Land Use Plan Update Future Land Use-1992

Future Land Use Needs
September :1992
_
New over County Planning Department
�. �DezterHayes-Director
Patrick, Lowe,`Assista�tDirector
=
Staff Planners
Walter "Pete" Avery.
Wanda Coston .
Sam Burgess
_
-Chris O'Keefe
-
CAMA-Intern =
:- `D 'Dylaiitee
- =Janet Lawson
MichaelHerrmann
- Administrative Secretary'
Phoebe Saavedra
Graphics Planning Technician
`
Lisa-ElaineHorne
New llanover:County Board of Comml;ssioners
E:"L: "Matt". Mathews ,'C bairn an
Robert G. Greer; Vice -Chairman
Jonathan Barfield
:Fred Retchin
-.William H. Sutton
Planning Board Members
. ,.
Earnest Puskas, C hairman
Kenneth A:'Shanklin Vice Chairman
#
Robert McDonald
Wesyey, O. Nixon
William Grathwol .
C Richard Boisky
_-.. Charles R. Howell .
'Me prepatatian of da-5 dommwt was fumced, m pert, turnugh a Coastal Area MamgemeatAd
groat provided by.the Narth C-lioa Coastal Mam n eat Program, &—& Roads p--i&d
by the Coastal Zane Ma agement Act of IM as ameaded, which is admioiswa by the Office
%a of Ocean and Coastal Rnou= Mamgemeat, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admi.ahon

IN
Future Land Use of
New Hanover County
September 1992
Wilmington - New Hanover County
Land Use Plan Update

J
181
Preface
The Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA), enacted in 1974 by the North Carolina
General Assembly, requires that the 20 coastal counties of the state prepare land use plans.
These plans provide a framework used to guide local leaders as they make decisions for the
protection, preservation, orderly development and management of the North Carolina
coastal area. The original CAMA Land Use Plan for New Hanover County was adopted in
1976. Updates to the plan are required by CAMA on five year intervals This report is part
of the third plan update (1981, 1986 and 1991) performed in conjunction with the
Wilmington -New Hanover Comprehensive Planning Program, initiated in 1974.
In accordancewith CAMA requirements, the land useplan consists ofthefollowing elements:
1.) Summary of data collection and analysis;
2.) Existing land use map;
3.) Policy discussion;
4.) Land classification map.
This information plays an important role in the formulation of local development
regulations, such as zoning ordinances, and it provides input for growth policy decisions.
These reports also provide useful data to the public and private sector in considering
development proposals.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION................................................................... 1
II. INDUSTRIAL; COMMERCIAL; OFFICE AND INSTITUTIONAL;
TRANSPOTATION ,UTILITIES AND COMMUNICATIONS LAND
USENEEDS.......................................................................... 2
III. RESIDENTIAL LAND USE NEEDS ............................................ 4
IV. RECREATIONAL LAND USE NEEDS ........................................ 7
V. COMPARING LAND USE RATIOS ............................................ 9
VI. DISCUSSION........................................................................10
VII. APPENDIX...........................................................................15
VIII. REFERENCES

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1-1
Projected Population Estimates for New Hanover County ..................... 1
Table 2-1
Employment Projections by Land -Use Category ................................ 2
Table 2-2
Future Land -Use Needs for Office and Institutional; Commercial;
Transportation, Communications and, Utilities; and Industrial
Land Use Categories.................................................................. 3
Table 3-1
Average Lot Size in New Hanover County - 1990 ............................... 4
Table 3-2
Previous Trends of Average Household Size in New Hanover County ...... 4
Table 3-3
Average Household Size Projections - 2020...................................... 5
Table 3-4
Projected Acreage of Residential Land in New Hanover County ........... 5,6
Table 4-1
Parkland Standards for New Hanover County .................................... 8
Table 4-2
Inventory of Recreational Land in New Hanover County ...................... 8
Table 4-3
Projected Needs of Recreational Land in New Hanover County .............. 9
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 3-1
Breakdown of Residential Land in New Hanover County, 1990 ............. 6
Figure 3-2
Breakdown of Residential Land in New Hanover County, 2020 ............. 7
Figure 5-1
Comparison of Land Use Ratios...................................................10
Figure 6-1
Developed Land in New Hanover County, 1990................................11
Figure 6-2
Developed Land in New Hanover County, 2005................................11
Figure 6-3
Developed Land in New Hanover County, 2020................................12
Figure 6-4
Breakdown of Developed Land in New Hanover County, 1990 .............13
Figure 6-5
Breakdown of Developed Land in New Hanover County, 2005 .............14
Figure 6-6
Breakdown of Developed Land in New Hanover County, 2020 .............14

III
Future Land Use Needs in
New Hanover County
I. INTRODUCTION
This document, one ofthe technical reports required by the North Carolina Coastal Area
Management Act, is the 1992 update to the 1986 Future Land -Use Needs in New Hanover
Copp . The purpose of this report is to provide accurate estimates regarding the County's
land -use patterns through the year 2020.
