continue to work with NCDOT to improve that
Continuos cooperation
1
$
Continuous
City of
Continuing
portion of the signal system under their control.
Wilmington
Project
1.3.5
Work with the MPO and NCDOT to create
Create Plans, Receive Funding, Implement
1
$$$$$
1999-on
MPO responsible
New Project
interchanges at major intersections throughout the
for creating plans
45

TRANSPORTATION
Po
Tm lementatioti Ac(tons g�f
p
x
Resources
Fiscal'°.„
Details for Actions
Prton
wired
Year
Res "onsibalt
P „ tY
�, , Status
street network. Where necessary the City will
and acquiring
participate in these improvements using impact
funding, City of
fees, bonds and or tax increases.
Wilmington,
NCDOT, and
FHWA
responsible for
funding and
implementing
1.3.6
The City, NCDOT and other appropriate agencies
Create Plans, Receive Funding, Implement
1
$$$
1999-on
MPO and City
shall construct Separate bicycle and pedestrian
responsible for
facilities where appropriate.
creating plans and
acquiring
funding, City of
Wilmington,
NCDOT, and
FHWA
responsible for
funding and
implementing
1.4.1
The County shall adopt more stringent driveway
Prepare, review and adopt amendment to
1
$
1999
New Hanover
Ongoing
standards.
standards
Co./UDO
1.4.2
The City and County shall enact land use policies
Prepare, and adopt standards
$
1999
New Hanover
Ongoing
that minimize driveway access to major
Co./UDO
thoroughfares
1.5.1
Develop collector street networks for small areas.
Prepare collector street plans in cooperation
1
$$
1999-2001(?)
MPO, New
Plans currently
with property owners and affected
Hanover Co.,
created as
neighborhoods. Adoption by appropriate
City of
development is
board.
Wilmington
approved
Implemented as
areas built out by
development and
City of
Wilmington
1.6.1
Conform to the Comprehensive Plan policies by
Ongoing process conducted by Planning
1
$
Continuous
City of
Continuous
examining all proposed rezoning and subdivisions
Commissions, Technical Review staff and
Wilmington, New
I
compliance with the intents and policies of the
governing boards
Hanover Co.
46

TRANSPORTATION
Im ementatJ6 Actions
pl
Resources
Fiscal
3
Y,.
s .
_r
` . Details fov coons
tespons►bility3
Status'°`
�I?riottty
Regwred
Y ears...
m
plan.
2.0
Alternative Forms of Transportation
2.1.1
Encourage the improvement of freight and
MPO, NH Co., City of Wilmington
1
$
Continuous
NCDOT, CSX
Continuous
passenger rail service to Wilmington and New
Hanover County.
2.1.2
Encourage the growth of the North Carolina State
NH Co., City of Wilmington,
$
Continuous
NC Ports
Continuous
Port at Wilmington with infrastructure
Authority, NC
improvements and increased channel depths for
Dept. of
shipping.
Commerce, Army
Corps. of
Engineers
2.1.3
Encourage the growth of the Wilmington
NH Co., City of Wilmington
$
Continuous
Airport
Continuous
International Airport
Authority,
NCDOT, City of
Wilmington, NH
Co.
2.2.1
Implement the Transportation Demand Measures
Plan identifies potential corporate
$$
1999
MPO, City of
Ongoing
program being developed by Wilmington
participants and users, design service, adopt
Wilmington,
Transportation Authority.
program, apply for Federal and State
NCDOT
assistance, implement
2.2.2
Periodically evaluate the feasibility of all forms of
Monitor existing service and identify
$
Continuous
MPO,
Continuous
public transportation including buses, trolleys, and
potential service expansion and
Wilmington
light rail for or any or all portions of the area,
modification opportunities. Evaluate areas
Transit Authority.
prepare a conceptual light rail master plan for the
outside of the City through transportation
NH Co.
urban area and participate in ongoing NCDOT
planning process.
Transportation
passenger rail and multi -modal feasibility studies.
2.2.3
Actively participate in ongoing NCDOT passenger
Support NCDOT efforts to provide
high
$$$$
1998 - ?
MPO, WTA,
Ongoing
rail and multi -modal facilities studies. Support
passenger rail service between Wilmington
Wilmington, New
funding objectives of the NCDOT in order to
and Charlotte.
Hanover County
assure viability of the Charlotte to Wilmington
passenger rail service.
2.3.1
Implement the recommendations of the New
Seek Federal, State and Local funding to
high
$$$
Continuous
NH Co. Bicycle
Continuous
Hanover County Bicycle Advisory Committee.
implement the Plan. Develop and
Advisory
implement Capital Improvements schedule
Committee,
for construction of facilities.
MPO, City of
Wilmington,
NCDOT
47

TRANSPORTATION
Pohcy
R4a`� 7.2 ":oy$"'y
.,elm"torneritation Actions
p
,`;'
Resbiir ccs
'Fiscal .
T r ,
�Responstbrhfy
betals for Actions
Pnonty
Required
Year,,.
Status
2.3.2
Strongly encourage the State to provide bicycle
Request NCDOT to improve facilities for
high
$
Continuous
MPO, City of
Continuous
and pedestrian facilities in conjunction with new
Bicycle and pedestrian access as they
Wilmington,
construction and improvements to transportation
upgrade facilities
NCDOT
facilities.
3.0
Aesthetics
3.1.1
The City and County will participate with NCDOT
Identify corridors needing enhancement,
1
$$$
2000-2005
MPO, City of
New Project
to enhance streetscaping through the use of
develop plan for needed enhancements.
Wilmington,
regulations, impact fees, bonds and or tax
Request funding from NCDOT for
NCDOT
increases.
enhancements. Seek necessary local
funding for enhancements and maintenance.
3.1.2
The City and County will participate with NCDOT
Identify corridors for enhanced
* 1
$
1999-
MPO, City of
New Project
to enhance streetscaping by encouraging private
streetscaping. Coordinate maintenance and
Wilmington, NH
Unified
initiatives.
ROW access issues with NCDOT. Enact
Co., NCDOT
Development
regulations with incentives for
Ordinance
improvements. Work to inform and
organize private interests to improve
corridors.
3.1.3
City and County shall enforce regulations to create
Strictly enforce regulations to control
$
1999
City of
Unified
less obtrusive commercial signage and billboards.
billboards.
Wilmington, NH
Development
Co.,
Ordinance
3.2.1
Develop design standards, ordinances and
Prepare and adopt specific design standards
$
1999
City of
Unified
regulations that specifically identify the natural
and ordinances to reflect community
Wilmington, NH
Development
resources to be preserved with development and
standards for resource protection to give
Co.,
Ordinance
redevelopment..
specific guidance as to which resources to
protect.
4.0
Environment
4.1.1
NCDOT shall adhere to or exceed to State and
Review proposed NCDOT actions to insure
$
Continuous
MPO, Cape Fear
Continuous
Federal Environmental regulations for the
compliance with applicable regulations.
Council of
construction and maintenance of transportation
Governments NH
facilities.
Co. City of
Wilmington
4.1.2
The City of Wilmington shall establish standards
Prepare and adopt specific design standards
$$
2000
City of
Unified
for the construction of transportation facilities that
and ordinances to reflect community
Wilmington
Development
exceed State and Federal requirements for water
standards for resource protection to give
Ordinance
quality and surface water management.
specific guidance as to the required level of
water quality protection.
48
is s a as a � a � a a � a � r_ a r• a a a

0 0 p
TRANSPORTATION
p all
Im lementation'Acttons
p
Resources
FtscalE
z a ,
Status.
a <3 w
Details fat A cUans -.5
F'r�ari.
h'
Requtrei
h,
Year
Res iiitstbalt
P'
k
.qw
<6n,U.c�- i
y
i¢n
4.1.3
The City and County shall seek legislation to
Identify specific concerns with NCDOT's
$
1999
City of
Continuos
require NCDOT to exceed State and Federal
current practices and seek legislation to
Wilmington, NH
requirements for water quality and surface water
address these issues.
Co., MPO, Local
management.
environmental
groups and
agencies
4.2.1
All proposals for the construction and maintenance
All appropriate review boards shall review
$
Continuous
NH Co. City of
Continuous
of transportation facilities, shall be reviewed for
proposed local government and privatd
Wilmington
noise and other environmental impacts on existing
actions to insure compliance with
neighborhood areas.
applicable regulations.
5.0
Corridor Protection
5.1.1
Local and State Governments will identify
The MPO and NCDOT will prepare Phased
1
$$$
2000-2002
NCDOT, MPO,
New Project
thoroughfare and rail corridors as completely as
Environmental studies after adoption of the
NH Co. City of
possible through appropriate environmental
Thoroughfare Plan to identify proposed
Wilmington
studies.
corridors as closely as possible in
compliance with guidelines established by
the National Environmental Protection Act
(NEPA)
5.1.2
City, County and State will investigate and use
Identify and enforce provis-ions of State
$
1999
NH Co. City of
New Project
regulatory provisions for preserving thoroughfare
law that protect Thoroughfare Plan Corri-
Wilmington
Unified
corridors.
dors. Modify local ordinan-ces where
Development
necessary to pro -vide the maximum amount
Ordinance
of corridor protection allowed under State
law.
5.1.3
The City and County will cooperate through an
Establish an agreement between the City
$$
1999
NH Co., City of
New Project
agreement to allow for the purchase of rail and
and the County to allow the County to
Wilmington
Unified
road corridors.
request that the City proceed with necessary
Development
actions to improve the street network.
Ordinance
49

I
dX. Community Infrastructure
ISSUES...................................................................................................
1. Uncoordinated, costly provision of non municipal services and facilities.
2. The high cost of infrastructure investment.
3. Storm water drainage problems caused by existing and future development.
4. Inadequate sewer and water services in some unincorporated areas.
5. Optimal location, use and maintenance of education facilities, some of which are overcrowded and
need improvements.
6. Insufficient provision of community open space, recreation and cultural facilities.
7. Recognition of Downtown Wilmington as the regional cultural nucleus.
8. Maintenance of adequate police and fire services in unincorporated areas.
9. Increased waste management problem due to growth and development.
10. The proliferation of telecommunication towers.
50

I
Community Infrastructure
POLICIES.................................................................................................
1. FACILITY AND SERVICE PROVISION
ill
I
I.I. Provide timely, cost-effective and efficient capital facilities and community infrastructure ry-1
services based on the Growth Management Strategy and the Preferred Urban Structure. u
1.2. Coordinate, rationalize and consolidate where appropriate, City, County and other governmental
agencies programs for the provision and maintenance of infrastructure and community facilities
and services.
1.3. Explore alternative forms of financing including impact fees, bonds, user fees, and tax increases
for the infrastructure improvements needed to have a high quality level of service and to prevent
a decline in the levels of service provided to the County -City residents. Infrastructure needs to be
addressed in this effort shall include transportation, education, sewer, water, recreation, libraries,
police, fire, stormwater management, and other services deemed to be appropriate.
2. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
2.1. Expand storm water management to include areas not incorporated in existing programs.
2.2. Develop a County stormwater management and water quality program that includes our adjacent
ocean, river, and estuarine systems.
2.3. Develop a City and County stormwater management program that fairly balances the financial
cost between existing and new development.
2.4. Prohibit and seek to eliminate collection systems that directly discharge stormwater to surface
waters.
2.5. Ensure that drainage from land use activities has a rate of flow and volume characteristics as
near to predevelopment conditions as possible to provide for the protection of our water quality.
3. SEWER AND WATER
I
R
0
a
0
3.1. Provide public sewer service to existing development in unincorporated areas that have rj
inadequate and malfunctioning septic systems and package treatment plants. U
3.2. Consolidate the City and County sewer and water system.
3.3. Ensure optimal use of sewage treatment facilities. (�
3.4. Ensure the provision of sufficient, affordable water and sewer services to proposed new service
centers and industrial sites in the unincorporated areas of the Plan.
51
t�

4. SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION
4.1. Give a higher priority to the maintenance and optimal use of existing education facilities.
4.2. Elementary schools and kindergartens should be encouraged to locate in areas where they would
provide the maximum benefit to adjoining neighborhoods.
4.3. New schools shall be constructed by New Hanover County to maintain an adequate level of
service.
4.4. Encourage greater coordination in planning and budgeting with the School Board and County
and City government.
5. CULTURAL ARTS AND RECREATION
5.1. Emphasis on economically distressed City neighborhoods with inadequate facilities.
5.2. Recognize the Downtown as the cultural nucleus which nurtures, supports and strengthens
cultural centers throughout the region.
5.3. Develop a joint master plan for a comprehensive system of open space, greenways, parks and
trails throughout the city and county that will provide for both the present and expected
population growth. .
5.4. Preserve utility easements as part of the greenway system as passive open space areas and
combine them with trails and trail access areas where possible.
0 6. POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES
6.1. Provide timely and adequate staffing and facilities to maintain and improve the level of police
and fire services.
7. SOLID WASTE
7.1. Establish and maintain an environmentally responsible, cost effective system for managing solid
waste, that protects public health, and provides adequate waste disposal capacity, mandatory
solid waste collection and recycling services, and waste reduction opportunities.
7.2. Meet and exceed established waste reduction goal.
7.3. Continue to seek ways to reduce and manage the solid waste stream through establishment of
countywide garbage pick-up, expanded recycling programs, encouraging composting, expanded
hazardous waste pick-up/education, and multi jurisdictional cooperation.
7.4. Eliminate illegal trash dumping through strict monitoring and enforcement, including increased
fines, signage program, rewards, and other means.
7.5. Continue to support and improve the County's innovative incinerator and landfill system.
52

8. COMMUNICATION
8.1. Require telecommunication companies to share facilities through the joint use, and location of
telecommunication equipment.
53

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
lc
re
Frscat
Det
Required
espon,Posrbttrty
Status
y
1.0
FACILITY AND SERVICE
PROVISION
1.1.1
Develop a program for the rigorous
Fiscal Impact Study.
1
$$
1999
City and County
economic analysis of infrastructure and
Develop a modal to measure the cost impact
community facility investments, which
of major infrastructure expansion due to
considers the fiscal impact, level of
annexation proposals,
service, benefit, and the priority
according to a preferred urban structure.
1.1.2
Develop a program for joint
Investigate feasibility; formulate conditions
1
$
1999
City, County,
public/private infrastructure investment
and required agreements; and design
financial institutions
opportunities.
organizational structure
& developers.
1.1.3
Develop a joint City -County Committee
Committee review and implement program
1
$ for Com-
1999
City and County set
to review financing techniques and to
based on Committee recommendations.
mittee review.
up Committee with
recommend alternative financing
$ to $$$
private sector
methods.
depending on
representation.
program size.
1.2.1
Develop interlocal agreements and
Unified Development Ordinance
I
$
Currently
City and County
unified development codes to establish
Ongoing
consistency.
1.2.2
Develop a joint City and County Capital
Capital Facilities Plan
2
$
1990
City and County
Facilities Plan.
1.2.3
Strengthen infrastructure inspection and
Determine staffing requirements and
2
$
Currently
County
maintenance programs in the County.
develop infrastructure prerequisites
Ongoing
1.2.4
Develop guidelines for the interregional
Develop criteria, conditions, requirements
2
$
2002
City and County
sharing of sewer facilities when
and cost sharing formula.
economically feasible.
2.0
STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
2.1.1
Develop a storm water management and
Develop a program proposal for
1
$
1999 /
County and City
water quality program for existing and
consideration. Program shall include
2000
new development in the County.
adjacent ocean, river, and estuarine system.
Coordinate and join this program with
the existing City Program.
54

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
Foltcy
Im`'lemin�ation Act ans
P
Details for Actions
P nor t
esotirces N
Fiscal
Res onsibiL
Status
#
g wq -
a t Y
k
Required
Year
P_ h'
k
s
Create program to prohibit and methods to
eliminate collection systems that directly
discharge stormwater to surface waters.
Create program to ensure that drainage
from land use activities has a rate of flow
and volume characteristics as near to
predevelopment conditions as possible to
provide for the protection of our water
quality.
Develop a County storm water management
1
$$-$$$
1999 /
County and City
financing program. Investigate using the
depending on
2000
Unified Development Ordinance or similar
size of
program as a mechanism to carry out
program.
program. Coordinate and join this program
with the existing City program. Ensure that
there is an equitable and balanced financing
program for existing and new development
in the County and City. .
3.0
SEWER AND WATER
3.1.1
Develop a Capital Facilities Plan for
Capital Facilities Plan
1
$
1999 —
County and City
areas that should be provided with sewer
2001
and water services based on
environmental concerns, water quality
concerns and servicing costs.
3.2.1
Develop County standards for the
Develop design standards
2
$
1999
County and City
installation of utilities that are consistent
to those of the City
3.3.1
Develop fiscal and environmental
Develop and evaluate alternative strategies.
3
$
2001
City, County and
responsible strategies for the long term
State
management and disposal of sewage
sludge.
55
C= tZD

= = Cam, C� C= t::D = CD = L � [:. Z:-� :- C::1 C- C
COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
3.4.1
On completion of the Thoroughfare Plan
Review zoning and prepare land use
2
$
2001
City and County
update, review the existing zoning and its
alternatives for consideration with next
potential to develop into service centers,
update of the Comprehensive Plan.
as well as the feasibility and cost of
providing water, sewer and other
infrastructure services to these areas.
3.4.2
Give higher priority to the servicing of
Identify priority areas.
1
$$
Ongoing
City and County
existing and new industrial sites.
Incorporate in City and County Servicing
annual
Program
4.0
SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION -
INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES
4.1.1
Provide annual funding for the sustained
Include funding in annual Education
1
$$
Ongoing
Board of Education
maintenance of facilities that serve both
budget. Ensure that school facilities in older
the existing and future education needs
areas of the City and County receive
of the community.
adequate maintenance.
4.1.2
Plan and locate schools to allow for
Determine needs; develop location criteria
2
$
Ongoing
Board of Education
future expansion, and to ensure better
and standards.
and shared use of the facilities and
campus.
4.1.3
Develop an understanding of the long-
Anticipate needs and technological trends,
1
$
Ongoing
Education agencies
term costs/implication of computer
and consider adaptable systems
technology.
4.2.1
Determine the needs and plan for the
Determine needs; develop location criteria
1
$
Ongoing
Board of Education
optimal location of elementary schools
and standards.
and kindergartens.
4.3.1
Explore the use of alternative forms of
Conduct a study. Create a committee to
1
$$ to $$$
New
Board of Education
financing for improving New Hanover
oversee study and carry out
depend-ing on
New Hanover
County Schools.
recommendations.
size of program
County Schools
Other County and
City pertinent
government
branches.

