R-5 Zone in Wilmington, NC
R-5 zoning district rules in Wilmington, NC. Permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements.
The R-5 zone in Wilmington, NC is a residential district (Multi-Family High Density). Permits multi-family housing at high density. Designed for urban cores and transit corridors where tall residential buildings are appropriate. This zone requires a 15 ft front setback, 5 ft side setback, and 15 ft rear setback. Maximum building height is 45 feet (3 stories). Maximum lot coverage is 60%.
Common Permitted Uses
- High-rise apartments
- Condominiums
- Mixed residential
Permits multi-family housing at high density. Designed for urban cores and transit corridors where tall residential buildings are appropriate.
Setback Requirements
| Setback Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 15 feet |
| Side Setback | 5 feet |
| Rear Setback | 15 feet |
Wilmington UDO — R-5 Residential. Medium density.
Height Limits
- Max Height
- 45 feet
- Max Stories
- 3
Wilmington UDO — R-5 Residential.
Lot Coverage
- Max Coverage
- 60%
Wilmington UDO — R-5 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