Through identifying trends and growth patterns in the County's future growth, the
County can maintain a proactive role in shaping future growth. This information enables the
County to recognize and act upon both the beneficial and detrimental aspects of projected
growth.
Table 1-1 Projected Population Estimates for New Hanover County
Year
Population
_ ...
1990
... ...... ........_....
120,284
1995
127,703
2000
135.580
2005
141,563
_...............
20I0
_. _ ........ . .
147,809:.
2015
153,025
Source: United States Bureau of the Census.
The population density of New Hanover County is the third highest in North Carol ina.
The pressure to develop land that is currently used for forestry, agriculture or not presently
utilized will continue as the population of New Hanover County grows through the year
2020. Most of this development is expected to satisfy the need for single family residential
housing, yet acreage increases in each of the following land -use categories are expected to
occur.
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In keeping with the format of Existing Land Use in New Hanover County (New
Hanover County Planning Department,1991), the land -use categories which this document
addresses are:
1.Office and Institutional
2. Commercial
3. Transportation, Utilities, and Communications
4. Industrial
5. Residential
6. Recreational
Although the zoning districts in New Hanover County are more specific than these
categories (see appendix), this classification system enables us to assess existing land use and
project the future land -use needs with a holistic perspective, focusing on general trends and
patterns.
Each section of this document provides a detailed methodology of the data collection
techniques, presents the results of the study, and discusses the findings for each land -use
category. Four categories, Office and Institutional; Commercial; Industrial; and Transpor-
tation, Utilities, and Communications are addressed in the same section because of the
similar methodologies used for each of these.
An overview of the future land -use needs and discussion of the directional movement
of development within the County is in the final section.
IL INDUSTRIAL; COAMERCIAL; OFFICE AND
INS 11I'MONAL; TRANSPORTATION, LTMITIES, AND
COMMUNICATIONS LAND -USE NHS
Employment data (number of jobs in New Hanover County) for each industry came
from the North Carolina Employment Securities Commission. Linear Regression, using past
employment trends and population projections, was used to project employment through the
year 2020. The industries were then grouped into the corresponding land -use categories to
which they belong (see Table 2-1).
Table 2-1 Employment Projections by Land -Use Category
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
Office & Institutional 17;930
19U82
20,740
22,451
23,b73
24,853
26;U91
Commercial 25,658
26,549
28,651
30,848
32,164
33,404
34,748
Industrial 9,588
9,936
I0;284
I0,632
10,986:
11,328
i1,6.76;
Transportation, Communications,
and Utilities 3,439
_3,955
4,524
5,069
5,843
6,637
7,404
Source: North Carolina Employment Security Commission and
New Hanover County Planning Department.
Note: These figures reflect employment in the unincorporated County and the
City of Wilmington but exclude the beach communities.
Appendix located
page 15.
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O'- Land -use acreage data
was obtained from
Existine Land Use in New
Hanover Countv. New
Hanover County Planning
Department, December
1991.
111
Table 2-2 located
this page.
11
After the industries were grouped, ratios of employees per acre for each land -use
category were computed using 1990 employment and land -use acreage data'. It is assumed
that these ratios will remain constant through2020. Using these ratios and the formula,
[total employees/utilized acres = employees per acre] land -use needs are projected
for the following categories in table 2-2:
Office and Institutional
Commercial
Industrial
Transportation, Utilities, and Communications
Table 2-2 Future Land -Use for Office and Institutional; Commercial;
Transportation, Communications, and, Utilities; and Industrial
Land Use Categories, in Acres.
