article 5. zoning district regulations - City of Wilmington

Land Development Code
City of Wilmington
Sec. 18-196. CBD, Central Business District.
(a) Purpose. This district is established to create and maintain a high density
commercial, office, service and residential area meeting City, county and regional
needs. It encourages the full utilization of public services and contributes to the
economic base of the City. The Wilmington Downtown Plan: Vision 2020 outlines a
plan for the future of downtown Wilmington in a way that balances historic
preservation, maintains City character, encourages economic development, and
protects critical natural and environmental resources. The plan envisions the
development of a living, working, learning and mixed-use community from "bridge to
bridge." The intent of the design standards is to retain the quality and continuity of
existing historic buildings and the preservation of the cohesive character of the
downtown area by compatible, sympathetic construction. In addition to these
standards, the United States Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation
should be considered when proposed work impacts existing historic buildings or
structures. If there is documentary evidence of an architecturally significant structure
that has been demolished, incorporation of elements of the removed structure into the
new design is encouraged when appropriate.
The urban planning framework within which these standards apply must also be
considered if the Vision 2020 goals are to be fulfilled. There are four premises which
relate to the district as a whole beyond the scope of individual parcels:
Heritage. The central business district's heritage and historic resources should be
recognized and respected as evidence of past development and as contributing to
the image of downtown. While new development shall reinforce the historic
integrity of the district, each property shall be recognized as a physical record of
its time, place and use. Some portions of the district have a wealth of historically
significant structures while others have few. In addition to the context of the
developed urban core, compatibility with the immediate context should be
considered.
Public spaces and pedestrian scale. The central business district is to be
considered primarily as a pedestrian oriented domain. The introduction of public
spaces within or in conjunction with new development is encouraged. The
physical boundaries defining these pedestrian zones shall reinforce the building
setbacks for that area. Existing pedestrian thoroughfares such as the riverwalk
shall be enhanced by nearby development with the use of pedestrian-scale
features.
Circulation. New development shall reinforce the existing grid for pedestrian and
vehicular thoroughfares. Development shall also be respectful to gateway areas,
arrival corridors and major public destinations throughout the district. Overlays of
vehicular and pedestrian oriented areas should provide safe and accessible
transitions.
Districts and nodes. The central business district is comprised of different areas
and nodes such as the government offices node, historic commercial areas,
ARTICLE 5. ZONING DISTRICT REGULATIONS Page 82