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Wilmington planning department outlines FY2026 budget, zoning reform and demolition priorities
Summary
The Department of Land Use and Planning asked for a $4.6 million operating budget for FY2026 and described zoning reform work, increases in demolition funding and staffing changes; council members pressed for clearer plans on long-term vacant properties, demolition costs and neighborhood planning council support.
The Department of Land Use and Planning told the Wilmington City Finance Committee on Monday that its proposed FY2026 operating budget is $4,600,000, an increase of $6,000 from the current year, and that the department is prioritizing zoning reform, demolition of hazardous properties and improvements to permit review and inspection processes.
The department’s director, Elliot Larkin, said the reorganization of land use and planning aimed to increase operational efficiency rather than produce immediate budgetary savings. He told the committee that permit volumes rose after the 2020–2022 construction rebound, inspection staffing had fluctuated with vacancies and injuries, and that the department has reduced some temporary salary lines and eliminated one deputy director position to capture savings. "Our permits have increased," Larkin said, "and our permit turnarounds are much faster."
The b…
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