Acres of Land 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
Office &Institutional
Z,Z55
2,36b
2;572
2;784
2 935
<3,082
- 3,235
Commercial
29171
2,257
29435
2,622
2,734
29839
2,954
Industrial
3,2811
3,398;
3,517
3,G3fi
3755
3,874
3,993
Transportation, Communications,
and Utilities
6,907
7,950
9,093
10,189
11,744
13,340
14,882
Source: North Carolina Employment Security Commission
and the New Hanover County Planning Department.
Note: these figures reflect land use in the unincorporated County
and the City of Wilmington but exclude the beach communities.
Table 2-2 reveals that growth is expected in each of these categories. The figures for
Transportation, Utilities, and Communications may be exaggerated due to the large amounts
of land that these industries and services occupy. Because of these existing large tracts of
land, the ratio of employees per acre in this category is much lower than in the other
categories, possibly resulting in exaggerated projections. Examples of land in the Transpor-
tation, Utilities, and Communications category include the New Hanover County Interna-
tional Airport, right-of-ways for power lines belonging to Carolina Power and Light, rail
right-of-ways, street right-of-ways, and the State Ports Facility. Employment growth inthese
sectors will not necessarily create a need for more land; it will most likely occur as newer
technology creates more jobs in this sector.
The Office and Institutional land -use category is where schools, government offices,
finance, insurance, real estate, and professional services locate. These services are expected
to grow steadily to meet the needs of New Hanover County's and the region's growing
population. This land is zoned 0&I (O,fzce and Institutional).
The commercial sector is expected to increase as well. To protect the integrity of major
thoroughfares, commercial development in New Hanover County is encouraged to cluster
3

in nodes, hopefully replacing the past trend of commercial strip development. This sector is
dominated by the retail trade and food service industries. In New Hanover County
commercial land is zoned B-1 (Business), B-2 (Highway Business) and SC (Shopping
Center).
Industrial employment patterns have remained relatively stable in recent years.
Industrial employment and land -use projections are based upon industry trends since 1985,
not linear regression. For a closer look at industrial trends in New Hanover County, see The
Economy of New Hanover County, New Hanover County Planning Department, 1991.
M. RESIDENTIAL LAND USE NEEDS
The projected acreages of residential land in New Hanover County were calculated
using the following steps:
1. Total utilized residential acres'/Number of occupied residential units' =
Average lot size. (See Table 3-1)
2. Population projectionsY Projected household size = Projected number of
occupied residential units.
3. Average lot size x projected number of occupied residential units
Projected residential land -use needs (in acres).
Table 3-1 Average Lot Size in New Hanover County - 1990
Table 3-2 Previous Trends of Average Household Size in New Hanover County
Average
Year
Household Size
1960
3.43
3:08
1980
2.69
3.2
2./
2.4
L2 1970 1900 1991
L
'-Data was obtained from
Existine Land Use in
New Hanover County. p
5, New Hanover County
Planning Department,
December 1991.
'Data was obtained from
1990 Census of
Population and Housir�
- Summary Tane File
'Data was obtained
using the State Data
Center's projected
annual growth rates.
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Table 3-2 located
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The average household size in New Hanover County has decreased since 1960, yet the
rate of decrease has slowed (see table 3-2).
Table 3-3 - Average Household Size Continues to Decrease
Average
Household
Year
Size
.. ....... .............
.....
---------...-
...... ... ----
..... ..........
...... ..........
...... ...... ....
1995
2.40
..................
.
..
........ . .
.................
.......... - .............
2005
..... ....... .......
2.37
20
..... .. .... ... .... .
..........................
36
...... ...........
.. ..........
2015
2.35
.........
....
Source. New Hanover County Planning Department
Table 3-4 - Proiected Acreage of Residential Land Use in New Hanover County
Single Family
Year
Acreage
..990,
.........................
..... ---- .............
1995
17,943
..... ..............................
.2 ..............
.............
....
.........
2005
20,142
201Q............
..................
21120
2015
21,958
Multi -Family
Year
Acreage
'1990, � ........
...........
. . . ..... &
1995
1,267
... . ............................
..................
..
2005
1,422
.... ..............
........
. . ..............
... . .....
..............................
. .
2015
1,550
68
1.700
1.600
1.500
1.400
1.300
1.200 LL L 1990 1995 2000 200S 2010 201S 2020
5

Total Residential
Year Acreage
1995 20,662
2005
23,193
2010>_<>>«
24'320
2015
25,284
28.000
i
26.000
i
24.000
I
22.000
20.000
18.000
I6.000
1990 199S 2000 2005 2010 201S 2020
Source. New Hanover County Planning Department
In the coming years, population growth will present a need for more residential land.