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
Panic Y
.Im lementation Actions
P
a
Details far Aofions
�'
$.Priorat
Itesciatces
Fiscal
R oris�bili
Staits
F
y
Required
Year
. ty
71-4
4.3.2
Adequately fund the New Hanover
Coordinate facilities program with the other
1
$$$
Ongoing
Board of Education
County School new school facility
County and City branches of government.
as result
New Hanover
program.
Create a quality control program to ensure
of passed
County Schools
high quality construction.
school
Other County and
bond
City pertinent
government
branches.
4.3.3
Provide a greater emphasis for athletic
Upgrade existing and build high quality
1
$$ to $$$
Ongoing
Board of Education
facilities at existing and new schools.
athletic fields, ball fields, tracks, pools,
depend-ing on
as result
New Hanover
gymnasiums, outdoor playgrounds for
size of program
of passed
County Schools
school children, with improved sodding,
school
Other County and
and related facility improvements,
bond
City pertinent
including maintenance.
government
branches.
4.4.1
Coordinate new school facilities and
Hold regular meetings with concerned
1
$
Needs to
Board of Education
maintenance upgrade program.
parties for increased coordination with
be
New Hanover
above 4.0 items with New Hanover County
ongoing
County Schools
Schools, School Board and other pertinent
Other County and
branches of County and City government.
City pertinent
Create benchmarks for monitoring progress.
government
branches
5.0
CULTURAL ARTS AND
RECREATION }
5.1.1
Prepare and implement a joint
Prepare and Implement a Greenway/Open
3
$$
1999
City and County
City/County Greenway/Open Space Plan
Space Plan.
for the establishment of a contiguous
Determine requirements, funding,
Greenway System that links
acquisition and protection options; include
neighborhoods to community activity
trails. Insure that plan provides for both
centers, and serves the recreational and
present and expected population growth.
open space needs of the community.
5.1.2
Continue to implement, fund and join
Prepare and Implement a joint
1
$$
Ongoing
County
together the County and City Park Plans.
Greenway/Open Space Plan.
5.1.3
Develop public/private partnerships for
Prepare and Implement a Greenway/Open
1
$
1999
City and County
the provision of recreation facilities
Space Plan.
M6

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
5.1.4
Establish, in the unincorporated areas,
Prepare and Implement a Greenway/Open
1
$
1999
County
requirements for commercial and
Space Plan.
residential development to reserve land
for open space/recreation or provide a fee
in lieu.
5.1.5
Develop different acquisition/protection
Prepare and Implement a Greenway/Open
1
$
1999
City, County and
options for significant sites for open
Space Plan. Include
State
space/recreation, such as purchase,
utility easement preservation as part of the
public/private partnerships, conservation
greenway system as passive open space
easements and conservation trusts.
areas and combine them with trails and trail
access areas where possible.
5.1.6
Develop a public participation process
Public Participation Plan
I
Existing
1999
City and County
for the acquisition and preservation of
process to be
significant sites for open
reviewed
space/recreation.
5.1.7
Continue to expand and enlarge existing
Determine expected future growth and
1
$$$
Ongoing
County
library facilities to maintain the current
needs.
level of service to the community.
5.1.8
Continue to support and improve the
Determine expected future growth and
2
$$
Ongoing
County
museum facilities.
needs and formulate a long term
development strategy.
5.1.9
Investigate the feasibility of providing a
Determine needs, requirements and
1
$$
Ongoing
City, County and
convention center to serve the needs of
feasibility.
surrounding local
the community and its surrounding area.
authorities
5.1.10
Investigate the feasibility of providing a
Determine needs, requirements and
2
$
Ongoing
City, County and
performing arts center to serve the needs
feasibility
surrounding local
of the community and its surrounding
authorities
area.
5.1.11
Encourage the provision of social and
Determine needs and priorities; and identify
2
Ongoing
Advocacy group(s)
cultural opportunities for the aging
opportunities.
I
for the elderly, City,
population.
County
58

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
i, ainct smpdffi6ritto
c es
Resources
-Tiscal,
A
P 4
Details torA
d6i
.
ear
Res of .... . .....
5.2.1
Support and implement the goals and
I
$$
Ongoing
City, County,
recommendations of the Wilmington
DARE, Inc.,
Downtown Plan: Vision 2020; the Cape
Fear River Corridor Plan; and DARE,
Inc. that reinforces the cultural
importance of the Downtown area.
5.2.2
Develop additional and support existing
Identify opportunities; develop and
1
$
Ongoing
City, County,
programs that specifically promote,
implement programs
strengthen and support Downtown
Wilmington as the regional cultural
center.
6.0
POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES
6.1.1
Plan and provide staffing and facilities
Determine projected future needs.
1
$$
Annual
City and County
for police and fire services at least
proportionate to the growth in the
community.
7.0
SOLID WASTE
7.1.1
The County and City together with the
Comprehensive Solid Waste Management
1
$
Ongoing
City, County and
Towns of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach,
Plan. Include methods to eliminate illegal
the Towns of
and Wrightsville Beach will continue
trash dumping by strict monitoring and
Carolina Beach,
their joint update of the Comprehensive
enforcement, increased fines, signage
Kure Beach, and
Solid Waste Management Plan every 3
program, rewards and other means. Include
Wrightsville Beach
years, and establish programs and set
continued support and improve innovative
goals for the management and reduction
incinerator and landfill system
of solid waste for the next 10 years.
7.1.2
Expand local government recycling.
Address with the Comprehensive Solid
I
$$
Ongoing
City and County
Waste Management Plan. Including:
expand collection programs; encourage
commercial recovery programs which focus
on paper fiber materials; promote local
private recovery/recycling initia-tives;
encourage composting; expand hazardous
waste pick-up and education; and promote
local construction -demolition recycling -
recovery programs.
59
= = = = = C:Z3 = = = = = =1 czn, = = � = = =

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
8.0 COMMUNICATION
8.1.1 Amend regulations to require the joint Amend regulations; develop standards and 2 $ 1999 City and County
use and location of equipment on requirements.
existing telecommunication towers and
other public and private structures.

XI. Housing
ISSUES...................................................................................................
1. The City minimum housing program should be improved. The County should establish and adopt a
minimum housing code and enforcement program.
2. There is a documented need for affordable housing, particularly for low . and moderate income
residents.
3. The City and County need to ensure that they are receiving the maximum amount of federal and state
financial opportunities for community and economic development.
4. There is a need to provide an increased amount of affordable rental housing.
5. There are an estimated III homeless persons County wide with the majority living in the City.
6. Neighborhood residents need a mechanism to voice their concerns regarding growth and change, and
the County and City need. an efficient way to provide information to residents.
7. There is a need for adequate housing for the special needs population, elderly, and disabled in the
City and County.
8. With the growth of UNC-Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College, students will need
adequate on and off campus housing.
In
I
61
0

Housing
POLICIES............................................................................................
1. MINIMUM HOUSING PROGRAM
The City shall enhance the minimum housing program. The County shall adopt a minimum housing
program with enforcement.
2. AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS
The County and City shall continue to support and enhance a broad range of affordable housing programs.
Explore alternative forms of financing including impact fees, bonds, user fees, and tax increases for
affordable housing.
3. MAXIMIZE FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING
The County and City shall maximize funding opportunities from federal and state sources for community
and economic development.
4. RENTAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The City and County shall increase affordable rental housing.
5. HOMELESS
The County and City shall cooperate with non-profit organizations to provide temporary and transitional
shelter to persons who are homeless and enhance a job referral program.
6. NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS
The County, City, and residents shall be encouraged to use neighborhood associations for outreach
information and education.
7. SPECIAL NEEDS AND ELDERLY
The City and County shall cooperate with non-profit organizations to ensure an adequate supply of housing
for special needs, the elderly, and the disabled.
8. ADEQUATE UNCW AND CFCC STUDENT HOUSING
Working together the County, City, UNC-Wilmington, and Cape Fear Community College shall meet
student housing needs.
62

C=3 C:� = Cz:�' �� 1=4 = C:�
HOUSING
Palic
aY e
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e
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�.' ti
�.,
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betatls for Achnns': x
Pnoht`
y
JRequiredYeatt�''
1.0
MINIMUM HOUSING PROGRAM
1.1
The City shall improve its minimum
1.1.1 Develop code enforcement strategies that
1
$$
Current
City
Underway
housing enforcement program.
emphasize improvements in housing quality and
preservation. A balance is recognized between
expenses to property and home owners, and
better living conditions for occupants.
1.2
The County shall adopt a minimum
1.2.1 Draft and adopt a minimum housing code.
1
$
199= 01
County
None
housing code and establish an
A balance is recognized between expenses to
enforcement program.
property and home owners, and better living
conditions for occupants.
1.2.2 Establish position(s) and hire code
1
$$
99= 01
County
None
enforcement officer(s).
1.3
The City and County shall ensure that
Ensure that there is adequate regulations and
1
$
On-
City and County
Ongoing City.
there is strong code enforcement to
code enforcement staff to remedy this situation.
going
New for County.
remedy areas and lots with abandonded
See 1.1 for City and 1.2 for County.
City.
vechicles, trash, debris, and boarded up
199=01
housing.
for
County
2.0
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
PROGRAMS
2.1
Increase support of affordable housing
2.1.1 Home Ownership Pool loan program
1
$ existing
On-
City
Ongoing
programs.
(HOP)
$$
going
County
Direct Loans and Home Loans for housing
expanded
HUD
rehabilitation
programs
Private Lending
Fannie Mae Lease Purchase
Institutions
Project Home
Community Development Block Grant Program
Home Investment Partnership
2.1.2 Establish an affordable housing advocacy
2
$
'0243
City, County
None
coalition with wide representation.
Nonprofit
housing providers
2.2
Investigate and act upon ways to
2.2.1 Establish a mortgage revenue bond
1
$ study
199-101
City
None
increase affordable housing supply and
program to provide affordable housing backed
$$ program
County
ownership for low and moderate income
by appropriate sources. Conduct a study with
residents.
recommendations.
63

HOUSING
i
"tion Actiorm7
Resources,
Cal'Impleffidn
ae'
on
P
Re7 bili'y­"Status
'
2.2.2 Establish a land trust program for
1
$ study
On-
City
Ongoing
affordable housing land acquisition. Conduct a
$$ program
going
County
study with recommendations.
2.2.3 Encourage participation in the down
1
$$
On-
city
Ongoing
payment assistance program. With the aid of
going
County
grants, this program allows down payment
NC Housing
assistance for closing costs.
Finance Agency
2.2.4 Investigate methods to reduce
1
$
On-
city
Ongoing
development costs for affordable housing.
going
County
Review development review process and codes.
Make appropriate changes to Unified
Development Ordinance.
2.2.5 Expand existing education programs on
2
'02203
city
None
affordable housing opportunities, including
expanded
County
home ownership for first time buyers.
program
2.2.6 Set a target for future increased
2
$ study
'02203
city
None
homeownership emphasizing first time home
County
buyers.
Non-profit
Conduct a study with recommendations.
housing providers
Private lending
institutions
2.2.7 Encourage commercial banks to
1
$$
199-101
city
None
participate in a below market rate mortgage
expanded
County
interest program.
program
Private lending
institutions
2.2.8 Inventory available sites as a resource for
2
$
'02203
city
None
new residential develop-ment and provide
County
incentives for the development of new housing.
Con -duct a study with recommendations.
2.2.9 Investigate how to strengthen partnerships
2
$
'02-'03
City
None
with for profit developers to provide affordable
County
housing including density bonuses that provide
additional affordable housing units. Conduct a
study with recommendations include with
Unified Development Ordinance.
64
= = = = = = C= =" 1= = = C:= = = =1 = = = =

=
HOUSING
2.2.10 Conduct study with recommendations
2
$
'02-'03
City
None
regarding zoning changes that require mixed
County
income residential developments.
2.2.11 Conduct study with recommendations
2
$
'02= 03
City
None
regarding: incentives for an employer -assisted
County
housing program to assist development of
affordable housing.
2.2.12 Cooperate with the Wilmington Housing
1
$ coordin-
On-
City
Ongoing
Authority in the maintenance, renovation and
ation
going
Wilmington
construction of affordable housing.
$$$ Jervay
Housing
project and
Authority
other
projects
2.2.13 Encourage scattered site affordable
1
$
199-101
City County
None
housing.
3.0
MAXIMIZE FEDERAL AND
STATE FUNDING
3.1
Consider creating a consolidated
Discussion between City and County and staffs
1
$
199-101
City
None
County and City Community
and elected officials. Consult with HUD.
County
Development Block Grant program.
3.2
Insure that federal and state community
Use existing staff.
1
$
On-
City
Ongoing
and economic development funding
going
County
opportunities are being maximized.
4.0
RENTAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING
4.1
Improve and expand the City rental
Conduct study with recommendations.
1
$ study
On-
City
Ongoing
rehabilitation loan program.
$.$ program
going
4.2
Establish a County rental rehabilitation
Conduct study with recommendations.
1
$ study
199-101
County
None
loan program.
$$ program
2.2

HOUSING
Paltcy
e e CatAl"ion Actions
Impl m n
k '-
Details for Actiatis
Peon
Resources
Ftscal . "
"
Re onsibtli
Status
.._
Requ gyred
: Year
M
^. ..
4.3
Ensure that there is funding for a rent-
Conduct study with recommendations.
1
$ study
199201
City
Ongoing
to -own program in both the City and
Determine appropriate level of funding.
Decide
County
County. This program would enable a
funding
Non-profit
renter to apply rent payments towards
level range
housing providers
the purchase of a home.
$ to $$
4.4
Explore the possibility that apartment
Conduct study with recommendations.
3
$ study
'04-'05
County
None
complexes that are converted to
$$ program
City
condominiums provide affordable units,
or payments into a City and County
affordable housing or non-profit
housing program.
5.0
HOMELESS
5.1
Expand programs for homeless shelters
Continued funding and support for Continuum
1
$ existing
On-
City, County,
Ongoing
with adequate quality accommodations
of Care and other related programs. Ensure that
program
going
HUD,
with emphasis on housing for the
the areas of the City and County that have high
coordinating with
mentally disabled.
homeless concentrations receive specific
1
$$ expand
199-101
Non profit
None for expanded
neighborhood outreach to remedy the challenge.
program
housing providers
program
including, Good
Shepherd House,
Salvation Army,
and Cape Fear
Rescue Mission.
5.2
Expand job referral program for the
Through the Continuum of Care process address
2
$$
'02-'03
Through
None for expanded
homeless.
counseling and job referral program to assist
expanded
City, County
program
homeless persons and households achieve self
program
Non -profits such
sufficiency.
as the Good
Shepherd House.
6.0
NEIGHBORHOOD
ASSOCIATIONS
6.1
Create neighborhood guidelines.
Conduct a study with recommendations.
1
$ study
199-101
County
None
Discussion on: methods for public outreach; the
$$ public
City
impact of new development on adjoining
outreach
Including:
neighborhoods, such as density; housing by
Council of
type; home ownership; rental concerns; and
Neighborhoods
drainage. Create booklet.
Association and
other similar
organizations

r__1' CZ) = C:a
�:- �:� Z:) =:j CD
HOUSING
7.0
SPECIAL NEEDS AND ELDERLY
7.1
Establish a housing program for the
Conduct study with recommendations for
2
$ for study
'02203
City
None
special needs, elderly, and disabled, that
program creation; include congregate living
County
is integrated throughout the community.
arrangements for the elderly, and other special
$$ program
Non-profit
needs populations, e.g. nursing homes. Study
housing providers
how to integrate with private sector.
Private business
7.2
Modify zoning regulations where
Conduct a study with recommendations to
2
$ for study
'02203
City
None
appropriate to encourage housing for
include with Unified Development Ordinance.
County
the special needs, elderly, disabled.
8.0
ADEQUATE UNCW AND CFCC
STUDENT HOUSING
8.1
Develop an on and off campus student
Conduct a study with recommendations.
3
$
'04-'05
City
None
housing program for UNC-Wilmington.
County
UNC W
8.2
Develop an on and off campus student
Conduct a study with recommendations.
3
$
'04205
City
None
housing program for Cape Fear
CFCC
Community College.
67

