Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Text Amendment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves text changes to allow limited nonrecessed downtown doors with safety rules
Summary
The Wilmington City Council voted to amend zoning and streetside rules to permit nonrecessed outward‑swinging doors in the D1 downtown zone, subject to safety barriers, a five‑foot pedestrian clearance and historic‑preservation review for contributing buildings.
Wilmington — The City Council on Jan. 12 approved text amendments to the city’s zoning code and streets/sidewalk chapter that remove the long-standing requirement for recessed storefront entries in the D1 downtown district while imposing safety and historic‑review requirements.
Development services staff, presented to the council as Kelly Heifer, said the amendments affect Chapter 44 (zoning) and Chapter 38 (streets and sidewalks). Heifer told the council the change responds to requests from downtown businesses seeking to reclaim first‑floor square footage and noted the Plan Commission unanimously recommended the change, 7–0. "We will require safety barriers," the presenter said, describing a permitted‑use framework that also preserves at least 5 feet of pedestrian access and requires Historic Preservation Commission review for contributing structures.
The amendments would allow, with permits and conditions, limited nonrecessed outward‑swinging doors and controlled sidewalk use for amenities such as seating and planters. Staff said the downtown plan had already moved the pedestrian walkway away from building fronts in many locations, creating room for limited encroachments onto widened sidewalk areas.
Council member Hendricks moved approval "as presented," and councilwoman Molly Ward seconded; the clerk recorded the motion as carried with no nays. The council and staff emphasized permitting and maintenance responsibilities for property owners and coordination with traffic engineering to ensure pedestrian safety.
The ordinance package was forwarded to the council with staff and plan commission recommendations and will be implemented through the city's permitting process; historically significant facades designated as contributing structures will undergo review by the Historic Preservation Commission before changes are allowed.
Votes at a glance Consent agenda: approved (mover: Molly Ward; seconder: Member Hendricks) — clerk recorded no nays. Zoning text amendments (Ch. 44 and Ch. 38): approved (mover: Member Hendricks; seconder: Molly Ward) — clerk recorded no nays.
What happens next The city must finalize the ordinance language, complete any required administrative steps and administer permits and historic reviews before any nonrecessed doors may be installed.