Figures 6-5 and 6-6 depict the future percentage breakdowns among the land -use categories.
Figure 3-1 shows that approximately 84.6% of the utilized residential land in New
Hanover County is single family residential. Single family homes will continue to occupy
a large portion of the residential space in New Hanover County through 2020 (seefigure 3-
2). However, as population density in the County increases there may be an increase in multi-
family housing and, due to higher land costs, a decline in the popularity of manufactured
homes.
Figure 3-1 Breakdown of Residential Land in New Hanover County 1990
Single Family 84.6%
Manufactured Home 8.1%
i-Family 7.3%
Figure 6-5 located
page 14.
Figure 6-6 located
page 14.
Figure 3-1 located
this page.
Figure 3-2 located
page 7.
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Table 4-3 located
page 9.
Table 4-1 located
page 8.
Table 4-2 located
page 8.
OTable 4-3 located
page 9.
Figure 3-2 Breakdown of Residential Land in New Hanover County 2020
Single Family 86.9%
Manufactured Home 7.0%
ilti-Family 6.1%
Note: These figures reflect land use in the unincorporated County
and the City of Wilmington but exclude the beach communities.
Source. New Hanover County Planning Department
IV. RECREATIONAL LAND -USE NEEDS
Although the County has recently purchased several major properties for future park
development, it should continue to pursue a policy of acquiring land for public recreational
uses if it is to keep pace with the growing demand for parkland. In addition to the development
of these new sites, the County should also strive to provide more water access sites while
suitable properties are still available (see Table 4-3).
The Master Plan for Parks and Recreation (New Hanover County Planning and Parks
and Recreation Departments,1988) used parkland standards and community input to project
future parkland acreage needs for the entire County. Table 4-1 outlines the three categories
ofparks and their respective standards. To meet these standards, the unincorporated County
should maintain 3 acres of neighborhood, 3 acres of medium, and 4.5 acres of regional
parkland per 1000 residents (see Table 4-1).
The current inventory of parkland includes several unique recreational features that do
notfall into the neighborhood, medium, orregional parkland classifications (see Table 4-2).
Beach access sites, public boat ramps, and school sites are included in the inventory because
of their recreational value. School sites are counted at one-fourth their actual acreage to
account for unuseable land (i.e. buildings and parking lots) and the unavailability of these
sites while school is in session (see Table 4-2).
Parkland projections for the entire County rincluding municipalities) are shown in
Table 4-3. Despite recent parkland acquisitions; there is not enough land provided for
neighborhood, medium, and regional parks within the County. However, the standards set
fourth in the Master Plan for Parks and Recreation are achievable goals and should continue
to guide future acquisitions.
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Table 4-1 Standards for Parkland in Unincorporated New Hanover County
Note.
The service radius is dependent on the park size. For example, for medium parks, a 15 acre park
has a 1 mile service radius, while a 75 acre park has a 2.5 mile radius. For sizes in between, the
service radius is interpolated. Thus, a 25 acre park has a service radius of 1.25 miles.
Source. New Hanover County Planning Department
Table 4-2 Inventory of County , Municipal, and State Park Acreages
Unincorporated Wrightsville Carolina Kure
County Wilmington Beach Beach Beach State Total
Neighborhood
77.5
80
3
12
-- 11 183.5
Medium
191
88
13
16
-- -- 308
Regional
238
150
--
--
-- 2,225 2,613
School Sites*
51
65
1
1
— -- 118
Water Access**
29
1
59
32
33 -- 154
Total
586.5
384
76
61
33 2,236 3,3765
Note.
Does not include the Municipal Golf Course, the U.S.S. North Carolina, and private recreation.
* School sites counted as one fourth actual acreage.
** Water access includes public beach access and publicly maintained boat ramps.
Source. New Hanover County Parks Department.
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Figure 5-1 located
page 10.
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Table 4-3 Parkland Acreage Needs
Acreage
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
_. 0
1995
2000
2005 2010
2015
2020
Neighborhood ®
383
407
425
I 443
459
475
Medium
383
407
425
443
459
475
Regional ❑
575
610
637
665
689
713
Total ❑
1,341
1,424
1,487 1,55I
1,607
1,663
Note.
These projections refer to parkland needs in New Hanover County,
the City of Wtlmington, and the beach communities.
Source: New Hanover County Planning Department.