0
I
0
0
n
I
XII. Economic Development
ISSUES...................................................................................................
1. There needs to be improved economic diversification, and continued effort to attract employers that
have high paying jobs.
2. Continue efforts to attract and retain business to economically distressed areas.
3. To remain competitive into the next decade the State port will need to deepen its harbor, improve
inland highway and rail access, and upgrade the terminal.
4. The area could increase water dependent marine related employment opportunities with: marine
technology; aquaculture; the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher; and boat manufacturing and marinas.
5. The Wilmington International Airport needs to expand to improve its competitiveness while working
to ensure community compatibility.
6. There is a need to balance tourism with a diversified economy.
7. There is a need to increase workforce preparedness, especially for the marginally trained and under
educated.
68
I

Economic Development
POLICIES.................................................................................................
1. GENERAL ECONOMY
Develop a coordinated economic development strategy to attract high paying employers, that is economically
diverse and environmentally mindful.
2. IMPROVING ECONOMICALLY DISTRESSED AREAS
The City and County with non profit and for profit organizations shall work to attract and retain business in
areas that are economically distressed.
3. WILMINGTON STATE PORT
The County and City shall work with the State Port in achieving mutually acceptable development goals.
4. MARINE ECONOMY
The City and County shall support the water dependent marine economy.
5. AIRPORT
The County and City shall cooperate with the New Hanover County Airport Authority to increase the
competitiveness, of the Wilmington International Airport while being mindful of the compatibility with
adjacent businesses and homes.
6. TOURISM
The City and County shall encourage tourism as part of a balanced and diversified economy.
7. SKILLED WORKFORCE AND EDUCATION
The County and City and private sector shall cooperate with schools to develop a properly trained work force
with employable skills.
69

Economic Development
1.0
GENERAL ECONOMY
1.1
Establish a task force with a
Select lead agency, or consultant to guide
1
$
199-101
Lead agency or consultant
None
mission to attract high
process.
With representation that should include:
paying diverse employers
Meet and create framework to proceed.
Private sector
and consider incentives.
Resolve who would compose task force;
Wil. Industrial Develop., Inc.
include private sector.
Co. Commissioners, City Council
Address topic for set time.
Cape Fear Tomorrow
End with recommendations to proceed after
UNCW, CFCC, Public Schools
task force finished.
Chamber of Commerce, Black Chain. Com.
Wilmington State Port
Wil. International Airport
Small Business Coalition
Wil. New Han. Co. Commun. Devel. Corp.
Small Business & Tech. Develop. Center —
UNCW Partners for Economic Inclusion
1.2
Enhance a County -City
Select lead public agency or consultant to
1
$
'99201
Lead public agency and or consultant.
None
economic development
do study with recommendations.
program.
Include these following items.
private programs that target existing
business for new expansion and job
creation, including small businesses.
1.2.2 Establishing a Research and
Development Park including infrastructure,
with business connections to UNCW and
CFCC.
1.2.3 Investigate establishing a local
branch of the Office of Industrial Extension
Service in the County.
1.2.4 Increase public outreach and
improve awareness of the importance of
business and industry to the tax base.
70

Economic Development
I?olicy
� Im ementatton Actions
: DOM s fdr Actions by
,Resources,,,,,:
,Fiscal `
Responsibility c
ffx F Statuis
#
. ,
,Pnortty
a
!Acquired5
.., Year
.0
.F ,,✓:
g-
1
A,. ..
Xt
1.3
Investigate expanding the
Conduct a study with recommendations.
1
$ study
199 '01
UNCW with NC State and NC A&T
Program
engineering cooperative
Cost and logistics of expanding the
coordination.
currently is with
education program between
engineering program.
$$ ex-
UNCW and NC
UNCW, NC State and NC
Consider enhancing ties to local business.
panded
State.
A&T.
program
1.4
Enhance: promotion of the
1.4.1 Strengthen promotion and incentives
1
$
Ongoing
Wilmington Regional Film Commission
Ongoing
local film industry; and
on behalf of the City and County.
coordinating with: Private film industry;
education opportunities.
Meet with Task Force regarding continuous
City and County.
updates on "Film Guidelines."
Establish and improve existing procedures
for location filmmaking with Police, Fire
and government.
Create program to improve existing public
relations with the community regarding on -
location film making.
Improve website, update computer
programs with maintenance.
1.4.2 Strengthen and nurture the UNCW
2
$$
Ongoing
UNCW
Ongoing
Film Studies education program.
1.5 Consider establishing a Conduct a study on the best method to 2 $ study '02=03 An existing agency or consultant to conduct None
program with incentives for achieve this with recommendations for study possibly with New Han. Co. Regional
larger companies to assist setting up program. Medical Center, or UNCW, or the Early
employees with high Childhood Faculty of CFCC with the County
quality affordable child day and City.
care.
1.6 Develop a program to Conduct a study with recommendations for 2 $ '02203 Likely private initiative with possible None
attract professional sports. program creation. government partnership.
71
= = = = = = C= = = = = = � 7 = = = = Cn

T T f
L` \:V11V1111�: LCVCIV1JIllClll.
ECONOMICALLY
DISTRESSED AREAS
2.1
Use of Community
Identify and prioritize projects. Act upon
1
$$
Ongoing
City
Ongoing
Development Block Grant
proposals that have real potential to create
County
funds for programs and
jobs. Insure that money is leveraged to
activities that create jobs
increase success.
for low and moderate
income persons.
2.2
Encourage and support the
Research: which existing businesses have
1
$
199= 01
City
None
federal Small Business
contracts with the Federal Gov't. Educate
Wilmington Industrial Development, Inc.
Administration HUBZone
potential clients regarding program.
program to attract business
Coordin-ate possible: relocation, and
and jobs to the
expansion of existing businesses.
economically challenged
areas of Wilmington.
2.3
Encourage the creation of
Expand family resource centers and
2
$ existing
Ongoing
City, Including: Wilmington Community
Ongoing
family resource centers and
programs into distressed areas. Support
Coalition
programs.
existing programs. Examples include the
$$
'02203
Bottom, and Long Leaf Park Resource
expanded
None
Center.
program
2.4
Encourage public and
Create flexible regulations in the Unified
2
$
199-101
City
None
private business
Development Ordinance.
County
partnerships for the
Private Business
development of speculative
properties.
2.5
Ensure that the economic
Study is underway and recommendations
2
Project
Ongoing
City
Ongoing
revitalization of Greenfield
will be forthcoming.
I
could
Wilmington Industrial Development, Inc.
Industrial Park occurs.
range
from $ to
72

Economic Development
Responsibility
3.0
WILMINGTON STATE
PORT
3.1
Support the Wilmington
Using the ports Master Capital
1
$ for
Ongoing
Wilmington State Port
Ongoing
State Port facilities to create
Development Plan, follow the
review-
Federal agencies, including US Army COE
a more competitive
recommendations; including, deepening the
ing study
NC Dept. Commerce
shipping port.
shipping channel, and upgrading the
and
NC DOT
terminal. Follow the recommendations of
coordin-
CSX Railroad
the Transportation section of the
ation.
City and N. H. County
Comprehensive Plan for improved inland
Brunswick Co.
highway and rail access.
$$$ for
carrying
out the
recom-
menda-
tions.
3.3
Balance the needs of the
Adhere to Cape Fear River Corridor Plan
3
$
Ongoing
Wilmington State Port
Ongoing
State Port with the
recommendations. Review study and
City and N. H. County
recreational boating on the
coordinate with concerned parties.
Brunswick Co.
Cape Fear River.
Coast Guard
4.0
MARINE ECONOMY
4.1
Support aquaculture
4.1.1 Enhance promotion of the
2
$
Ongoing
UNCW Center for Marine
Program exists,
research and marine
environmentally friendly aquaculture
NC Sea Grant Program
would con-sider
technology.
research technology.
NC Marine Trades Services
increased
promotion.
4.1.2 Increase financial support of the
2
$$
'02-'03
Cape Fear Community College NC Marine
Would con-sider
existing marine technology education
Trades Services
increased
program at CFCC.
financial
support.
4.2
Support the expansion
Work with the Aquarium to ensure smooth
1
$$
Ongoing
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Ongoing
effort of the NC Aquarium
expansion effort of building facilities.
County
at Fort Fisher.
Chamber of Commerce
4.3
Support the efforts of
Enhance the existing promotion,
2
$
Ongoing
Small Business and Technology Development
Ongoing
marine trade services for
advertisement, and public outreach.
Center - UNCW
expanded boat manufac-
Coastal Waterways Heritage Tourism Council
turing, and boating services
such as marinas.
73
G7 C= i= C= C= I= U �7 I

T T ■
]V,%;UIIUIII"FZVCI UP111VUL
4.4 Address the of loss of Conduct a study with recommendations
public accessible boat slips by consultant or agency.
and marinas to traveling
boaters.
2 $ '02-'03 Coastal Waterways Heritage Tourism Council
Small Business and Technology Development
Center — UNC W
County, City
5.0
AIRPORT
5.1
Encourage airport
Support the airport master plan with regard
1
$
On -going
Wilmington International Airport
Ongoing
economic growth and
to economic growth. Address compatibility
County
development.
with the Land Use and Transportation
City
policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
Coordinate with concerned parties.
6.0
TOURISM
6.1
Promote Wilmington and
Conduct a study with recommendations on
2
$
'02-'03
Possibly use a consultant for study with:
None
the County as an area for
how to increase heritage -historic
Carolina Heritage Tourism Network
heritage and historic
preservation tourism; study likely
Cape Fear Convention and Visitors Bureau
preservation tourism.
conducted by a consultant.
1898 Foundation
6.2
Support promotion of
Support the existing promotion.
2
$
On -going
Coastal Waterways Heritage Tourism Council
Ongoing
Wilmington as a boating
with
destination hub and related
NC Marine Trades Services
eco-tourism activity.
7.0
SKILLED
WORKFORCE AND
EDUCATION
7.1
Enhance support for school
7.1.1 Expand the existing Dual Enrollment
1
$$
199= 01
Cooperation with:
Exists but needs
and work programs with
high school and community college
Cape Fear Community College New Hanover
pro -motion;
Cape Fear Community
program that emphasizes vocation training.
Co. Board of Education
consider
College and New Hanover
Advertise to students and parents.
Pender County
increased
Co. Public Schools,
Shaw University
financial
particularly with vocation
support.
74

Economic Development
Policy
Im Iementafiott Actors
Details for Actions = wj
Pnont
Resburces
Ftscal.:,
Responsibility
; Status
# Y
p M,
.>
��
%�
Required
:> Year
:;
y�
7.1.2 Expand the cooperative public
1
$$
199-101
New Hanover Co. Board of Education
Exists but needs
school and work internship programs for
NC State Dept. of Commerce
promo-tion.
students. Develop a cooperative agreement.
Volunteer efforts Cape Fear Partners for
Expand the Job Ready internship program
Career Success.
between business and the New Hanover
Unions.
County Public Schools.
7.2 Expand a job skills
program for the post high
school aged under -
prepared.
uonsiaer estamisnmg an
independent Board of
Education supplemental
education tax to improve
the quality of public school
education.
7.4 Address the public school
drop out challenge and high
school students working
excessively during school
year.
Program with Continuing Education.
Conduct a study with recommendation e.g.
using a consultant. Study other systems in
other states with this authority.
Conduct a study and write guidelines,
brochure, public affairs messages.
Discussion to include, drop out challenge,
excessive work by high school students,
and methods to encourage employers to
assist teenage persons to obtain a high
school diploma.
75
I I Cape Fear Community College I Available but
under -funded.
New Hanover Co. Board of Education I None
possibly with consultant.
State
New Hanover Co. Board of
possibly with consultant.

0
XIII. Historic Preservation
ISSUE...................................................................................................
0 1. The City and County need to identify protect and plan for the preservation of historic resources.
Historic Preservation
POLICIES.............................................................................................
1. The Countyand Cityin cooperation with non profit and for profit organizations shall preserve, and
provide regulatory and cultural guidance for historic sites and areas.
2. Take proactive steps to identify and protect important historic and archaeological resources including an
updated inventory of significant areas or sites and updates to current regulations to require identification
of potential impacts, a plan for protection of sensitive areas/sites or a mitigation/ data recovery plan
where preservation is not possible. Density credits should be used to aid in area/ site protection plans.
3. Support a community archaeological program that will provide assistance to help salvage threatened
historic and archaeological sites and promote public education/ participation.
4. Continue the redevelopment of historic downtown Wilmington as a high priority, building on past
successes and carefully matching public incentives with private investment. Care should be taken to
preserve the visual character and historic atmosphere of old Wilmington.
I
0
in
76
V

Historic Preservation
.i,
Policy%
.�. 'd .�-.,`"s%kp.•
1m lementafion Actions
d rA;t 'S'wx ',:,{yW 4d
Details for Actions -,
Priori
Resiiurces
Fiscal ;
6
R onsibih
esp ry
i
, .p; :, •,'
SCatus
#
p
Requtrod:Year
y
__i.. a .
.v... .. .. .,_.. ,.. .... ..
...�
1.1
Update and revise existing historic district
Complete guidelines and
1
$
`98-'99
City, (Preservation Consultant, in
Draft form
design guidelines to provide direction to the
implement them.
process of refining guidelines with
homeowners, builders and contractors, and to
public's and Historic District
preserve visual and historic character in the
Commission input)
redevelopment of downtown Wilmington.
1.2
Conduct a city- and county -wide historic
Complete survey.
1
$$
198-199
Historic Wilmington Foundation,
In process
resource survey update that identifies
Inc., City, and County
additional historic resources, both
architectural and natural.
1.3
Update existing National Register District
Retain consultant to conduct
1
$
199-100
City, Historic Wilmington
None
survey to identify contributing,
survey update.
Foundation, Inc.
noncontributing resources for tax credit
purposes, and demolished resources and new
construction.
1.4
Expand boundaries of city's local historic
Complete study and designation
1
$
199
City, Historic Wilmington
Draft form
districts towards the north and south.
report.
Foundation, Inc., Consultant
1.5
Expand the boundaries of the National
Conduct reconnaissance survey
1
$
`99-'03
City, Historic Wilmington
None
Register District to encompass adjoining areas
with recommendations.
Foundation, Inc
that have become eligible for inclusion.
1.6
Enhance existing affordable housing programs
See Housing implementation
1
$$
Ongoing
City, and WHFD, Inc.
On -going
within the historic districts. Adopt design
actions.
guidelines and building codes to facilitate
renovations in low-income areas.
1.7
Protect and maintain historic brick street
Conduct survey and research
1
$ study
199= 00
City, Historic District Commission,
On -going
pavers.
and implement program.
$ program
Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.
1.8
Include Historic Preservation Plan as an
Collect comments as
1
$
'98-`99
City, Historic District Commission,
None
element of the Comprehensive Plan
Comprehensive Plan is updated.
Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.
1.9
Initiate the establishment of Conservation
Conduct public education.
3
$
'02204
City, Historic District Commission,
None
Districts.
Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.
1.10
Establish local historic districts in early 20 -
Conduct reconnaissance survey
2
$$
'99203
City, Historic District Commission,
None
century neighborhoods such as Forest Hills
with recommendations.
Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.
and Sunset Park.
1.11
Establish historic resource design guidelines
Use guidelines created by other
3
$
'04-`06
County, City, Historic Wilmington
None
that pertain to districts and landmarks to be
county jurisdictions as a model
Foundation, Inc.
designated by the future County Historic
and revise appropriately.
Preservation Commission.
77

cz] C-2:3 CZ3 C__1
Historic Preservation
1.12
Coordinate historic preservation efforts and
public education with non-profit historic
preservation groups.
Continuous outreach and
interaction.
1
$
Ongoing
City, County, Historic District
Commission, Historic Wilmington
Foundation, Inc., DARE, Inc.
On -going
1.13
Take proactive steps to identify and protect
Include: updated inventory of
2
$ for study
199-1101
City and County
Need to add to
important archaeological resources.
significant areas or sites;
study
updates to current regulations to
require identification of
potential impacts; a plan for
protection of sensitive areas;
sites and mitigation; and use
density credits to aid in area and
site protection plans.
Support a community
2
$$ for
199-101
City and County
Need to add to
archaeological program that will
program
pro -gram
provide assistance to help;
salvage threatened land and
water sites archaeological sites;
and promote public education
and participation.
78

