Wilmington Zoning

R-1 Zone in Wilmington, NC

R-1 zoning district rules in Wilmington, NC. Permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements.

Residential DistrictSingle-Family Residential

The R-1 zone in Wilmington, NC is a residential district (Single-Family Residential). Permits one dwelling unit per lot. Typically the most restrictive residential zone. Designed to preserve the character of established single-family neighborhoods. This zone requires a 35 ft front setback, 10 ft side setback, and 30 ft rear setback. Maximum building height is 35 feet (2 stories). Maximum lot coverage is 30%.

Common Permitted Uses

  • Single-family homes

Permits one dwelling unit per lot. Typically the most restrictive residential zone. Designed to preserve the character of established single-family neighborhoods.

Setback Requirements

Setback TypeRequirement
Front Setback35 feet
Side Setback10 feet
Rear Setback30 feet

Wilmington UDO — R-1 Single-Family Residential. Low density, large lot.

Height Limits

Max Height
35 feet
Max Stories
2

Wilmington UDO — R-1 Residential.

Lot Coverage

Max Coverage
30%

Wilmington UDO — R-1 Residential.

Parking Requirements

Single-family: 2 spaces per dwelling unit. Off-street parking required. Wilmington UDO. Multi-family: 1.5 spaces per unit. Reduced requirements within 1/4 mile of Wave Transit routes. Wilmington UDO.

Source: Wilmington Unified Development Ordinance; NC HB 488 (Session Law 2023-87). Last verified April 6, 2026. View source

Last updated: April 6, 2026
R-1 Zone in Wilmington, NC — Permitted Uses & Rules | PropertyZoned