V. COMPARING LAND -USE RATIOS
Land -use ratios refer to the breakdown of various categories of land as a percentage of
the total amount of land in a community. (Planning Advisory Service, 1992)The Planning
Advisory Service of the American Planning Association has computed average land -use
ratios based on 34 small (populations under 100,000) American Cities. Figure 5-1 compares
the ratios in unincorporated New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington to these
national averages and to the City of Asheville. You will notice that the land -use categories
inthis figure are not consistentwith those used throughoutthis study. The categories in New
Hanover County were adjusted to make them comparable to the national categories.
The population density of New Hanover County is thethird highest in North Carolina,
resembling the density of a city. Thus, comparing land -use ratios of New Hanover County
to those of cities nationwide is justifiable. Upon examining figure 5-1, you will notice that
the ratio of residential and commercial land nationwide is slightly higher than in New
Hanover County. The ratio of public and industrial land in New Hanover County is slightly
higherthanthe national average. Generally speaking, however, the differences are minimal.
E

Figure 5-1 Comparison of Land Use Ratios in Unincorporated New Hanover
County and the City of Wilmington to Nationwide Average Land Use
Ratios in Small Cities (Population Under 100,000)
Percentage
80
60
40
20
El Asheville, N.C. ® National Average 0 New Hanover County
Source. New Hanover County Planning Department
VI. DISCUSSION
A growing population will place great demands on the land in New Hanover County
in the future. The amount of developed land in the unincorporated County and the City of
Wilmington is expected to grow 13.2 % by the year 2020 (see figures 6-1, 6-2, and 6-3).
However, due to environmental constraints and the lack of public sewer service, much
ofthe County's vacant land is not suitable for development. On the Land Classification Map,
the areas designated as Urban Transition either have public sewer service or are expected to
get it in the future. With sewer service, these areas may be suitable for development.
The Feasability of development in other vacant areas (Limited Transition and Rural on
the Land Classification Map) is dependent upon the suitability of soils in that area for septic
tanks.
The Classification of Soils in New Hanover Countv for Septic Tank Suitabilitv
document describes the soil classification system of New Hanover County. Class I and II
soils can, with certain modifications to either the installed system and/or the natural soil
system, support septic tanks and limited development. Class 1H and IV soils generally cannot
support septic tanks.
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Figures 6-1, 6-2, and
6-3 located pages 11
and 12.
Classification of Soils
in New Hanover
Countv for Septic Tank
Suitability, Wilmington
- New Hanover
Comprehensive
Planning Program,
1980. O
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Figure 6-1 Developed Land in New Hanover County., 1990
Undeveloped 59.3x
oped 26.2%
A/Vater 14.5%
Note. These figures reflect land use in the Unincorporated County and the
City of Mnington but exclude the beach communities.
Source: New Hanover County Planning Department
Figure 6-2 Developed Land in New Hanover County, 2005
ad 32.5%
Alater 14.5%
Undeveloped 53.01
Note: These figures reflect land use in the unincorporated County and the
City of Wilmington but exclude the beach communities.
Source: New Hanover County Planning Department
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Figure 6-3 Developed Land in New Hanover County, 2020
Developed 39.4%
Nater 14.5%
Undeveloped
Note. These figures reflect land use in the unincorporated County and the
City of Wtlmington but exclude the beach communities.
Source. New Hanover County Planning Department
How can the County ensure that projected growth occurs in a controlled manner? The
Land Classification Map and Policies for Growth and Development. Wilmington - New
Hanover County Land Use Plan Update (available at the County and City planning
departments) serve as guides for future zoning and land -use decisions.
The map has seven land classifications that indicate where different types of activities
are expected to occur. The policies provide a framework for future decision making and are
the means for ensuri::b that the County's future land -use needs are met.
The current land classification map illustrates the changes proposed in the 1991 Land
Use Plan Update. The following discussion will briefly address the changes that are shown
on the map.
In the north -central area of the County, surrounding the headwaters of Prince George
Creek, the land classification changed from rural to resource protection. This will require
consideration of any potential impacts which development may have on the underlying
aquifer or surface waters.
The eastern portion of the Howe Creek watershed and an area between the Hewletts and
Bradley Creek watersheds changed from transition to resource protection. This will further
limit uses which may further harm natural resources in these areas.
Areas that are expected to undergo intensive development in the future are surrounding
the South Seventeenth Street extension and northeast of the City extending from the -airport
to Military Cutoff. The land classification in these areas changed from transition to urban
transition.