0
I'l
XIV. Storm & Natural Hazards
ISSUES..................................................................................................
1. Three hurricanes and five major storms in the past few years have focused attention on the need for
examination of many existing ordinances and building codes.
2. Use of land susceptible to hurricane and flooding damage must be scrutinized to assure the safety of
visitors and citizens.
3. It is the responsibility of the governments of New Hanover County, the City of Wilmington and the beach
Communities to provide a plan of action to protect the lives and property of their citizens and visitors.
POLICIES...................................................................................................
1. Storm and Natural Hazard Mitigation, Evacuation and Recovery Policies
1.1. In the event of a hurricane or disaster the City and County shall assess measures to safeguard
future populations from development which may put increased numbers of people at risk in
hazard incidents.
1.2. A Recovery Task Force may be appointed with the responsibility for directing reconstruction
within New Hanover County after a damaging storm.
1.3. The City and County shall retain on a seasonal basis an assistance facilitator/consultant who, as
directed by the County Manager, will be responsible for making recommendations and
coordinating assistance to elected officials, the Recovery Task Force and the citizenry in the
event of a Natural Hazard occurrence.
1.4. Immediately remove and clean up debris and restore services following a major storm event.
79

Storm & Natural Hazards
Po1i ` #
�,
� �, ,, .
Iin °lementahoti Actions
p
..4• s'
Deatls fo Actions
s
Res ons�bili "
p
r.Resources.
Prori Ty
Year,
� �¢��� F
Status
}�
Required
1
Storm and Natural Hazard Mitigation,
Evacuation and Recovery Policies
1.1.
The City and County shall closely
Planning and Inspections department review
NHCO,
$
1
Ongoing
Current preparedness level can
monitor all reconstruction efforts
process must be in tact and ready to respond
Wilmington,
be improved upon
involving both public and private
in case of hazard event. Follow
Beach
utilities, including roads, to provide for
recommendations of Project Impact and
Communities:
less vulnerable redevelopment after a
Hazard Mitigation Planning Initiative
Planning,
hurricane
Inspections
1.1
Discourage high intensity uses and large
Enforce current zoning and subdivision regs
NHCO,
$
structures from being constructed within
regarding development in the floodplain.
Wilmington,
the 100 year floodplain, erosion prone
Promote density tradeoffs for development
Beach
areas, and other locations susceptible to
out of floodplain.
Communities:
hurricane and flooding hazards.
Planning,
Inspections;
Private
developers.
1.1
Following a storm event, take advantage
Review repetitive loss properties, apply for
NHCO,
$$$
N/A
September
of opportunities to acquire or purchase
grant funding when available. Have
Wilmington,
1998
land located in storm hazard areas which
database of priority properties for
Beach
are rendered unbuildable. The property
acquisition. Follow recommendations of
Communities:
should satisfy objectives including, but
Project Impact and Hazard Mitigation
Planning,
not limited to the conservation of open
Planning Initiative
Inspections
space, scenic areas, and provision of
public water access.
1.1
Declare a moratorium on the acceptance
Take action - Follow recommendations of
Planning
$
of any request for rezoning in flood
Project Impact and Hazard Mitigation
Boards and
prone areas other than for rezoning to a
Planning Initiative
Commissions,
less intense use, unless that rezoning
Elected
request is initiated by the City or
Officials
County.
1.1
Declare a moratorium on the permitting
Identify areas impacted by hazard, declare
Planning and
$
H
Spring,
of any new construction, new utility
moratorium. Follow recommendations of
Inspections
1999
hook-ups, or redevelopment
Project Impact and Hazard Mitigation
Departments,
construction that would increase the
Planning Initiative
Planning
intensity of the land uses existing before
Boards and
the hurricane or disaster.
Commissions,
Elected
Officials
80

= CZ3 = � IZD CD
Storm & Natural Hazards
.. �Ac i6"
"�iis io e
" Re
so
A iiwu"',
1.1
Request that new assessment of hazard
Prepare request for Elected official
Planning
areas be performed, depending on the
signature, make request
departments,
extent of flooding and the changes to
Follow recommendations of Project Impact
elected
shoreline and inlets caused by the
and Hazard Mitigation Planning Initiative
officials
hurricane.
1.2
The Task Force shall be responsible for
Asses storm damages and impacts, organize
Planning
$
M
On -Going
advising the Board of the County
meetings with Commisioners, advise
Commissioners on a diverse range of
post -storm issues.
1.2
A building moratorium may be
Analyze post storm impacts, critical facility
Task force,
$
authorized or extended by the Recovery
damage, asses need for moratorium, autorize
County
Task Force through a resolution by the
if necessary.
Commissioners
Board of County Commissioners and/or
City Council
1.3
The City and County shall retain on a
0 Determining the types of assistance
County
$
M
1999-2000
seasonal basis an assistance
available to the City and County and
Managers
facilitator/consultant who, as directed by
the type of assistance most needed.
office,
the County Manager
0 Assisting in the coordination of federal
facilitator
disaster recovery effort.
0 Coordinate State and Federal programs
of assistance.
0 Informing the Citizenry of the types of
assistance programs available.
• Recommending to the Recovery Task
Force and Board of Commissioners
programs which are available and then
acting as facilitator in securing those
programs
1.4
The City and County shall be
Coordinate necessary departments, prioritize
Managers
$$$
responsible for the overall supervision
clean up effort, assign available resources to
office, -
of cleanup and disposal of debris
efficiently perform clean up
deparment
resulting from an intense storm event
heads
1.4
In hurricane damaged areas, give
Asses damages, prioritize repair work.
Task force,
$$
H
Spring,
priority to those repairs that restore
Follow recommendations of Project Impact
managers,
1999
service to the greatest number of people.
and Hazard Mitigation Planning Initiative
deparmtent
I
I
I heads
81

Storm & Natural Hazards
Pahc "
Y
W1.
Irn lementatioia'Actions:;;
p,
�w
17ttails forActioii`s
Res' onsibili
p ty
Resources
Priori tY
f,
Status,,,,:
Required
„gYeaz
,
R%�.�?i„..,
C
x e.;^ ,-.,s �_, .,-,r .,.. x,E'�.p".t �_r."„<(. ....< ,._
. o,. ...a�'i� Via":, aM. �. »N.
F
'•N �`.�.iM, f
1.4
Where economically feasible replace or
Perform damage assesment, determine '
Deparment
$$$
relocate public utilities, that have
facilities that should be replaced, seek grants
heads,
sustained major damage due to a
or other funding, relocate facilities. Follow
managers
hurricane storm event, away from
recommendations of Project Impact and
offices,
hurricane hazard areas or strengthen
Hazard Mitigation Planning Initiative
Emergency
their construction
management,
private
companys ie.
Phone and
electric
1.4
The North Carolina Department of
Remove debris form roadways
NCDOT,
$$$
H
Spring,
Transportation(NCDOT) will remove
Wilmington,
1999
and clean up debris from publicly
Beach
maintained roads immediately following
Communities
a major storm event
1.4
The City of Wilmington will be
Remove debris from streets.
Wilmington
$$$
M
1999-2000
responsible for the clean-up of City
DOT
streets
1.4 Private development homeowners will Remove debris from roads — contract Private
be responsible for the clean-up of debris services or perform removal. homeowners
on private roads, or public roads not yet
accepted by NCDOT
82

XV. Land Classifications/Map
a The land classification system is a means of assisting in the implementation of the Comprehensive
Plan policies. It allows the local government and its citizens to specify those areas where certain policies
will apply. The land classification system is intended to be supported and complemented by zoning, sub-
division and other land use management tools. Together they provide the guidance to help realize the desired
future land uses. The land classifications for the 1998 Wilmington -New Hanover County Comprehensive
Plan Update are as follows:
Developed
nThe purpose of the Developed class is to provide for continued intensive development and
u redevelopment of existing urban areas. These areas are already developed at a density approaching 1,500
dwelling units per square mile. Urban services are already in place or scheduled within the immediate
future. Most of the land within the City of Wilmington is designated as Developed, except for some Urban
Transition and Conservation areas. Density may exceed 2.5 units per acre within the Developed class,
depending upon local zoning regulations.
Urban Transition
The purpose of the Urban Transition class is to provide for future intensive urban development on
lands that have been or will be provided with necessary urban services. The location of these areas is based
upon land use planning policies requiring optimum efficiency in land utilization and public service delivery.
Residential development can exceed 2.5 units per acre within the Urban Transition area provided the
development is adequately designed to be compatible with existing and proposed surrounding land uses and
it is served by:
1. Sewer - the development shall be served by City or County sewer systems or private package
treatment systems that meet the most stringent State requirements.
2. Municipal or Coupwaters stem - the development shall be served by City or County water
systems or a private water system constructed in accordance with City of Wilmington standards.
3. Direct access to a minor arterial or larger access road, as classified under the New Hanover
County Thoroughfare Classification System - the development may be required to fully provide
or to share in the cost of the provision of roadway improvements needed to adequately serve the
proposed development and the community in general.
Limited Transition
The purpose of the Limited Transition class is to provide for development in areas that will have
some services, but at lower densities than those associated with Urban Transition.
83

Residential density should be no more than 2.5 units/acre, with lower density being more desirable.
The use of clustering and Planned Unit Developments (PUD) is encouraged.
These areas were previously designated as Transition and were intended to provide for more
intensive future urban development. However the provision of public services has been scaled back and less
intensive urban development is planned.
Community
The purpose of the Community class is to provide for a "crossroads" type of development to help
meet housing, shopping, employment and public service needs within the more rural areas of the County.
Services may be provided to these areas, but not to stimulate more intensive development. Density shall
not exceed 2.5 units/acre. -
These rural areas of the planning jurisdiction are typically characterized by a small grouping of
mixed land uses, such as community shopping, church, school and residences, which provide low intensity
retail service and housing opportunities. The only area currently designated as "Community" is Castle
Hayne.
Rural
The purpose of the Rural class is to provide for areas of low intensity land uses, such as agriculture,
forest management, mineral extraction and other traditional agrarian uses. This classification discourages
the premature conversion of these lands into urban -type uses and the subsequent loss of resource production.
Other land uses of a noxious or hazardous nature with the potential for negative impacts on adjacent
uses may be allowed, provided that they can be sited in a manner which will minimize their negative effect
on surrounding land uses and natural resources.
Only low density residential development not exceeding 2.5 units per acre is permitted, since the
extension of urban services into the Rural class would be an inefficient use of resources. Compatible
commercial and industrial uses may also be allowed, provided that natural resources are not adversely
impacted.
Conservation
The purpose of the Conservation class is to provide for effective long-term management and
protection of significant, limited or irreplaceable natural resources while also protecting the rights of the
property owner. Management of these areas may be required for a number of reasons, including natural,
cultural, recreational, productive or scenic values.
Lands placed in the Conservation class present challenges from a land use standpoint, as they are
often the most desirable from a development perspective and they may be, at the same time, the most
undesirable to develop from an environmental perspective.
Lands placed in the Conservation class are generally the least desirable for development because:
84

a1. They are too fragile to withstand development without losing their natural value; and/or
2. They have severe or hazardous limitations to development; and/or
D 3. Though they are not highly fragile or hazardous, the natural resources they represent are too
valuable to endanger by development.
In order to promote the highest and best use while preventing a negative impact on water quality,
site specific flexibility and creativity is desirable. The application of regulations regarding issues such as
density, buffers and impervious surfaces should enhance this flexibility. The use of incentives such as
U density credits and performance criteria is encouraged.
U Generally, estuarine areas of environmental concern (AFC's) as defined by the State of North
oCarolina and adjacent lands within the 100-year floodplain have been classified as Conservation.
Conservation areas should be preserved in their natural state. Woodland, grassland and recreation
areas not requiring filling are the most appropriate uses. Exceptions to this standard are limited to water -
dependent uses (i.e., uses that cannot function elsewhere), shared industrial access corridors, and those
exceptional development proposals which are sensitively designed so as to effectively preserve the natural
functions of the site. The following guidelines clarify these Conservation area objectives and development
of property should be limited to the following uses:
1. Water dependent uses - may include: utility easements, docks, wharves, boat ramps,
dredging, bridge and bridge approaches, revetments, bulkheads, culverts, groins, navigational
aide, moorings, pilings, navigational channels, simple access channels and drainage ditches.
In some instances, a water -dependent use may involve coverage of sizeable land areas with
limited opportunities to integrate the use with the site's natural features. This would require
reclassification of the site. By contrast, water dependent uses which can be designed to
preserve a site's natural features may not require reclassification. This would be the preferred
type of development.
2. Shared industrial access corridors - as discussed in the U.S. Army Corps s of
Engineers' The Wilmington Harbor: Plan for Improvement, would provide necessary
access to the channel of the Northeast Cape Fear River for industries located on high
ground while minimizing the adverse environmental impacts of such access.
3. Exceptional developments preserving natural features are projects which are
sensitively designed to be in harmony with the site's natural features and natural functions,
(� and provide a balance with the highest and best use of the property. Such projects minimize
1� erosion, runoff and siltation; minimize impervious surfaces impacts and protect estuarine
resources; do not interfere with access to or use of navigable waters; do not require
j� extraordinary public expenditures for maintenance; ensure that ground absorption sewage
IJ systems, if used, meet applicable standards; and should be aware of and not damage historic,
n architectural or archeological resources.
U
0 85

In no case, with the exception of the Wilmington National Register Historic District, shall residential
density in the Conservation class be permitted to exceed 2.5 units per acre, regardless of the existence of
public urban services. Residential densities may be required to be as low as 1.0 unit/acre or less, depending
on the environmental constraints within a particular area. While certain Conservation areas may be served
by public sewer in order to eliminate septic system pollution, this should not be misconstrued as an incentive
to facilitate increased development density.
Resource Protection
The purpose of the Resource Protection class is to provide for the preservation and protection of
important natural, historic, scenic, wildlife and recreational resources. The Resource Protection class has
been developed in recognition of the fact that New Hanover County, one of the most urbanized counties in
the State, still contains numerous areas of environmental or cultural sensitivity which merit protection from
urban land uses.
The Resource Protection class includes land adjacent to the estuarine waters which are classified SA
by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management. The class also includes land in the Castle
Hayne area where the protection of farmland, a rural lifestyle, and the aquifer system are highly important
issues. Generally residential densities greater than 2.5 units per acre shall not be permitted in the Resource
Protection class and may be required to be as low as 1.0 unit/acre or less, depending on the development
constraints within a particular area. Within the urban service boundary, residential density greater than 2.5
units per acre may be considered for exceptionally designed projects that meet performance based standards
of the Unified Development Ordinance. These standards shall address the Comprehensive Plan goals and
policies for urban design, water quality, greenways, transportation, levels of service and other development
related impacts within the tidal creek watersheds. No increase in density may be considered until such time
as the performance based standards of the Unified Development Ordinance are completed and adopted by
the City and County. Compatible commercial and industrial development may be located within the
Resource Protection class as long as important resources are not adversely impacted. It is important to note
that the County sewer service being provided to portions of this area is intended for the purpose of
eliminating septic pollution and not for encouraging substantial increases in the density of development.
LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP
Included on the next page is the Land Classification Map. This map indicates the location of
each of the land classes previously described in this section. It is intended for general location purposes
only and should not be utilized for site -specific interpretive purposes due to its scale. For more detailed
information regarding the land classification for a specific site, contact the New Hanover County
Planning Department or the City of Wilmington Planning and Development Department.
86

