Topics:
Zoning and Rezoning
1. How do I find out what the zoning classification is for my property?
The County Zoning map indicates the zoning of all properties in the County. You can access this map here.
2. How do I change the zoning on my property?
Article XI Section 110 of the Zoning Ordinance outlines the amendment process. All requests for changes to zoning should be consistent with the comprehensive plan and in the public interest.
3. Can someone else rezone my property?
Yes, the zoning map is a policy guide for directing types of uses to particular areas. Making such policies is not dependent on owner agreement.
4. I object to a rezoning in my neighborhood. How do I protest?
You may attend the public hearing and speak in opposition or send a notarized written statement prior to the hearing to the New Hanover County Planning Department. Click here to see a brochure describing the public hearing process.
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Special Use Permits
1. What is required in order to apply for a special use permit?
The Special Use Permit application form outlines the required items. Articles VI and VII of the Zoning Ordinance address performance standards for certain uses. Be sure your application includes adequate evidence so the Planning Board and Commissioners can make necessary findings of fact on your proposal.
2. I object to a special use project being proposed. How do I protest?
You may attend the public hearing and present evidence in opposition or send a notarized written statement presenting your sworn testimony prior to the hearing. Click here to see a brochure describing the public hearing process.
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Addressing, Street and Traffic
1. I need a new address, I need to confirm an address or a street sign needs to be replaced.
Contact: Steven Scruggs, Planning (County) 798-7223, Frances Downs (City) 342-2723
2. Where can I see the new bypass or other throughfare plans?
You can access this information through the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). You can contact them directly at 910-341-3258.
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Floodplain and Environment
1. How can I find out if my property is in a floodplain?
You can access the County’s flood maps on the County’s website. Go to on-line services, then Property Mapping, and click on Flood Zone Mapping Online.
2. What does it mean to me if my property is in a floodplain?
In order to obtain financing to buy, build, or improve property in the floodplain, Federal law requires that you obtain flood insurance. Damage caused by flooding is not covered by normal homeowner’s insurance.
County building regulations require additional construction standards for new structures or substantial improvements to existing structures in floodplains. Please contact the County’s Zoning Department at (910) 798-7118 for more information about your property or to request a printed copy of the flood line on your property.
3. How can I find out what the County Planning Department is doing to plan for environmental protection?
You can access the County’s environmental planning website or contact Shawn Ralston at (910) 798-7444.
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Land Use Plan
1. What is the Land Classification Map? Where can I get one?
The land classification map is located in the CAMA land use plan and differentiates areas where growth is subject to special environmental considerations in addition to normal quality of life standards. You can access the 2006 CAMA land use plan by clicking here.
2. How does the land classification affect my development project?
Land Classification identifies which land is best suited for different types and intensities of land use. Urban and Transitional classifications are generally better suited for more intense urban style development while Conservation or Resource Protection classifications are subject to more restrictive development standards.
3. How do I know whether my project idea will be supported for approval?
In general terms, if it is consistent with the vision, goals, and policies in the adopted Land Use Plan as well as the ordinance, staff will support proposals.
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Subdivision Questions:
1. What would be defined as a subdivision of land that would require County review?
According to the Subdivision Regulations for New Hanover County, a subdivision shall include all divisions of land two or more lots, building sites, or other divisions when any one or more of those divisions are created for the purpose, whether intermediate or future, of sale or building development, and shall include all divisions of land involving the land dedication of a new street or a change in existing streets. The following elements are not defined as a subdivision of land:
a) The combination or recombination of portions of previously subdivided and recorded lots where the total number of lots is not increased and the resultant lots are equal to or exceed the standards of the County as shown in its subdivision ordinance.
b) The division of land into parcels greater than 10 acres where no street right-of-way dedication is involved.
c) The public acquisition by purchase of strips of land for the widening or opening of streets or for public transportation corridors.
d) The division of tract in single ownership whose entire area (parent tract of land) is no greater than 2 acres into no more than 3 lots, where no street right-of-way dedication is involved and where the resultant lots are equal to or exceed the standards of the County as shown in its subdivision ordinance.
2. Are divisions of heir property exempt from the definition of a subdivision or the County's review?
No.
3. What is the difference between a minor subdivision and a major subdivision?
A minor subdivision is a subdivision that does not involve more than 5 lots, all of which front on an existing platted and recorded street, and not involving any new streets or prospectively requiring any new street for access to interior property, and not requiring drainage improvements or easements to serve the applicant's property or interior property. A minor division may include up to 3 lots on a 30' access easement to serve interior lots. Minor subdivisions are reviewed "in house" between Planning staff and County Engineering staff. Click here for minor subdivision application.
A major subdivision is more than 5 proposed lots that require the review of at least 8 different local agencies (Fire Services, NCDOT, County Engineering, etc) and the approval from the County's Technical Review Committee (TRC). Major subdivisions may be submitted as conventional or performance related site plans. To apply for an application please fill out the appropriate forms.
4. What is the Technical Review Committee (TRC)?
The TRC is a ministerial body that reviews and approves or denies major subdivision proposals. The TRC meets twice per month and consists of 5 voting members who represent the Planning Board, Planning Department, County Fire Services, County Engineering, and the City/County Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Planner. Citizens are invited to attend the TRC meetings. However, the TRC meetings are not public hearings where adjoining landowners are notified.
5. Can decisions of the TRC be appealed?
Yes, however an appeal shall be limited to the applicant, officials, or departments of New Hanover County, or persons with a significant identifiable interest in the proposed plan, greater than the public at large, including but not limited to, adjacent property owners. Click here to obtain a copy of the Appeal application. Appeals must be sent to the Planning Department within 10 business days of the TRC decision and must state the alleged error made by the TRC.
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Other Questions:
1. Who can tell me what the setbacks are on a piece of property in the unincorporated County? Who should I contact if I want to install a deck, pool or garage?
Please contact the New Hanover County Zoning Department at (910) 798-7118. For decks, pools and garages please call Code Administration Services at (910) 798-7151.
2. I have questions about a drainage ditch or have general stormwater concerns. Who should I call? Who should I call to find out if water and sewer will be expanded to my area?
You should contact the New Hanover County Engineering Department at (910) 798-7139. Furthermore, dumping debris in ditches or streams impedes drainage and is punishable by fine or imprisonment. All violations should be reported to the County Engineering Department.
3. Who do I contact if I need a perk test?
You should contact the New Hanover County Environmental Health Department at (910) 798-6667.
4. Where can I get a copy of my deed or the recorded map for my parcel or subdivision?
Please contact the New Hanover County Register of Deeds at (910) 798-4530. You can also access this information on the County Register of Deeds website.
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