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Figure 6-4 located
this page.
Figures 6-5 and 6-6
located page 14.
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The area extending from Snow's Cut north to Sander's Road and the area just West of
the airport changed from transition to limited transition. These areas should experience
increased development but will not be suited for intensive development because they will not
be connected to the public sewer system.
A portion of the area between the Cape Fear River and the Northeast Cape Fear is
designated as rural. This area is not expected to be connected to the county sewer system and
may be suitable for heavy industrial activity where private treatment facilities can be
provided.The County's major industrial corridors will remain along US 421 North and
adjacent to the State Port facility.
Intense multi -family, performance residential, and high density residential develop-
ment has recently occured in the eastern portion of the County along the Intracoastal
Waterway and the estuarine creeks. This trend is expected to continue through 2020 as the
County's housing needs increase. However, the Land Use Plan calls for stronger environ-
mental protection measures in these areas.
While strip commercial development continues to occur along Oleander Drive, Market
Street, South College Road, and Carolina Beach Road, clustered commercial development
will be given more emphasis in accordance with the 1991 Policies for Growth and
Development. These commercial nodes, which also contain Office and Institutional uses,
will grow with particular intensity at the intersection of Market Street and College Road,
Military Cut-off Road and Eastwood Road, and Monkey Junction (College and Carolina
Beach Roads).
Figure 6-4 illustrates the 1990 land -use ratios in New Hanover County. Recreational
and parkland refers to the parkland in the previous section in addition to the Municipal Golf
Course, Fort Fisher State Historic Site, FortFisher Recreation Area, and Masonboro Island.
Figures 6-5 and 6-6 illustrate the changes in New Hanover County's land -use ratios that are
expected to occur through the year 2020 based on the projections outlined in this document.
Figure 6-4 Breakdown of Developed Land in New Hanover County, 1990
Tmn:/Util/Comm 19.6%
Single Family
Note. These figures reflect land use in the unincorporated County and the
City of Wilmington but exclude the beach communities.
Source: New Hanover County Planning Department
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Figure 6-5 Breakdown of Developed Land in New Hanover County, 2005
TrnniAltillr- 23.41
Single Family 46.2%
8.4%
)mmemial 6.0%
0&1 6.4%
Recreational 3.4%
Manufactured Home 3.3%
lull -Family 2.9%
Note. These figures reflect land use in the unincorporated County and the
City of Wilmington but exclude the beach communities.
Source. New Hanover County Planning Department
Figure 6-6 Breakdown of Developed Land in New Hanover County, 2020
Trans/UtiUCoir
Single Family 43.0%
,I 7.S%
ommemial S.6%
C)&1 6.1%
Recreational 3.2%
Manufactured Home 3.S%
lull -Family 3.0%
Note: These figures reflect land use in the unincorporated County and the
City of Wilmington but exclude the beach communities.
Source. New Hanover County Planning Department
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*High Density
Residential:
Although not a zoning
classification, High
Density Residential
projects may be
permitted in most
residential districts
provided the area is
classified Transition
on the Land Use Plan
and the project
satisfies certain
performance criteria.
Net densities may
range between 2.5 and
17 units per net tract
acre.
Appendix
New Hanover County Zoning Districts
Residential.
R-20S:
The R-20S Residential District is established as a district in which the principal use of
land is for low density single-family residential purposes on 20,000 so. ft. lots.
Masonboro Sound Road, Middle Sound areas and Figure 8 Island are characterized by
this zoning classification.
*R-20:
The R-20 Residential District is established as a district in which the principal use of
land is for low density residential on 20,000 sq. ft. lots. Much of the area along the
northern sounds and the Northeast Cape Fear River is classified R-20. Mobile homes are
only permitted by special use. Performance Residential projects may be developed at 1.9
units per net tract acre.
*R-15:
The R-15 Residential District is established as a district in which the principal use of
land is for residential purposes on 15,000 sq. ft. lots. This district encompasses most of
the land in the County, is primarily inland and includes all of the southern county.
Mobile homes are permitted within the district. Performance Residential projects may be
developed at 2.5 units per net tract acre.
*R-10:
The R-10 Residential District is established as a district in which the principal use of
land is for residential development on 10,000 sq. ft. lots with a public water system and
septic tanks. Many subdivisions are developed under this classification. Mobile homes
are permitted. Performance Residential projects may be developed at 3.3 units per net
tract acre.
