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IN THE ZONE · DEPARTMENT UPDATE V.1 · E.2 · NOVEMBER 5, 2025 |
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The new customer service area serves as an information hub for citizens to meet with staff.
In this quarterly update...
As Wilmington continues to grow, collaboration remains key. This issue spotlights ongoing improvements to customer service and development review, the expansion of online permitting options, and a few friendly new faces making it all happen. You’ll also find guidance on tree removal, updates on the Greater Downtown Plan, and a closer look at one of our planners who helps keep projects on course.
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September 8 was a big day for the City of Wilmington! After eight months of construction, we were thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of our brand-new City Hall at Skyline Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
This new space is home to our Customer Service area, where you’ll find the Planning and Development and the Billing and Collections teams — all in one convenient location.
Here’s what you can do when you stop by:
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Chat privately with city staff about proposed development projects in our dedicated consultation rooms
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Apply for permits at our easy-to-use computer kiosk, complete with a printer and scanner
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Pay application fees with cash or check if that’s your preference
Even better? Public hearings on development applications are now held just down the hall in our new City Council Chambers or the Azalea Room — both equipped to live-stream meetings so you can stay informed from anywhere.
We’re proud of this beautiful new space and excited to welcome you in. Stop by and see us soon — we’d love to show you around!
The new Council Chambers also serves as a place for public hearings on development applications.
After two years of listening sessions, pop-ups, and surveys across 18 neighborhoods, the draft Greater Downtown Plan (GDP) is now available for public review. The plan translates community priorities identified by over 5,000 residents into clear actions organized around four themes: Local Character, Economy, Small Business, and Mobility—each shaping a more connected and vibrant Greater Downtown.
Now we want to know—did we get it right? Visit the project webpage to explore the draft plan, take a quick survey about each theme, and share your comments. Public feedback this fall will help refine the plan and guide near-term implementation priorities, before it goes to City Council for adoption in spring 2026.
Here's how you can participate:
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In August 2025, the City’s online Development & Permitting Services platform expanded to include right-of-way, stormwater, tree, and zoning permits. Applicants to the Technical Review Committee (TRC) can now submit tree and stormwater permits for all development projects directly through the online system.
This enhancement is a major time-saver for applicants, eliminating the need for paper submissions and reducing turnaround times.
The next phase to be deployed via the online platform will include entitlement applications (e.g. rezonings, variances, COAs). Once deployed, all Planning & Development Department applications will be available through the online system.
Landing page of Development & Permitting Services online platform
Permits application tab of the Development & Permitting Services portal
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The City has received reports of fraudulent emails requesting payment for application fees.
Please note, the City of Wilmington will never request payment by wire transfer.
Official application payments may only be made:
In person (cash, check, or card):
City’s Billing & Collections Office
Skyline Center
929 N. Front St., 1st Floor
By phone (MasterCard or Visa only):
910.343.4745
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday
Online:
Development & Permitting Services
Note:
Fraudulent messages often mention unusually high or urgent fees. The City’s Fee Schedule is posted online each year—please review it to confirm accurate charges. When in doubt, contact the Planning Department directly at 910.254.0900 to verify authenticity.
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Call Before You Cut!
Before removing a tree within city limits, call the Planning Office at 910.254.0900 to confirm whether a permit is needed. Calling first can help you avoid violations and ensure compliance with City Code.
The City of Wilmington regulates the removal of protected trees to preserve our community’s tree canopy and natural resources. Protecting trees enhances Wilmington’s beauty, improves air and water quality, and helps safeguard property values.
When a Permit Is Required
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Commercial property: All tree removals require a City permit.
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Residential property: A permit is required if your lot is:
- Larger than one acre,
- Located within a historic district, or
- Within a conservation resource setback (such as near waterways or wetlands).
When Tree Removal May Be Approved
Permits may be granted when:
- The tree is dead, diseased, or poses a hazard;
- The tree lies within the footprint of an essential site improvement (house, driveway, or utility); or
- The tree is causing documented property damage (e.g., to a foundation, sidewalk, or utilities).
Trees on Public Property
- Trees on City property or within the public right-of-way may not be removed by private citizens.
- The City must review and authorize removals, and City crews perform the work directly.
Trees in the Historic Districts
Please note that tree removal in the city's historic districts now requires both a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA-Minor Works) and a tree permit. Applications for each may be found via the Development & Permitting Services online portal.
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Meet Todd Rademacher! Originally from Milwaukee, Todd grew up in Charlotte before heading to East Carolina University, where he earned a degree in Urban and Regional Planning (with a minor in History for good measure).
He and his wife, Joy, have been together since 1997, married since 2002, and are proud parents of their daughter, Sierra, a fourth grader at St. Mark’s Catholic School.
Todd has worn many planning hats over the years—from county and town planner to planning director to community planner with Riptide Builders—before making his way back into the public sector here in Wilmington.