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Appendix
A. Defmitions
B. List of Available Reports
88

a A. Definitions
---------------------
Carrying Capacity- the number of individuals who can be supported without degrading the
physical, ecological, cultural and social environments (eg. without reducing the ability of
the environment to sustain the desired quality of life over the long term).
a Cumulative Impacts- two or more individual effects which when considered together are
considerable or which compound or increase other environmental effects.
• Secondary Impacts- later and unintended effects of any direct man-made action or
indirect repercussions of man-made actions.
Barrier Islands - any land formation composed of unconsolidated materials lying on the
t 1
U
ocean side of the mainland and which have the following characteristics: a) The land is an
island or part of island with a density equal to or less than one residential unit per five acres;
b) the island area has been assigned the most severe rank with regard to hurricane forces;
c) the island area is not connected to the mainland by a permanent network of roads and
bridges that would allow safe and timely evacuation by land rather than boat; d) the island
area does not qualify for the National Flood Insurance Program as administered by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency; e) the island area is classified as Conservation
in the Land Use Plan; also includes estuarine islands, riverine islands, and spoil disposal
a
islands (note: further clarification of this definition will be provided with amendments to
zoning and subdivision definitions).
• Hydric Soils - Soils that are saturated or seasonally saturated with water at or near the
surface (within 12-18 inches depending on soil type). Generalized characteristics include
high organic matter content of the surface, low shrink swell potential, and frequent sustained
flooding. All Class IV and some Class III Soils as defined in the 1981 technical report,
Classification of Soils in New Hanover Countyfor Septic Tank Suitability.
• Development -any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but
not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving,
excavation, or drilling operations; excluding bona fide farming activities.
• Major Development - the term major development project shall include but is not
limited to shopping centers, subdivision and other housing developments, and
industrial and commercial projects, but shall not include any project of less than 2
contiguous acres in extent (G.S. 113A-9. Definitions -NC Environmental Policy
Act).
• Watershed - the area of land where water that falls or is contained therein runs off or drains
into the same river, stream, lake, estuary, or aquifer.
n
Riparian Access - the legal right of waterfront property owners to construct docks or piers
that are contained within the boundaries of their riparian area limit (90 degree angle from
!}.1'
the edge of the channel back to the property line or shore).
89
IF,

I
Q
Marina - includes commercial marinas, rental slips, community boating facilities, and
residential piers renting more than two slips.
a
• Commercial Marina- any dock or basin and associated structures commercially
providing permanent or temporary harboring or storing of two or more boats,
pleasure or commercial, and providing marine services, including but not limited
to retail sales for fuel, repair, convenient food stuffs, boats, engines, and accessory
equipment.
a
• Community Boating Facility- a private non-profit boating facility including a
dock, pier, and/or launching ramp on property which has water frontage, the use of
which is intended to serve 5 or more residential lots or units. The right to use such
facility must be conferred by an easement appurtenant to the residential lot it is
a
intended to serve. No commercial activities of any kind shall be allowed within the
confines of the facility.
n
u
• Mooring - any means to attach a ship, boat, vessel or other water craft to a
stationary underwater device, buoy, buoyed anchor, or freestanding piling.
Water Dependant Uses- those activities or structures for which the use requires access or
proximity to or siting adjacent to or within surface waters to fulfill its intended purpose,
such as boat docks, ramps, shoreline stabilization measures, navigational aids and/or
channels. Examples of structures that are not water dependant include but are not limited
to commercial boat storage facilities, restaurants, residences, parking lots, trailers, hotels,
motels, roadways, tennis courts, or swimming
a
pools.
Passive Recreation- those activities which avoid or minimize the use of impervious or built
upon surfaces, such as raised wooden walkways, vegetated greenways, non -paved pathways,
U
and other similar uses. Passive recreation activities shall conform to standards for setbacks,
buffers, impervious surfaces, etc.
U
Vegetated Buffer- an area that is or will be vegetated with native coastal species and which
acts as a natural transition zone between coastal waters and adjacent upland land uses.
Vegetated buffers should maintain a diversity of native plant species and types (eg. grasses,
shrubs, and trees).
III
I
90 0

B. List of Available Reports
The following is a list of available reports used in the Comprehensive Plan development. Key
words of reports are shown in bold.
1. New Hanover County Voter Survey, Eastcoast Research Wilmington, N.C., October 1997.
2. Population of New Hanover County and Wilmington, North Carolina, October 1997/January
1998 update.
3. Economy of New Hanover County and Wilmington, North Carolina, October 1997/January
1998 update.
4. Housing of New Hanover County and Wilmington, North Carolina, March 1998.
5. Wilmington Urban Area draft Transportation Plan, 1999-2025, June 1999.
6. Community Infrastructure.
Final Level of Service, Cost & Revenue Factor Assumptions, April 1998
Fiscal Impact of Providing Services in 1998 and 2010, June 1998.
7. Environmental Resources and Constraints of New Hanover County and Wilmington, North
Carolina, October 1997.
8. Existing Land Use of New Hanover County and Wilmington, North Carolina, October 1997.
9. Future Land Use of New Hanover County and Wilmington, North Carolina, October 1998.
10. Hurricane Mitigation & Reconstruction of New Hanover County and Wilmington, North
Carolina, October 1997.
11. Summary of Plans, Policies and Regulations for New Hanover County and Wilmington,
North Carolina, October 1997.
12. Implementation Evaluation of the 1993 CAMA Land Use Plan Update for New Hanover
County and Wilmington, North Carolina, October 1997.
13. Citizen Participation Plan of New Hanover County and Wilmington, North Carolina,
January 1997/April 1998 update.
91

