New Hanover County issues building permits for Wilmington through COAST (910-798-7308); city zoning signs off first (910-254-0900).
Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. Facts on this page come from the City of Wilmington’s Building Permits page and Zoning section, and from New Hanover County Building Safety.
Two governments share the job in Wilmington. The city handles zoning: what can be built where, setbacks, signs, trees and historic districts. New Hanover County issues the building permit and does the inspections, for every property inside the city as well as in the county. Check zoning with the city first, then apply to the county.
Who to call
- Zoning, setbacks, trees, signs: City of Wilmington Zoning, 910-254-0900, zoning@wilmingtonnc.gov, Skyline Center, 929 N. Front St.
- Building permits and inspections: New Hanover County, 910-798-7308, coast@nhcgov.com, 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 170
- Historic districts: City Historic Preservation, preservation@wilmingtonnc.gov
- Rezonings and the Planning Commission: Planning, 910-341-3250, planning@wilmingtonnc.gov
- Apply online: county COAST portal for building permits; city Development and Permitting Services portal for zoning, tree and sign permits
Step 1: Check the zoning
Find your property’s zoning district on the city’s zoning map. The rules for each district are in the city’s Land Development Code, which the city calls the “rule book” for development, building and land use.
The city asks you to confirm with its zoning staff that a project meets the code before you apply for a building permit. If the county’s permit is put on hold by the city, the county’s permit FAQ says to call city zoning at 910-254-0900.
Step 2: Get the building permit from the county
The city’s Building Permits page says permits are needed for:
- New buildings and moving a building
- A change in how a building is used
- Demolition
- Alterations, remodeling, upfits and additions
- Accessory structures such as sheds and garages
- Mobile homes inside the city limits
Apply, pay and schedule inspections in the county’s COAST portal, or in person at 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 170. The county posts permit costs and forms online. Plan reviewers take calls from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at 910-798-7308.
Historic districts
Changes to the outside of a building in one of the city’s local historic districts or overlay districts need a Certificate of Appropriateness before work starts. Email the city’s Historic Preservation staff at preservation@wilmingtonnc.gov.
Trees
Wilmington requires a city tree removal permit for:
- Any tree in the public right-of-way.
- Trees 4 inches or more in diameter at chest height on non-residential lots, on residential lots over 1 acre, in a conservation setback or buffer, or anywhere in a local historic district.
On private property the city lists a fee of $25 for a lot under 1 acre, rising to $150 for more than 10 acres. Historic district trees also need a Certificate of Appropriateness, and specimen trees need Board of Adjustment approval in most districts. The city’s listed penalty for cutting without a permit is $150 an inch or $1,200 a tree, whichever is greater. Call 910-254-0900 before you cut.
Who decides rezonings and variances
| Board | Meets | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Planning Commission | 6 p.m., first Wednesday of the month | Advises City Council on rezonings, code changes, street closures and long-range plans; holds public hearings |
| Board of Adjustment | 1 p.m., third Thursday of the month | Hears variances, waivers and appeals of staff and Historic Preservation Commission decisions |
| City Council | See the city calendar | Makes the final decision on rezonings |
Both boards meet in the City Council Chambers at the Skyline Center, 929 N. Front St., and stream live on GTV8. The Board of Adjustment meets Thursday, Oct. 15, and the Planning Commission on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Anyone can speak at a Planning Commission hearing or send a comment through the city’s public comment form.
If the Planning Commission recommends denial, the request is denied unless the applicant appeals to City Council by letter to the City Clerk within 10 days. Every open case, including its maps and staff reports, is in the city’s Development and Permitting Services portal.
Reporting a problem
Report work going on without a permit, or a zoning violation, with the city’s zoning complaint form. Work in a state road right-of-way goes to the NCDOT Wilmington District office, 910-398-9100.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues building permits in Wilmington, NC? New Hanover County’s Permits and Inspections office issues every building permit for property in the city, through its COAST online portal or at 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 170. Call 910-798-7308.
How do I find my zoning in Wilmington? Use the city’s online zoning map, or call city zoning at 910-254-0900 or email zoning@wilmingtonnc.gov.
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in Wilmington? Often. Trees in the public right-of-way, and trees 4 inches or more across on lots over 1 acre, non-residential lots or in a historic district, need a city permit. Call 910-254-0900 before you cut.
When does the Wilmington Planning Commission meet? At 6 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month in the City Council Chambers at the Skyline Center, 929 N. Front St. The next meeting is Wednesday, Nov. 4.
What this means for you
- Zoning is the city; the permit is the county. Call 910-254-0900 before you apply.
- In a historic district, get the Certificate of Appropriateness first.
- Ask before taking down a tree; the fines are per inch.
- Rezoning near you? The Planning Commission hearing is where to speak.
Related: property taxes, who to call at City Hall and history and landmarks.
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