When he’s not talking zoning, you’ll likely find him on the golf course, skiing, or happily doing yard work to unwind. He loves discovering local gems (like Sabor Latino), never turns down a good brewery stop, and says his perfect Saturday is spent golfing, grabbing dinner with his family at Indochine, and letting Sierra pick dessert.
Be sure to seek out Todd for any swing tips—or if you need a ski instructor!
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Development continues apace here in Wilmington. During the second quarter of 2025, our Planning staff reviewed 730 applications—a slight decrease from the first quarter reviews, but still going strong.
Pie chart comparing numbers of administrative permit application types for April-June 2025
Zoning Permit Reviews
Our Zoning team handled 608 permit applications between April and June. Of those,
438 were building permits issued by New Hanover County, with a reported value just shy of $185 million. These projects will add 974 units to the city’s housing stock when complete.
Notably, about 28% of our zoning reviews were for city-issued permits that don't require a building permit. These include:
- Tree removals
- Small accessory structures (like sheds)
- Changes of use
- Signs
- Temporary uses
- Mobile food units (yes, that includes food trucks and carts!)
Development Review – Technical Review Committee
The Technical Review Committee (TRC) reviewed a total of 49 development-related applications in the first quarter:
- 20 formal site plans
- 1 preliminary plan
- 28 pre-TRC submissions
These reviews are critical in shaping future growth while ensuring projects align with technical and design standards.
Entitlements and Land Use Policy
The second quarter also saw activity at the policy level, with:
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4 rezoning applications
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2 street closure requests, 1 of which was withdrawn
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1 proposal to amend the Land Development Code (LDC)
Each of these was carefully reviewed for consistency with the Create Wilmington Comprehensive Plan and the standards outlined in the LDC.
Pie chart comparing numbers of boards and commissions application types for April-June 2025
Historic Preservation
The Historic Preservation team also kept busy, reviewing 54 applications for Certificates of Appropriateness (COA). Of these, 11 involved significant alterations that required formal approval from the Historic Preservation Commission.
Variances, Waivers and Modifications
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8 applications for variances from the Board of Adjustment
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2 appeals of Zoning Administrator determinations
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2 applications for waivers or modifications to technical standards
reviewed by the Design Adjustment Committee
These requests help ensure our planning approach remains flexible and responsive to unique site conditions.
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How to Navigate Planning & Development...
We’re here to help—and knowing the right team to reach out to can make your experience with the Planning & Development Department quicker and easier!
Our department is made up of four specialized teams, each focusing on a different area of planning and development. All calls start at our main phone number—910.254.0900—but if you know which team you need, just ask for them by name. Each team also has its own email address, so you can reach out directly to the experts who can best assist you.
Comprehensive Planning & Urban Design
Led by Travis Henley, this team looks at the big picture—helping shape the long-term future of Wilmington through plans like the Create Wilmington Comprehensive Plan and the Greater Downtown Plan.
They work closely with the public, community groups, and other departments to figure out what’s working, what could be better, and what goals we should set for the future. Once plans are adopted, they also track progress and keep everyone updated on how things are going.
Development Review
Contact: planreview@wilmingtonnc.gov
Led by Patrick O’Mahony, this team handles the review of subdivisions, commercial and multi-family developments, and applications that need Planning Commission or City Council approval.
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Entitlement Review: They review applications for zoning changes, annexations, street closures, and more—working with other departments to identify any issues and recommending conditions or approvals.
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Development Review: They coordinate the site plan and subdivision review process through the Technical Review Committee, and handle any needed waivers or adjustments through the Design Adjustment Committee.
Historic Preservation
Contact: preservation@wilmingtonnc.gov
Led by Ben Riggle, this team ensures our city’s historic charm is preserved for future generations while still adapting for today’s needs.
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Certificates of Appropriateness: Exterior changes to buildings in local historic districts need approval—either by staff (for minor changes) or the Historic Preservation Commission (for major ones).
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Historic Landmarks: They also work with property owners and the community to identify and designate local historic landmarks—and help tell the inclusive story of Wilmington’s history through research and special projects.
Zoning Administration & Compliance
Contact: zoning@wilmingtonnc.gov
Led by Kathryn Thurston, AICP, this team makes sure projects meet all zoning and code requirements—and they’re your first stop for general questions, permits, and zoning concerns.
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Permit Review (COAST System): They coordinate with New Hanover County to review all permit applications in the County’s online system (COAST) and ensure everything complies with City rules.
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City Permits: Some permits are issued directly by the City, like signs, temporary uses, sidewalk cafés, and more—many of which can be processed the same day.
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Compliance: This team also handles zoning enforcement and ensures that completed projects follow approved plans.
Still not sure who to reach out to? Give us a call at 910.254.0900 and we’ll get you to the right place!
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