Please do not remove!!!!!
Division of Coastal Management
■ ■
Wilmington - New Hanover County
CAMA Land Use Plan Update
Pl1997-2010
�►OYEp �
Adopted September 7, 1999
by the Wilmington City Council and New h� ' s •
Hanover County Board of Commissioners."
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Land Classifications
THE LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM is a means of assisting in the implementation
of the Comprehensive Plan policies. It allows the local government and its citizens to
specify those areas where certain policies will apply. The land classification system is
intended to be supported and complemented by zoning, subdivision and other land
use management tools. Together they provide the guidance to help realize the desired
future land uses. The land classifications for the 1999 Wilmington -New Hanover
County Comprehensive Plan Update are as follows:
DEVELOPED
THE PURPOSE OF THE DEVELOPED CLASS is to provide for continued intensive
development and redevelopment of existing urban areas. These areas are already developed at
a density approaching 1,500 dwelling units per square mile. Urban services are already in place
or scheduled within the immediate future. Most of the land within the City of Wilmington is
designated as Developed, except for some Urban Transition and Conservation areas.
Density may exceed 2.5 units per acre within the Developed class, depending upon local
zoning regulations.
URBAN TRANSITION
THE PURPOSE OF THE URBAN TRANSITION CLASS is to provide for future intensive urban
development on lands that have been or will be provided with necessary urban services. The
location of these areas is based upon land use planning policies requiring optimum efficiency in
land utilization and public service delivery.
Residential development can exceed 2.5 units per acre within the Urban Transition area
provided the development is adequately designed to be compatible with existing and proposed
surrounding land uses and it is served by:
• City or County sewer systems or private package treatment systems that meet the
most stringent State requirements;
• City or County water systems or a private water system constructed in accordance
with City of Wilmington standards;
• Direct access to a minor arterial or larger access road, as classified under the New
Hanover County Thoroughfare Classification System.
LIMITED TRANSITION
THE PURPOSE OF THE LIMITED TRANSITION CLASS is to provide for development in
areas that will have some services, but at lower densities than those associated with Urban
Transition. Residential density should be no more than 2.5 units per acre, with lower density
being more desirable. The use of clustering and Planned Unit Developments (PUD) is
encouraged.
These areas were previously designated as Transition and were intended to provide for more
intensive future urban development. However, the provision of public services has been
scaled back and less intensive urban development is planned.
COMMUNITY
THE PURPOSE OF THE COMMUNITY CLASS is to provide for a "crossroads" type of
development to help meet housing, shopping, employment and public service needs within the
more rural areas of the County. Services may be provided to these areas, but not to stimulate
more intensive development. Density shall not exceed 2.5 units per acre.
These rural areas of the planning jurisdiction are typically characterized by a small grouping
of mixed land uses, such as community shopping, church, school and residences, which
provide low intensity retail service and housing opportunities. The only area currently
designated as Community is Castle Hayne.
ZINJ iflI
THE PURPOSE OF THE RURAL CLASS is to provide for areas of low intensity land uses, such
as agriculture, forest management, mineral extraction and other traditional agrarian uses. This
classification discourages the premature conversion of these lands into urban -type uses and
the subsequent loss of resource production. Other land uses of a noxious or hazardous nature
with the potential for negative impacts on adjacent uses may be allowed, provided that they can
be sited in a manner which will minimize their negative effect on surrounding land uses and
natural resources.
Only low density residential development not exceeding 2.5 units per acre is permitted,
since the extension of urban services into the Rural class would be an inefficient use of
resources. Compatible commercial and industrial uses may also be allowed, provided that
natural resources are not adversely impacted.
Natural Resources
A. RESOURCE PROTECTION
We must preserve, protect and enhance the area's natural resources, because the quality of
our environment is an important ingredient in our overall quality of life, including our potential
for continued economic growth.
The protection of our resources shall be pursued in a regional context with area -wide
planning, through a political process that favors long-term goals over short-term interests and
provides accountability for the implementation of the goals and policies stated herein.
1. WATER QUALITY
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
1.1 Prevent further deterioration of estuarine water quality and loss of public trust uses
in the creeks and sounds and bring all coastal waters quality up to its use designation
as determined by the Division(s) of Water Quality, Marine Fisheries, Health, and
E.P.A.
1.2 Ensure the protection of water quality throughout the Cape Fear River Basin within
New Hanover County and the management & maintenance of drainage within our
coastal watersheds through participation in the development of regional water
quality/storm water management programs.
1.3 Ensure the protection, preservation and wise use of our natural resources by careful
review and consideration of the anticipated impacts of development through the
creation and implementation of an Environmental Review Program.
1.4 It is the intent of this plan to further provide for the protection and improvement of
our water quality through our Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The UDO
should specify standards for water quality, buffers, setbacks, density, impervious
surface, and overlay corridors; it should consider estuarine, river and other feeder
creek's water quality; and it should build upon existing information and ordinances.
2. OPEN SPACE
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
2.1 Ensure the preservation of adequate open space for its continued enjoyment and
contribution to our community today and for generations to come, to protect our
natural environment and wildlife habitats and to provide educational & recreational
opportunities.
2.2 Identify and protect wildlife corridors as a part of the greenway system and require
their protection or mitigation with all new development.
2.3 Preserve Airlie Gardens as a part of the greenway system to provide public open
space, natural environment and water quality protection, coastal landscape,
educational opportunities, and to ensure continued enjoyment and contribution
to our community.
2.4 Ensure the protection of our community's significant trees and the provision of
adequate landscaping to address urban design and resource protection issues through
the update of city and county development ordinances & processes and
establishment of a joint Tree Advisory Commission. Encourage and support the
replacement of trees lost to natural disaster and the use of native vegetation in
landscaping.
2.5 Provide for the protection, acquisition and development of public shorefront and
boat access areas.
3. NATURAL RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
3.1 Preserve and restore shell fishing to all SA waters and bring all coastal waters
designated or formerly designated SA up to their use designation.
3.2 Provide for the continued protection of the Cape Fear River from the cumulative
impacts of development by ensuring that Industrial permitting does not exceed
the river's carrying capacity and land disturbing activities are carefully reviewed
and considered for their potential sediment/turbidity and nutrient impacts.
3.3 Minimize dense development activities in ocean erodible areas, high hazard flood
areas, inlet hazard areas, and coastal & federally regulated wetlands to protect the
public safety, reduce the risk of property damage, and provide for the long-term
protection and management of these environmentally significant resources due to
their natural role in the integrity of the coastal region.
3.4 Ensure the protection of coastal and federally regulated wetlands that have
important functional significance through early identification in the development
process. Review of development proposals should seek to achieve the hierarchical
goals of avoidance, minimization, and/or compensation.
3.5 Ensure the protection of our undeveloped barrier and estuarine system islands and
support research and passive recreation as their primary uses. Undeveloped barrier
and estuarine system islands should not be developed and should be identified as
public acquisition areas.
3.6 Carefully control development activities within the 100-year floodplain to minimize
density and impervious surfaces and require low intensity uses such as open space
and recreation, to protect the public safety, reduce the risk of property damage, and
provide for the long-term protection and management of these environmentally
significant resources.
• Limited shared industrial access corridors and exceptionally designed residential
development projects may be allowed within the floodplain only where it can be
demonstrated that the project cannot be located out of the floodplain and where
adverse impacts to the estuarine system can be shown to be negligible.
• All projects shall comply with hierarchical review standards of avoidance,
minimization, and compensation for unavoidable impacts.
3.7 Require that the cumulative and secondary impacts of land use and development, and
the limited carrying capacity of our coastal ecosystems be considered in all land use
decisions and in the development or revision of local plans, capital facilities, services,
and ordinances.
3.8 Allow channel maintenance projects only where the public trust interest is preserved
or enhanced; significant economic or recreational benefits will occur for planning
area residents; and no significant adverse impacts will occur on shoreline dynamics.
Support State and Federal channel and inlet maintenance projects, including the
continued use and development of the Wilmington Harbor and the State Ports,
maintenance of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, and beach renourishment projects.
3.9 Allow estuarine shoreline erosion control only where the public trust interest is not
adversely impacted and the public shoreline will be the primary beneficiary. The
shoreline stabilization method chosen shall, to the maximum extent feasible,
maintain water quality and avoid or minimize adverse effects on nearshore habitat
or natural resources.
3.10 Carefully control development activities within the estuarine watersheds to prevent
the degradation of water quality in the creeks and sounds, to protect the public
health, and to ensure the protection of these vital natural resources by reducing
nutrient, pesticide, sediment and other harmful loadings through density controls,
setbacks, buffers, impervious surface limits, and other means.
The following standards shall apply:
• Limit density to 2.5 units/acre or less in Resource Protection & Conservation.
• Limit impervious surface coverage.
• Increase existing setbacks and establish a natural vegetative buffer to effectively
filter runoff prior to entering surface waters.
3.11 To preserve, protect, and where possible restore water quality and vital estuarine
resources, a naturally vegetated buffer with an average width of 35 linear feet shall
be established or maintained within established setback areas defined as
Conservation Overlay Districts (COD'S). The determination and management of
buffers must balance the above stated goals with the property owner's right to
develop and use the property. Guidelines for standards to maintain, alter and
properly manage vegetation within the buffer areas should be established within the
Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) process and should be included in the COD
guidelines.
3.12 Limit density in hydric soils and Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's) and
encourage Planned Residential Development and Planned Unit Development to
allow greater design flexibility to save trees and natural buffers.
3.13 Clearcutting or mowing of coastal wetland vegetation within any coastal wetland
AEC shall not be allowed.
4. AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
4.1 Prohibit the use of estuarine waters, estuarine shorelines and public trust areas for
development activity which would result in significant adverse impact to the natural
function of these areas.
CONSERVATION
THE PURPOSE OF THE CONSERVATION CLASS is to provide for effective long-term
management and protection of significant, limited or irreplaceable natural resources while also
protecting the rights of the property owner. Management of these areas may be required for a
number of reasons, including natural, cultural, recreational, productive or scenic values.
Lands placed in the Conservation class present challenges from a land use standpoint, as they
are often the most desirable from a development perspective and they may be, at the same
time, the most undesirable to develop from an environmental perspective.
Lands placed in the Conservation class are generally the least desirable for development
because:
• they are too fragile to withstand development without losing their natural value; and/or
• they have severe or hazardous limitations to development; and/or
• though they are not highly fragile or hazardous, the natural resources they represent
are too valuable to endanger by development
In order to promote the highest and best use while preventing a negative impact on water
quality, site specific flexibility and creativity is desirable. The application of regulations
regarding issues such as density, buffers and impervious surfaces should enhance this flexibility.
The use of incentives such as density credits and performance criteria is encouraged.
Generally, estuarine areas of environmental concern (AECs) as defined by the State of North
Carolina and adjacent lands within the 100-year floodplain have been classified as
Conservation.
Conservation areas should be preserved in their natural state. Woodland, grassland and
recreation areas not requiring filling are the most appropriate uses. Exceptions to this
standard are limited to water dependent uses (i.e., uses that cannot function elsewhere),
shared industrial access corridors, and those exceptional development proposals which are
sensitively designed so as to effectively preserve the natural functions of the site. (Guidelines
that clarify these Conservation area objectives can be found in the Comprehensive Plan
under Land Classifications/Map).
In no case, with the exception of the Wilmington National Register Historic District, shall
residential density in the Conservation class be permitted to exceed 2.5 units per acre,
regardless of the existence of public urban services. Residential densities may be required to
be as low as 1.0 unit per acre or less, depending on the environmental constraints within a
particular area. While certain Conservation areas may be served by public sewer in order to
eliminate septic system pollution, this should not be misconstrued as an incentive to facilitate
increased development density.
RESOURCE PROTECTION
THE PURPOSE OF THE RESOURCE PROTECTION CLASS is to provide for the preservation
and protection of important natural, historic, scenic, wildlife and recreational resources. The
Resource Protection class has been developed in recognition of the fact that New Hanover
County, one of the most urbanized counties in the State, still contains numerous areas of
environmental or cultural sensitivity which merit protection from urban land uses.
The Resource Protection class includes land adjacent to the estuarine waters which are
classified SA by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management. The class also
includes land in the Castle Hayne area where the protection of farmland, a rural lifestyle, and
the aquifer system are highly important issues. Generally residential densities greater than
2.5 units per acre shall not be permitted in the Resource Protection class and may be required
to be as low as 1.0 unit per acre or less, depending on the development constraints within a
particular area.
Within the urban service boundary, residential density greater than 2.5 units per acre may be
considered for exceptionally designed projects that meet performance based standards of the
Unified Development Ordinance. These standards shall address the Comprehensive Plan goals
and policies for urban design, water quality, greenways, transportation, levels of service and
other development related impacts within the tidal creek watersheds. No increase in density
may be considered until such time as the performance based standards of the Unified
Development Ordinance are completed and adopted by the City and County. Compatible
commercial and industrial development may be located within the Resource Protection class as
long as important resources are not adversely impacted. It is important to note that the County
sewer service being provided to portions of this area is intended for the purpose of eliminating
septic pollution and not for encouraging substantial increases in the density of development.
the Policies
4.2 Carefully control development activities within AEC's to prevent the degradation of
water quality and to ensure the protection of these vital natural resources by
reducing nutrient, pesticide, sediment and other harmful loadings through the use of
density control, setbacks, buffers, impervious surface limits, and other means.
The following standards shall apply:
• Limit density to 2.5 units/acre or less in Resource Protection and Conservation.
• Limit impervious surface coverage.
• Increase existing setbacks and establish a natural vegetative buffer to
effectively filter runoff prior to entering surface waters.
4.3 Support the preservation, protection, and acquisition of the Masonboro Island
Estuarine Research Reserve.
4.4 Discourage the development of undeveloped barrier and estuarine system islands.
4.5 Continue the phased development and extension of the County sewer system
within the urban services area as a means of eliminating water pollution from
malfunctioning or inadequate septic systems and package treatment plants. In
Conservation and Resource Protection areas an environmental review shall be
required prior to sewer system development or extension and no additional
density shall be allowed in these areas. Planned Residential Development, Planned
Unit Development and other methods of cluster development shall be
encouraged to allow greater design flexibility.
4.6 Allow only tertiary sewage treatment plants of the highest quality, whose
standards of operation provide the greatest measure of water quality protection,
to discharge into public surface waters; and then only if it is not feasible to connect
to the public sewer system, or as an alternative, on or off -site land application
located away from surface waters.
4.7 Seek to provide additional boat access facilities, recognizing that adequate,
properly sited facilities are essential to the preservation of both the environment
and economy.
4.8 Allow the development of marinas, dry stack storage, and moorings as a means
of providing public access to the extent that their development shall not
adversely effect estuarine resources or public trust waters.
• Marinas shall not be allowed in Primary Nursery Areas (PNA), Outstanding
Resource Waters (OR", or open Shellfishing Waters (SA).
• Moorings and mooring fields shall not be allowed where they may have an
adverse effect on navigation channels.
• Pumpout facilities shall be required for existing marinas which have boats
containing enclosed heads.
4.9 Allow uses of estuarine and public trust waters that provide benefits to the public
and which satisfy riparian access needs of private property owners. In tidal waters,
docks shall be limited to the minimum necessary to provide riparian access to
waterfront property owners.
4.10 Not allow new dredging activities in Primary Nursery Areas (PNA), Outstanding
Resource Waters (ORW), or Shellfishing Waters (SA) , except for the purpose of
scientific research, designed for the purpose of protecting and enhancing water
quality, and where supported by sound scientific and technical knowledge. Limited
exceptions may be allowed for the urban waterfront and Wilmington's ports,
consistent with the goals and objectives of the Cape Fear River Corridor Plan
(I 997), Downtown 2020 Plan (I 998) and for the New Hanover County Mason Inlet
Relocation Project as permitted by the Army Corps of Engineers. (7/00)
4.11 Clearcutting or mowing of coastal wetland vegetation within any coastal wetland
AEC shall not be allowed.
4.12 Prohibit floating home development in order to protect our public trust and
estuarine waters and to avoid impacts on hurricane mitigation efforts.
4.13 Pursue a policy of "retreat" along our estuarine shorelines in order to
accommodate future sea level rise and wetland migration.
4.14 Allow shoreline erosion control and stabilization above our marsh wetlands only
where the public trust interest is not impacted and the public shoreline will be the
primary beneficiary. The shoreline stabilization method chosen shall, to the
maximum extent feasible, maintain water quality and avoid or minimize adverse
effects on nearshore habitat or natural resources.
S. POTABLE WATER SUPPLY
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
5.1 Ensure that all land use and development decisions protect our groundwater
aquifers.
5.2 Not allow the development of mining operations if, based upon the best available
information and scientific data, adverse impacts to the ground water aquifer will
most probably occur.
5.3 Conserve and protect the best sources of potable surface and groundwater.
5.4 Preserve the Castle Hayne and Pee Dee aquifers in their present unpolluted state
as the primary groundwater resources for the County.
6. OTHER FRAGILE OR HAZARDOUS AREAS
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
6.1 Continue to support plans for the safe transportation of hazardous materials,
for the prevention and clean-up of spills of toxic materials, and the evacuation
of area residents in response to natural or man-made hazardous events.
6.2 Carefully review the siting of all industries, including energy facilities and high
voltage utilities, to ensure the protection of area residents and natural
resources. Development of all off -shore mineral, oil, and gas resources shall be
discouraged.
6.3. Ensure that industrial permitting on the Cape Fear River does not exceed the
river's carrying capacity and that land disturbing activities are carefully reviewed
and considered for their potential cumulative impacts.
6.4. Ensure the continued protection of the Masonboro Island Estuarine Research
Reserve and support the preservation and acquisition efforts.
7. AIR QUALITY
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
7.1 Ensure the protection and enhancement of air quality in our community
through continued commitment and actions to meet or exceed the Cape Fear
Region's National Air Quality Standards.
B. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
We must seek to ensure the continued sustainable development of the area's natural
resources through responsible management which avoids short sighted or premature
commitments and fulfills our community's needs without permanent impairment to the
resource base.
We will support efforts to wisely manage the natural resources of the area and the region
through cooperation with other governmental entities and public and private agencies.
1. AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY RESOURCES
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
1. I Discourage the premature conversion of the planning area's remaining farm lands
and commercial woodlands into more intensive uses.
2. MINERAL RESOURCES
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
2.1 Not allow the development of mining operations if, based upon the best available
information and scientific data, adverse impacts to the ground water aquifer or
other significant environmental resources will most probably occur.
3. FISHERIES RESOURCES
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
3.1 Support the continued productivity of commercial and recreational fisheries through
the protection of the unique coastal ecosystems, including primary nursery areas,
shellfish waters and coastal marshes upon which they depend, and the Masonboro
Island Estuarine Research Reserve.
3.2 Pursue the protection, preservation, and restoration of shellfishing in all SA waters.
4. OFF -ROAD VEHICLES
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
4.1 Ensure the continued protection of ecologically sensitive ocean and estuarine
shoreline areas through monitoring and control of off -road vehicle use, including
signage programs, rewards, increased fines, and other means.
Land Class ifications
and Policies
Summary
Wilmington and New Hanover County
CAMA Land Use Plan Update
and Comprehensive Plan
1997-2010
Adopted
September 7, 1999
Wilmington City Council
and New Hanover County
Board of Commissioners
Certified
November 19, 1999
North Carolina Coastal
Resources Commission
Land Use and Urban Design
g
I. LOCATION/DEMAND
1.1 The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall strive to enhance the quality
of the built environment while preserving and protecting the area's natural
environment.
1.2 The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County will designate sufficient land area
and suitable locations for the various land use types.
2. OPEN SPACE, CULTURAL AND RECREATION
2.1 The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County will strive to acquire, protect and
beautify historic and cultural sites, corridors along key roadways and significant open
spaces.
3. INDUSTRIAL
3.1 New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington will delineate areas for industrial
usage so that these sites maximize the efficient use of man made resources while not
harming the fragile ecosystem or causing undue impacts upon residents.
4. COMMERCIAL
4.1 New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington will assure that land is available for
commercial uses within close proximity to the markets they serve while not
diminishing the quality of residential and mixed use neighborhoods.
5. MIXED USE
5.1 The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County will promote mixed use
development in undeveloped areas in order to maximize benefits from available
infrastructure, preserve valuable natural resources including open space and reduce