AR:
The Airport Residential District is established for the purpose of limiting the
development of land within the vicinity of the New Hanover County International
Airport to low density residential development in order to reduce aircraft hazards and
promote safety. Lots must be at least one acre in size.
RA:
The RA Rural Agricultural District is established as a district in which the principal
use of land is for low density residential with an emphasis on farming and open space
preservation. Minimum lot sizes are 30,000 sq. ft. and Performance Residential projects
may be developed at one dwelling unit per net tract acre. Mobile homes require special
use permits. Most of the lands characterized by this designation are in the Castle Hayne
area and west of U.S. 117.
15

Commercial
B-1:
The purpose of the B-1 Business District is to provide convenient shopping facilities
primarily of necessity goods and personal services required to serve a neighborhood. No
B-1 Business District shall be less than two acres in area.
B-2:
The B-2 Highway Business District is a heavy commercial zoning. It's purpose is to
provide for the proper grouping and development of business uses which will best
accommodate the needs of the motoring public with a regional orientation. It is the least
restrictive business zone. B-2 Business Districts must be five acres in area or larger.
SC:
Shopping Center Districts may be established on any seven -acre or larger tract
provided a site development plan is submitted and approved in accordance with the
performance criteria of the ordinance.
Mixed Uses
*PD:
The PD Planned Development District is established as a district on 100 plus acres to
foster the mixing of various land uses (Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Office and
Institutional). Water and sewer facilities are required. Two such districts have been
established in the County (Landfall and NorthChase).
Office and Institutional
*O&I:
The Office and Institutional District provides areas where institutional uses,
professional office uses and other compatible uses including single-family and
performance residential shall be encouraged to locate. 15,000 sq. ft. lots are required.
Industrial
Al:
The Airport Industrial District is established as a planned restricted industrial district
in which the principal use of land is for indoor manufacturing and distributive type
operations that are compatible with airport facilities and which require sites adjacent to
railroads and/or major thoroughfares. Lots must be one acre or larger.
I-1:
The I-1 Industrial District is a light industrial district that provides for warehousing,
storage, bulk retail and manufacturing which does not create an excessive amount of
noise, odor, smoke, dust, air-bome debris, or other objectionable characteristics which
might be detrimental to surrounding areas. I-1 Industrial Districts must be at least five
acres in area.
X
101
X
1L

O
I-2:
The I-2 Industrial District is a heavy industrial zone. Its purpose is to provide for uses
that would produce excessive noise, odor, smoke, dust, air -borne debris, or any other
objectionable characteristics. It is the least restrictive zoning district. No I-2 Industrial
District shall be less than five acres in area.
Special Classifications
C.O.D.:
The C.O.D. Conservation Overlay District is established as an overlay district for the
purpose of protecting precious environmental and cultural resources in the County and to
provide open space. This district applies to all unincorporated areas of the County and
takes precedence over other underlying districts.
S.H.O.D.:
The S.H.O.D. Special Highway Overlay District is established as a district to protect
the natural beauty and scenic vistas that exist along the interstate and other specially
designated highways that serve as gateways into the County. The S.H.O.D. is presently
established along 1-40, Eastwood Road, Military Cut -Off, River Road and the northern
portion of Market Street.
Conditional Use Districts may be established for all the districts where special
O
conditions or limitations are placed upon the uses permitted through the issuance of a
special use permit and the zoning classification is voluntarily initiated by the land owner.
A site plan approval is required.
O
17

References
Employment Security Commission of North Carolina, Report XRA-320, New
Hanover County,1991.
Wilmington - New Hanover Comprehensive Planning Program, Classification of
Soils in New Hanover County for Septic Suitability. 1980.
New Hanover County Planning Department, The Economy of New Hanover County,
December 1991.
• New Hanover County Planning Department, Existing Land Use in New Hanover
Counly, December 1991.
New Hanover County Planning Department and Parks and Recreation Department,
Master Plan for Parks and Recreation, June 1988.
New Hanover County Planning Department, 1991 Land Use Plan Update, Land
Classification Changes, September 1992.
Planning Advisory Service, Bringing Land -Use Ratios into the `90's. Christopher
Harris in a PAS Memo, August 1992.
U.S. Bureau of Commerce, Bureau of Census, 1990 Census of Population and
Housing. Summary tape file 1.