New Hanover County supports new development in appropriate locations that protects and preserves the natural assets which make our County a desirable place to live, work and recreate.  In order to provide opportunities for higher density projects within unincorporated New Hanover County, Planning Staff embarked on a process to develop a new zoning district referred to as the Exceptional Design Zoning District (EDZD).  The intent of the EDZD is to provide design flexibility to achieve higher density projects in areas where appropriate urban features exist in order to discourage the negative impact of urban sprawl, preserve and protect natural resources and diminish the need for vehicular traffic. 

The process taken to develop these standards was comprised of numerous staff meetings, a Planning Board Work Session and three meetings with area developers, engineers, architects, landscape architects, green builders and associated representatives from the development community.  The Document was circulated to several members of our environmental community and our concerned citizen list.  The result of the meetings is the text amendment being presented as Section 53.6 of the New Hanover County Zoning Ordinance.   

There are two reasons why planning staff has created this district: first, the CAMA plan, which is the product of extensive public participation, calls for the creation of exceptional design standards.  And second, there is demand for medium density zoning in the county.  The request that we have been hearing frequently is for a R-6 or R-7 districts which would allow for single family lots on 6000 or 7000 sq ft with no bells and whistles.   Additionally staff hears requests for a high density district which would allow high density development by right.  Instead of creating a standard district staff proposes a district that requires exceptional, sustainable design in appropriate locations.   

Click here to view a power point presentation about the district:

If you have comments or suggestions please email cokeefe@nhcgov.com