dependency on the automobile.
6. RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS
6.1 The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall strive to protect the
character of the area's existing residential neighborhoods.
7. DESIGN/REGULATORY
7.1 The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall encourage innovative
development strategies while providing flexible design guidelines that enhance the
aesthetic impact of the built environment.
7.2 New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington shall adopt specific performance
criteria to encourage the conservation of natural resources and enhance economic
desirability by promoting accessibility of goods and services, providing alternatives to
automobile transportation and adopting specific performance criteria for new
development.
8. INFRASTRUCTURE
8.1 New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington shall promote development within
an established urban service area defined by the existence of essential urban services
and the planned provision of those services.
Transportation
I. TRAFFIC
1.1 The City and County shall initiate and support increased funding from state, and
federal agencies to improve the flow of people and products to and in the City and
County.
1.2 The MPO and the urban area jurisdictions shall encourage the State and the federal
authorities to provide interstate connections to areas south of the urban area.
1.3 The City and County shall work with the MPO and NCDOT to increase the capacity
of the existing street network and other transportation facilities.
1.4 The County shall reduce the impact of new driveways on the roadway network.
1.5 The City and County shall require street connectivity and minimizing cul-de-sac
development through collector street planning.
1.6 In order that existing and planned thoroughfares may operate adequately, all new
development must adhere to the intent and policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
2. ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF TRANSPORTATION
2.1 The City and County shall support improved non -highway transportation facilities,
including rail, airport, and shipping facilities for both passengers and freight to access
the area.
2.2 City and County shall work with the NCDOT and the MPO to encourage alternative
forms of transportation including regional rail, local transit, Transportation Demand
Measures such as van -pooling and ride sharing, and an inter -modal transportation
system.
2.3 New development and improvements to existing facilities shall include provisions for
a comprehensive network of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, including pedestrian
causeways, breezeways and crossings, on collector streets and major arterials. These
facilities will provide an alternative to the automobile.
3. AESTHETICS
3.1 The City and County, through the MPO, will encourage the State to improve the
community through enhancements of streetscaping, including the preservation and
use of indigenous flora, on new and existing streets.
3.2 The City and County shall ensure the preservation of adequate landscaping and tree
protection for parking lots, sidewalks and in street right-of-ways for both public and
private projects.
4. ENVIRONMENT
4.1 Priority shall be given to environmental concerns, in particular water quality and
surface water management, when considering the construction and maintenance of
transportation facilities. Reasonable and feasible road construction and design
alternatives to protect water quality should be considered for all projects.
4.2 Have regard for noise, air quality, and other environmental impacts on existing
neighborhood areas when constructing and maintaining transportation facilities.
5. CORRIDOR PROTECTION
5.1 Local government and the State shall identify and utilize sources of funds and
incentives to purchase or preserve thoroughfare or rail corridors in a timely and
equitable manner. Where necessary the City will participate in these improvements
using impact fees, bonds and or tax increases.
5.2 City, County and State will investigate and use regulatory provisions for preserving
thoroughfare and rail corridors.
5.3 The City and County will cooperate through an agreement to allow for the purchase
of rail and road corridors
Community Infrastructure
I. FACILITY AND SERVICE PROVISION
1.1. Provide timely, cost-effective and efficient capital facilities and community
infrastructure services based on the Growth Management Strategy and the Preferred
Urban Structure.
1.2. Coordinate, rationalize and consolidate where appropriate, City, County and other
governmental agency's programs for the provision and maintenance of infrastructure
and community facilities and services.
1.3. Explore alternative forms of financing including impact fees, bonds, user fees, and tax
increases for the infrastructure improvements needed to have a high quality level of
service and to prevent a decline in the levels of service provided to the County -City
residents. Infrastructure needs to be addressed in this effort shall include
transportation, education, sewer, water, recreation, libraries, police, fire, storm water
management, and other services deemed to be appropriate.
2. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
2.1. Expand storm water management to include areas not incorporated in existing
programs.
2.2 Develop a County storm water management and water quality program that includes
our adjacent ocean, river, and estuarine systems.
2.3. Develop a City and County storm water management program that fairly balances
the financial cost between existing and new development.
2.4. Prohibit and seek to eliminate collection systems that directly discharge storm water
to surface waters.
2.5. Ensure that drainage from land use activities has a rate of flow and volume
characteristics as near to pre -development conditions as possible to provide for the
protection of our water quality.
3. SEWER AND WATER
3.1. Provide public sewer service to existing development in unincorporated areas that
have inadequate and malfunctioning septic systems and package treatment plants.
3.2. Consolidate the City and County sewer and water system.
3.3. Ensure optimal use of sewage treatment facilities.
3.4. Ensure the provision of sufficient, affordable water and sewer services to proposed
new service centers and industrial sites in the unincorporated areas of the county.
4. SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION
4.1. Give a higher priority to the maintenance and optimal use of existing education
facilities.
4.2. Elementary schools and kindergartens should be encouraged to locate in areas where
they would provide the maximum benefit to adjoining neighborhoods.
4.3. New schools shall be constructed by New Hanover County to maintain an adequate
level of service.
4.4. Encourage greater coordination in planning and budgeting with the School Board and
County and City government.
5. CULTURAL ARTS AND RECREATION
5.1. Emphasis on economically distressed City neighborhoods with inadequate facilities.
5.2. Recognize the Downtown as the cultural nucleus which nurtures, supports and
strengthens cultural centers throughout the region.
5.3. Develop a joint master plan for a comprehensive system of open space, greenways,
parks and trails throughout the city and county that will provide for both the present
and expected population growth.
5.4. Preserve utility easements as part of the greenway system as passive open space
areas and combine them with trails and trail access areas where possible.
6. POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES
6.1. Provide timely and adequate staffing and facilities to maintain and improve the level
of police and fire services.
7. SOLID WASTE
7.1. Establish and maintain an environmentally responsible, cost effective system for
managing solid waste, that protects public health, and provides adequate waste
disposal capacity, mandatory solid waste collection and recycling services, and waste
reduction opportunities.
7.2. Meet and exceed established waste reduction goal.
7.3. Continue to seek ways to reduce and manage the solid waste stream through
establishment of countywide garbage pick-up, expanded recycling programs,
encouraging composting, expanded hazardous waste pick-up/education, and
multi -jurisdictional cooperation.
7.4. Eliminate illegal trash dumping through strict monitoring and enforcement, including
increased fines, signage program, rewards, and other means.
7.5. Continue to support and improve the County's innovative incinerator and landfill
system.
8. COMMUNICATION
8.1. Require telecommunication companies to share facilities through the joint use, and
location of telecommunication equipment.
Housing
I. MINIMUM HOUSING PROGRAM
1. I The City shall enhance the minimum housing program. The County shall adopt
a minimum housing program with enforcement.
2. AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS
2.1 The County and City shall continue to support and enhance a broad range of
affordable housing programs. Explore alternative forms of financing including impact
fees, bonds, user fees, and tax increases for affordable housing.
3. MAXIMIZE FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING
3.1 The County and City shall maximize funding opportunities from federal and state
sources for community and economic development.
4. RENTAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING
4.1 The City and County shall increase affordable rental housing.
5. HOMELESS
5.1 The County and City shall cooperate with non-profit organizations to provide
temporary and transitional shelter to persons who are homeless and enhance a job
referral program.
6. NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS
6.1 The County, City, and residents shall be encouraged to use neighborhood
associations for outreach information and education.
7. SPECIAL NEEDS AND ELDERLY
7.1 The City and County shall cooperate with non-profit organizations to ensure an
adequate supply of housing for special needs, the elderly, and the disabled.
8. ADEQUATE UNCW AND CFCC STUDENT HOUSING
8.1 Working together the County, City, UNC Wilmington, and Cape Fear Community
College shall meet student housing needs.
Economic Development
I . GENERAL ECONOMY
1. I Develop a coordinated economic development strategy to attract high paying
employers, that is economically diverse and environmentally mindful.
2. IMPROVING ECONOMICALLY DISTRESSED AREAS
2.1 The City and County with non profit and for profit organizations shall work to attract
and retain business in areas that are economically distressed.
3. WILMINGTON STATE PORT
3.1 The County and City shall work with the State Port in achieving mutually acceptable
development goals.
4. MARINE ECONOMY
4.1 The City and County shall support the water dependent marine economy.
5. AIRPORT
5.1 The County and City shall cooperate with the New Hanover County Airport Authority
to increase the competitiveness, of the Wilmington International Airport while being
mindful of the compatibility with adjacent businesses and homes.
6. TOURISM
6.1 The City and County shall encourage tourism as part of a balanced and diversified
economy.
7. SKILLED WORKFORCE AND EDUCATION
7.1 The County and City and private sector shall cooperate with schools to develop a
properly trained work force with employable skills.
Historic Preservation
I. HISTORIC PRESERVATION
1. I The County and City in cooperation with non profit and for profit organizations shall
preserve, and provide regulatory and cultural guidance for historic sites and areas.
1.2 Take proactive steps to identify and protect important historic and archaeological
resources including an updated inventory of significant areas or sites and updates to
current regulations to require identification of potential impacts, a plan for protection of
sensitive areas/sites or a mitigation/ data recovery plan where preservation is not
possible. Density credits should be used to aid in area/ site protection plans.
1.3 Support a community archaeological program that will provide assistance to help salvage
threatened historic and archaeological sites and promote public education/participation.
1.4 Continue the redevelopment of historic downtown Wilmington as a high priority, building
on past successes and carefully matching public incentives with private investment. Care
should be taken to preserve the visual character and historic atmosphere of old
Wilmington.
Storms and Natural Hazards
I . STORM AND NATURAL HAZARD MITIGATION,
EVACUATION AND RECOVERY POLICIES
1.1. In the event of a hurricane or disaster the City and County shall assess measures
to safeguard future populations from development which may put increased
numbers of people at risk in hazard incidents.
1.2. A Recovery Task Force may be appointed with the responsibility for directing
reconstruction within New Hanover County after a damaging storm.
1.3 The City and County shall retain on a seasonal basis an assistance facilitator/
consultant who, as directed by the County Manager, will be responsible for making
recommendations and coordinating assistance to elected officials, the Recovery Task
Force and the citizenry in the event of a Natural Hazard occurrence.
1.4 Immediately remove and clean up debris and restore services following a major
storm event.
The preparation of this map was financed, in part, through a Coastal Area
-Y Management Act grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972,
0 as amended, which is administered by the office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
H
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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Land Classifications
THE LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM is a means of assisting in the implementation
of the Comprehensive Plan policies. It allows the local government and its citizens to
specify those areas where certain policies will apply. The land classification system is
intended to be supported and complemented by zoning, subdivision and other land
use management tools. Together they provide the guidance to help realize the desired
future land uses. The land classifications for the 1999 Wilmington -New Hanover
County Comprehensive Plan Update are as follows:
DEVELOPED
THE PURPOSE OF THE DEVELOPED CLASS is to provide for continued intensive
development and redevelopment of existing urban areas. These areas are already developed at
a density approaching 1,500 dwelling units per square mile. Urban services are already in place
or scheduled within the immediate future. Most of the land within the City of Wilmington is
designated as Developed, except for some Urban Transition and Conservation areas.
Density may exceed 2.5 units per acre within the Developed class, depending upon local
zoning regulations.
URBAN TRANSITION
THE PURPOSE OF THE URBAN TRANSITION CLASS is to provide for future intensive urban
development on lands that have been or will be provided with necessary urban services. The
location of these areas is based upon land use planning policies requiring optimum efficiency in
land utilization and public service delivery.
Residential development can exceed 2.5 units per acre within the Urban Transition area
provided the development is adequately designed to be compatible with existing and proposed
surrounding land uses and it is served by:
• City or County sewer systems or private package treatment systems that meet the
most stringent State requirements;
• City or County water systems or a private water system constructed in accordance
with City of Wilmington standards;
• Direct access to a minor arterial or larger access road, as classified under the New
Hanover County Thoroughfare Classification System.
LIMITED TRANSITION
THE PURPOSE OF THE LIMITED TRANSITION CLASS is to provide for development in
areas that will have some services, but at lower densities than those associated with Urban
Transition. Residential density should be no more than 2.5 units per acre, with lower density
being more desirable. The use of clustering and Planned Unit Developments (PUD) is
encouraged.
These areas were previously designated as Transition and were intended to provide for more
intensive future urban development. However, the provision of public services has been
scaled back and less intensive urban development is planned.
COMMUNITY
THE PURPOSE OF THE COMMUNITY CLASS is to provide for a "crossroads" type of
development to help meet housing, shopping, employment and public service needs within the
more rural areas of the County. Services may be provided to these areas, but not to stimulate
more intensive development. Density shall not exceed 2.5 units per acre.
These rural areas of the planning jurisdiction are typically characterized by a small grouping
of mixed land uses, such as community shopping, church, school and residences, which
provide low intensity retail service and housing opportunities. The only area currently
designated as Community is Castle Hayne.
:tel:7sL
THE PURPOSE OF THE RURAL CLASS is to provide for areas of low intensity land uses, such
as agriculture, forest management, mineral extraction and other traditional agrarian uses. This
classification discourages the premature conversion of these lands into urban -type uses and
the subsequent loss of resource production. Other land uses of a noxious or hazardous nature
with the potential for negative impacts on adjacent uses may be allowed, provided that they can
be sited in a manner which will minimize their negative effect on surrounding land uses and
natural resources.
Only low density residential development not exceeding 2.5 units per acre is permitted,
since the extension of urban services into the Rural class would be an inefficient use of
resources. Compatible commercial and industrial uses may also be allowed, provided that
natural resources are not adversely impacted.
Natural Resources
A. RESOURCE PROTECTION
We must preserve, protect and enhance the area's natural resources, because the quality of
our environment is an important ingredient in our overall quality of life, including our potential
for continued economic growth.
The protection of our resources shall be pursued in a regional context with area -wide
planning, through a political process that favors long-term goals over short-term interests and
provides accountability for the implementation of the goals and policies stated herein.
1. WATER QUALITY
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
1.1 Prevent further deterioration of estuarine water quality and loss of public trust uses
in the creeks and sounds and bring all coastal waters quality up to its use designation
as determined by the Division(s) of Water Quality, Marine Fisheries, Health, and
E.P.A.
1.2 Ensure the protection of water quality throughout the Cape Fear River Basin within
New Hanover County and the management & maintenance of drainage within our
coastal watersheds through participation in the development of regional water
quality/storm water management programs.
1.3 Ensure the protection, preservation and wise use of our natural resources by careful
review and consideration of the anticipated impacts of development through the
creation and implementation of an Environmental Review Program.
1.4 It is the intent of this plan to further provide for the protection and improvement of
our water quality through our Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The UDO
should specify standards for water quality, buffers, setbacks, density, impervious
surface, and overlay corridors; it should consider estuarine, river and other feeder
creek's water quality; and it should build upon existing information and ordinances.
2. OPEN SPACE
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
2.1 Ensure the preservation of adequate open space for its continued enjoyment and
contribution to our community today and for generations to come, to protect our
natural environment and wildlife habitats and to provide educational & recreational
opportunities.
2.2 Identify and protect wildlife corridors as a part of the greenway system and require
their protection or mitigation with all new development.
2.3 Preserve Airlie Gardens as a part of the greenway system to provide public open
space, natural environment and water quality protection, coastal landscape,
educational opportunities, and to ensure continued enjoyment and contribution
to our community.
2.4 Ensure the protection of our community's significant trees and the provision of
adequate landscaping to address urban design and resource protection issues through
the update of city and county development ordinances & processes and
establishment of a joint Tree Advisory Commission. Encourage and support the
replacement of trees lost to natural disaster and the use of native vegetation in
landscaping.
2.5 Provide for the protection, acquisition and development of public shorefront and
boat access areas.
3. NATURAL RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
3.1 Preserve and restore shell fishing to all SA waters and bring all coastal waters
designated or formerly designated SA up to their use designation.
3.2 Provide for the continued protection of the Cape Fear River from the cumulative
impacts of development by ensuring that Industrial permitting does not exceed
the river's carrying capacity and land disturbing activities are carefully reviewed
and considered for their potential sediment/turbidity and nutrient impacts.
3.3 Minimize dense development activities in ocean erodible areas, high hazard flood
areas, inlet hazard areas, and coastal & federally regulated wetlands to protect the
public safety, reduce the risk of property damage, and provide for the long-term
protection and management of these environmentally significant resources due to
their natural role in the integrity of the coastal region.
3.4 Ensure the protection of coastal and federally regulated wetlands that have
important functional significance through early identification in the development
process. Review of development proposals should seek to achieve the hierarchical
goals of avoidance, minimization, and/or compensation.
3.5 Ensure the protection of our undeveloped barrier and estuarine system islands and
support research and passive recreation as their primary uses. Undeveloped barrier
and estuarine system islands should not be developed and should be identified as
public acquisition areas.
3.6 Carefully control development activities within the 100-year floodplain to minimize
density and impervious surfaces and require low intensity uses such as open space
and recreation, to protect the public safety, reduce the risk of property damage, and
provide for the long-term protection and management of these environmentally
significant resources.
• Limited shared industrial access corridors and exceptionally designed residential
development projects may be allowed within the floodplain only where it can be
demonstrated that the project cannot be located out of the floodplain and where
adverse impacts to the estuarine system can be shown to be negligible.
• All projects shall comply with hierarchical review standards of avoidance,
minimization, and compensation for unavoidable impacts.
3.7 Require that the cumulative and secondary impacts of land use and development, and
the limited carrying capacity of our coastal ecosystems be considered in all land use
decisions and in the development or revision of local plans, capital facilities, services,
and ordinances.
3.8 Allow channel maintenance projects only where the public trust interest is preserved
or enhanced; significant economic or recreational benefits will occur for planning
area residents; and no significant adverse impacts will occur on shoreline dynamics.
Support State and Federal channel and inlet maintenance projects, including the
continued use and development of the Wilmington Harbor and the State Ports,
maintenance of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, and beach renourishment projects.
3.9 Allow estuarine shoreline erosion control only where the public trust interest is not
adversely impacted and the public shoreline will be the primary beneficiary. The
shoreline stabilization method chosen shall, to the maximum extent feasible,
maintain water quality and avoid or minimize adverse effects on nearshore habitat
or natural resources.
3.10 Carefully control development activities within the estuarine watersheds to prevent
the degradation of water quality in the creeks and sounds, to protect the public
health, and to ensure the protection of these vital natural resources by reducing
nutrient, pesticide, sediment and other harmful loadings through density controls,
setbacks, buffers, impervious surface limits, and other means.
The following standards shall apply:
• Limit density to 2.5 units/acre or less in Resource Protection & Conservation.
• Limit impervious surface coverage.
• Increase existing setbacks and establish a natural vegetative buffer to effectively
filter runoff prior to entering surface waters.
3.11 To preserve, protect, and where possible restore water quality and vital estuarine
resources, a naturally vegetated buffer with an average width of 35 linear feet shall
be established or maintained within established setback areas defined as
Conservation Overlay Districts (COD'S). The determination and management of
buffers must balance the above stated goals with the property owner's right to
develop and use the property. Guidelines for standards to maintain, alter and
properly manage vegetation within the buffer areas should be established within the
Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) process and should be included in the COD
guidelines.
3.12 Limit density in hydric soils and Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's) and
encourage Planned Residential Development and Planned Unit Development to
allow greater design flexibility to save trees and natural buffers.
3.13 Clearcutting or mowing of coastal wetland vegetation within any coastal wetland
AEC shall not be allowed.
4. AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
4.1 Prohibit the use of estuarine waters, estuarine shorelines and public trust areas for
development activity which would result in significant adverse impact to the natural
function of these areas.
CONSERVATION
THE PURPOSE OF THE CONSERVATION CLASS is to provide for effective long-term
management and protection of significant, limited or irreplaceable natural resources while also
protecting the rights of the property owner. Management of these areas may be required for a
number of reasons, including natural, cultural, recreational, productive or scenic values.
Lands placed in the Conservation class present challenges from a land use standpoint, as they
are often the most desirable from a development perspective and they may be, at the same
time, the most undesirable to develop from an environmental perspective.
Lands placed in the Conservation class are generally the least desirable for development
because:
• they are too fragile to withstand development without losing their natural value; and/or
• they have severe or hazardous limitations to development; and/or
• though they are not highly fragile or hazardous, the natural resources they represent
are too valuable to endanger by development
In order to promote the highest and best use while preventing a negative impact on water
quality, site specific flexibility and creativity is desirable. The application of regulations
regarding issues such as density, buffers and impervious surfaces should enhance this flexibility.
The use of incentives such as density credits and performance criteria is encouraged.
Generally, estuarine areas of environmental concern (AECs) as defined by the State of North
Carolina and adjacent lands within the 100-year floodplain have been classified as
Conservation.
Conservation areas should be preserved in their natural state. Woodland, grassland and
recreation areas not requiring filling are the most appropriate uses. Exceptions to this
standard are limited to water dependent uses (i.e., uses that cannot function elsewhere),
shared industrial access corridors, and those exceptional development proposals which are
sensitively designed so as to effectively preserve the natural functions of the site. (Guidelines
that clarify these Conservation area objectives can be found in the Comprehensive Plan
under Land Classifications/Map).
In no case, with the exception of the Wilmington National Register Historic District, shall
residential density in the Conservation class be permitted to exceed 2.5 units per acre,
regardless of the existence of public urban services. Residential densities may be required to
be as low as 1.0 unit per acre or less, depending on the environmental constraints within a
particular area. While certain Conservation areas may be served by public sewer in order to
eliminate septic system pollution, this should not be misconstrued as an incentive to facilitate
increased development density.
RESOURCE PROTECTION
THE PURPOSE OF THE RESOURCE PROTECTION CLASS is to provide for the preservation
and protection of important natural, historic, scenic, wildlife and recreational resources. The
Resource Protection class has been developed in recognition of the fact that New Hanover
County, one of the most urbanized counties in the State, still contains numerous areas of
environmental or cultural sensitivity which merit protection from urban land uses.
The Resource Protection class includes land adjacent to the estuarine waters which are
classified SA by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management. The class also
includes land in the Castle Hayne area where the protection of farmland, a rural lifestyle, and
the aquifer system are highly important issues. Generally residential densities greater than
2.5 units per acre shall not be permitted in the Resource Protection class and may be required
to be as low as 1.0 unit per acre or less, depending on the development constraints within a
particular area.
Within the urban service boundary, residential density greater than 2.5 units per acre may be
considered for exceptionally designed projects that meet performance based standards of the
Unified Development Ordinance. These standards shall address the Comprehensive Plan goals
and policies for urban design, water quality, greenways, transportation, levels of service and
other development related impacts within the tidal creek watersheds. No increase in density
may be considered until such time as the performance based standards of the Unified
Development Ordinance are completed and adopted by the City and County. Compatible
commercial and industrial development may be located within the Resource Protection class as
long as important resources are not adversely impacted. It is important to note that the County
sewer service being provided to portions of this area is intended for the purpose of eliminating
septic pollution and not for encouraging substantial increases in the density of development.
the Policies
4.2 Carefully control development activities within AEC's to prevent the degradation of
water quality and to ensure the protection of these vital natural resources by
reducing nutrient, pesticide, sediment and other harmful loadings through the use of
density control, setbacks, buffers, impervious surface limits, and other means.
The following standards shall apply:
• Limit density to 2.5 units/acre or less in Resource Protection and Conservation.
• Limit impervious surface coverage.
• Increase existing setbacks and establish a natural vegetative buffer to
effectively filter runoff prior to entering surface waters.
4.3 Support the preservation, protection, and acquisition of the Masonboro Island
Estuarine Research Reserve.
4.4 Discourage the development of undeveloped barrier and estuarine system islands.
4.5 Continue the phased development and extension of the County sewer system
within the urban services area as a means of eliminating water pollution from
malfunctioning or inadequate septic systems and package treatment plants. In
Conservation and Resource Protection areas an environmental review shall be
required prior to sewer system development or extension and no additional
density shall be allowed in these areas. Planned Residential Development, Planned
Unit Development and other methods of cluster development shall be
encouraged to allow greater design flexibility.
4.6 Allow only tertiary sewage treatment plants of the highest quality, whose
standards of operation provide the greatest measure of water quality protection,
to discharge into public surface waters; and then only if it is not feasible to connect
to the public sewer system, or as an alternative, on or off -site land application
located away from surface waters.
4.7 Seek to provide additional boat access facilities, recognizing that adequate,
properly sited facilities are essential to the preservation of both the environment
and economy.
4.8 Allow the development of marinas, dry stack storage, and moorings as a means
of providing public access to the extent that their development shall not
adversely effect estuarine resources or public trust waters.
• Marinas shall not be allowed in Primary Nursery Areas (PNA), Outstanding
Resource Waters (OR", or open Shellfishing Waters (SA).
• Moorings and mooring fields shall not be allowed where they may have an
adverse effect on navigation channels.
• Pumpout facilities shall be required for existing marinas which have boats
containing enclosed heads.
4.9 Allow uses of estuarine and public trust waters that provide benefits to the public
and which satisfy riparian access needs of private property owners. In tidal waters,
docks shall be limited to the minimum necessary to provide riparian access to
waterfront property owners.
4.10 Not allow new dredging activities in Primary Nursery Areas (PNA), Outstanding
Resource Waters (ORW), or Shellfishing Waters (SA) , except for the purpose of
scientific research, designed for the purpose of protecting and enhancing water
quality, and where supported by sound scientific and technical knowledge. Limited
exceptions may be allowed for the urban waterfront and Wilmington's ports,
consistent with the goals and objectives of the Cape Fear River Corridor Plan
(I 997), Downtown 2020 Plan (I 998) and for the New Hanover County Mason Inlet
Relocation Project as permitted by the Army Corps of Engineers. (7/00)
4.11 Clearcutting or mowing of coastal wetland vegetation within any coastal wetland
AEC shall not be allowed.
4.12 Prohibit floating home development in order to protect our public trust and
estuarine waters and to avoid impacts on hurricane mitigation efforts.
4.13 Pursue a policy of "retreat" along our estuarine shorelines in order to
accommodate future sea level rise and wetland migration.
4.14 Allow shoreline erosion control and stabilization above our marsh wetlands only
where the public trust interest is not impacted and the public shoreline will be the
primary beneficiary. The shoreline stabilization method chosen shall, to the
maximum extent feasible, maintain water quality and avoid or minimize adverse
effects on nearshore habitat or natural resources.
5. POTABLE WATER SUPPLY
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
5.1 Ensure that all land use and development decisions protect our groundwater
aquifers.
5.2 Not allow the development of mining operations if, based upon the best available
information and scientific data, adverse impacts to the ground water aquifer will
most probably occur.
5.3 Conserve and protect the best sources of potable surface and groundwater.
5.4 Preserve the Castle Hayne and Pee Dee aquifers in their present unpolluted state
as the primary groundwater resources for the County.
6. OTHER FRAGILE OR HAZARDOUS AREAS
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
6.1 Continue to support plans for the safe transportation of hazardous materials,
for the prevention and clean-up of spills of toxic materials, and the evacuation
of area residents in response to natural or man-made hazardous events.
6.2 Carefully review the siting of all industries, including energy facilities and high
voltage utilities, to ensure the protection of area residents and natural
resources. Development of all off -shore mineral, oil, and gas resources shall be
discouraged.
6.3. Ensure that industrial permitting on the Cape Fear River does not exceed the
river's carrying capacity and that land disturbing activities are carefully reviewed
and considered for their potential cumulative impacts.
6.4. Ensure the continued protection of the Masonboro Island Estuarine Research
Reserve and support the preservation and acquisition efforts.
7. AIR QUALITY
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
7.1 Ensure the protection and enhancement of air quality in our community
through continued commitment and actions to meet or exceed the Cape Fear
Region's National Air Quality Standards.
B. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
We must seek to ensure the continued sustainable development of the area's natural
resources through responsible management which avoids short sighted or premature
commitments and fulfills our community's needs without permanent impairment to the
resource base.
We will support efforts to wisely manage the natural resources of the area and the region
through cooperation with other governmental entities and public and private agencies.
1. AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY RESOURCES
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
1.1 Discourage the premature conversion of the planning area's remaining farmlands
and commercial woodlands into more intensive uses.
2. MINERAL RESOURCES
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
2.1 Not allow the development of mining operations if, based upon the best available
information and scientific data, adverse impacts to the ground water aquifer or
other significant environmental resources will most probably occur.
3. FISHERIES RESOURCES
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
3.1 Support the continued productivity of commercial and recreational fisheries through
the protection of the unique coastal ecosystems, including primary nursery areas,
shellfish waters and coastal marshes upon which they depend, and the Masonboro
Island Estuarine Research Reserve.
3.2 Pursue the protection, preservation, and restoration of shellfishing in all SA waters.
4. OFF -ROAD VEHICLES
The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall:
4.1 Ensure the continued protection of ecologically sensitive ocean and estuarine
shoreline areas through monitoring and control of off -road vehicle use, including
signage programs, rewards, increased fines, and other means.
Land Classifications
and Policies
Summary
Wilmington and New Hanover County
CAMA Land Use Plan Update
and Comprehensive Plan
1997-2010
Adopted
September 7, 1999
Wilmington City Council
and New Hanover County
Board of Commissioners
Certified
November 19, 1999
North Carolina Coastal
Resources Commission
Land Use and Urban Design
g
I. LOCATION/DEMAND
1.1 The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall strive to enhance the quality
of the built environment while preserving and protecting the area's natural
environment.
1.2 The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County will designate sufficient land area
and suitable locations for the various land use types.
2. OPEN SPACE, CULTURAL AND RECREATION
2.1 The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County will strive to acquire, protect and
beautify historic and cultural sites, corridors along key roadways and significant open
spaces.
3. INDUSTRIAL
3.1 New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington will delineate areas for industrial
usage so that these sites maximize the efficient use of man made resources while not
harming the fragile ecosystem or causing undue impacts upon residents.
4. COMMERCIAL
4.1 New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington will assure that land is available for
commercial uses within close proximity to the markets they serve while not
diminishing the quality of residential and mixed use neighborhoods.
S. MIXED USE
S. I The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County will promote mixed use
development in undeveloped areas in order to maximize benefits from available
infrastructure, preserve valuable natural resources including open space and reduce
dependency on the automobile.
6. RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS
6.1 The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall strive to protect the
character of the area's existing residential neighborhoods.
7. DESIGN/REGULATORY
7.1 The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County shall encourage innovative
development strategies while providing flexible design guidelines that enhance the
aesthetic impact of the built environment.
7.2 New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington shall adopt specific performance
criteria to encourage the conservation of natural resources and enhance economic
desirability by promoting accessibility of goods and services, providing alternatives to
automobile transportation and adopting specific performance criteria for new
development.
8. INFRASTRUCTURE
8.1 New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington shall promote development within
an established urban service area defined by the existence of essential urban services
and the planned provision of those services.
Transportation
I. TRAFFIC
1.1 The City and County shall initiate and support increased funding from state, and
federal agencies to improve the flow of people and products to and in the City and
County.
1.2 The MPO and the urban area jurisdictions shall encourage the State and the federal
authorities to provide interstate connections to areas south of the urban area.
1.3 The City and County shall work with the MPO and NCDOT to increase the capacity
of the existing street network and other transportation facilities.
1.4 The County shall reduce the impact of new driveways on the roadway network.
1.5 The City and County shall require street connectivity and minimizing cul-de-sac
development through collector street planning.
1.6 In order that existing and planned thoroughfares may operate adequately, all new
development must adhere to the intent and policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
2. ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF TRANSPORTATION
2.1 The City and County shall support improved non -highway transportation facilities,
including rail, airport, and shipping facilities for both passengers and freight to access
the area.
2.2 City and County shall work with the NCDOT and the MPO to encourage alternative
forms of transportation including regional rail, local transit, Transportation Demand
Measures such as van -pooling and ride sharing, and an inter -modal transportation
system.
2.3 New development and improvements to existing facilities shall include provisions for
a comprehensive network of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, including pedestrian
causeways, breezeways and crossings, on collector streets and major arterials. These
facilities will provide an alternative to the automobile.
3. AESTHETICS
3.1 The City and County, through the MPO, will encourage the State to improve the
community through enhancements of streetscaping, including the preservation and
use of indigenous flora, on new and existing streets.
3.2 The City and County shall ensure the preservation of adequate landscaping and tree
protection for parking lots, sidewalks and in street right-of-ways for both public and
private projects.
4. ENVIRONMENT
4.1 Priority shall be given to environmental concerns, in particular water quality and
surface water management, when considering the construction and maintenance of
transportation facilities. Reasonable and feasible road construction and design
alternatives to protect water quality should be considered for all projects.
4.2 Have regard for noise, air quality, and other environmental impacts on existing
neighborhood areas when constructing and maintaining transportation facilities.
5. CORRIDOR PROTECTION
5.1 Local government and the State shall identify and utilize sources of funds and
incentives to purchase or preserve thoroughfare or rail corridors in a timely and
equitable manner. Where necessary the City will participate in these improvements
using impact fees, bonds and or tax increases.
5.2 City, County and State will investigate and use regulatory provisions for preserving
thoroughfare and rail corridors.
5.3 The City and County will cooperate through an agreement to allow for the purchase
of rail and road corridors
Community Infrastructure
I . FACILITY AND SERVICE PROVISION
1.1. Provide timely, cost-effective and efficient capital facilities and community
infrastructure services based on the Growth Management Strategy and the Preferred
Urban Structure.
1.2. Coordinate, rationalize and consolidate where appropriate, City, County and other
governmental agency's programs for the provision and maintenance of infrastructure
and community facilities and services.
1.3. Explore alternative forms of financing including impact fees, bonds, user fees, and tax
increases for the infrastructure improvements needed to have a high quality level of
service and to prevent a decline in the levels of service provided to the County -City
residents. Infrastructure needs to be addressed in this effort shall include
transportation, education, sewer, water, recreation, libraries, police, fire, storm water
management, and other services deemed to be appropriate.
2. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
2.1. Expand storm water management to include areas not incorporated in existing
programs.
2.2 Develop a County storm water management and water quality program that includes
our adjacent ocean, river, and estuarine systems.
2.3. Develop a City and County storm water management program that fairly balances
the financial cost between existing and new development.
2.4. Prohibit and seek to eliminate collection systems that directly discharge storm water
to surface waters.
2.5. Ensure that drainage from land use activities has a rate of flow and volume
characteristics as near to pre -development conditions as possible to provide for the
protection of our water quality.
3. SEWERAND WATER
3.1. Provide public sewer service to existing development in unincorporated areas that
have inadequate and malfunctioning septic systems and package treatment plants.
3.2. Consolidate the City and County sewer and water system.
3.3. Ensure optimal use of sewage treatment facilities.
3.4. Ensure the provision of sufficient, affordable water and sewer services to proposed
new service centers and industrial sites in the unincorporated areas of the county.
4. SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION
4.1. Give a higher priority to the maintenance and optimal use of existing education
facilities.
4.2. Elementary schools and kindergartens should be encouraged to locate in areas where
they would provide the maximum benefit to adjoining neighborhoods.
4.3. New schools shall be constructed by New Hanover County to maintain an adequate
level of service.
4.4. Encourage greater coordination in planning and budgeting with the School Board and
County and City government.
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5. CULTURAL ARTS AND RECREATION
5.1. Emphasis on economically distressed City neighborhoods with inadequate facilities.
5.2. Recognize the Downtown as the cultural nucleus which nurtures, supports and
strengthens cultural centers throughout the region.
5.3. Develop a joint master plan for a comprehensive system of open space, greenways,
parks and trails throughout the city and county that will provide for both the present
and expected population growth.
5.4. Preserve utility easements as part of the greenway system as passive open space
areas and combine them with trails and trail access areas where possible.
6. POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES
6.1. Provide timely and adequate staffing and facilities to maintain and improve the level
of police and fire services.
7. SOLID WASTE
7.1. Establish and maintain an environmentally responsible, cost effective system for
managing solid waste, that protects public health, and provides adequate waste
disposal capacity, mandatory solid waste collection and recycling services, and waste
reduction opportunities.
7.2. Meet and exceed established waste reduction goal.
7.3. Continue to seek ways to reduce and manage the solid waste stream through
establishment of countywide garbage pick-up, expanded recycling programs,
encouraging composting, expanded hazardous waste pick-up/education, and
multi -jurisdictional cooperation.
7.4. Eliminate illegal trash dumping through strict monitoring and enforcement, including
increased fines, signage program, rewards, and other means.
7.5. Continue to support and improve the County's innovative incinerator and landfill
system.
8. COMMUNICATION
8.1. Require telecommunication companies to share facilities through the joint use, and
location of telecommunication equipment.
Housing
I. MINIMUM HOUSING PROGRAM
1. I The City shall enhance the minimum housing program. The County shall adopt
a minimum housing program with enforcement.
2. AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS
2.1 The County and City shall continue to support and enhance a broad range of
affordable housing programs. Explore alternative forms of financing including impact
fees, bonds, user fees, and tax increases for affordable housing.
3. MAXIMIZE FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING
3.1 The County and City shall maximize funding opportunities from federal and state
sources for community and economic development.
4. RENTAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING
4.1 The City and County shall increase affordable rental housing.
5. HOMELESS
5.1 The County and City shall cooperate with non-profit organizations to provide
temporary and transitional shelter to persons who are homeless and enhance a job
referral program.
6. NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS
6.1 The County, City, and residents shall be encouraged to use neighborhood
associations for outreach information and education.
7. SPECIAL NEEDS AND ELDERLY
7.1 The City and County shall cooperate with non-profit organizations to ensure an
adequate supply of housing for special needs, the elderly, and the disabled.
8. ADEQUATE UNCW AND CFCC STUDENT HOUSING
8.1 Working together the County, City, UNC-Wilmington, and Cape Fear Community
College shall meet student housing needs.
Economic Development
1. GENERAL ECONOMY
1.1 Develop a coordinated economic development strategy to attract high paying
employers, that is economically diverse and environmentally mindful.
2. IMPROVING ECONOMICALLY DISTRESSED AREAS
2.1 The City and County with non profit and for profit organizations shall work to attract
and retain business in areas that are economically distressed.
3. WILMINGTON STATE PORT
3.1 The County and City shall work with the State Port in achieving mutually acceptable
development goals.
4. MARINE ECONOMY
4.1 The City and County shall support the water dependent marine economy.
5. AIRPORT
5.1 The County and City shall cooperate with the New Hanover County Airport Authority
to increase the competitiveness, of the Wilmington International Airport while being
mindful of the compatibility with adjacent businesses and homes.
6. TOURISM
6.1 The City and County shall encourage tourism as part of a balanced and diversified
economy.
7. SKILLED WORKFORCE AND EDUCATION
7.1 The County and City and private sector shall cooperate with schools to develop a
properly trained work force with employable skills.
Historic Preservation
I. HISTORIC PRESERVATION
1. I The County and City in cooperation with non profit and for profit organizations shall
preserve, and provide regulatory and cultural guidance for historic sites and areas.
1.2 Take proactive steps to identify and protect important historic and archaeological
resources including an updated inventory of significant areas or sites and updates to
current regulations to require identification of potential impacts, a plan for protection of
sensitive areas/sites or a mitigation/ data recovery plan where preservation is not
possible. Density credits should be used to aid in area/ site protection plans.
1.3 Support a community archaeological program that will provide assistance to help salvage
threatened historic and archaeological sites and promote public education/participation.
1.4 Continue the redevelopment of historic downtown Wilmington as a high priority, building
on past successes and carefully matching public incentives with private investment. Care
should be taken to preserve the visual character and historic atmosphere of old
Wilmington.
Storms and Natural Hazards
I . STORM AND NATURAL HAZARD MITIGATION,
EVACUATION AND RECOVERY POLICIES
1.1. In the event of a hurricane or disaster the City and County shall assess measures
to safeguard future populations from development which may put increased
numbers of people at risk in hazard incidents.
1.2. A Recovery Task Force may be appointed with the responsibility for directing
reconstruction within New Hanover County after a damaging storm.
1.3 The City and County shall retain on a seasonal basis an assistance facilitator/
consultant who, as directed by the County Manager, will be responsible for making
recommendations and coordinating assistance to elected officials, the Recovery Task
Force and the citizenry in the event of a Natural Hazard occurrence.
1.4 Immediately remove and clean up debris and restore services following a major
storm event.
The preparation of this map was financed, in part, through a Coastal Area
-Y Management Act grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972,
0 as amended, which is administered by the office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.