Burnt Mill Drive Rezoning

At a glance

• What: General rezoning of 2.02 acres at 3301 Burnt Mill Drive from Light Industrial (LI) to Office & Institutional (O&I). Site currently occupied by single-story multi-tenant office building; no expansion or redevelopment proposed; existing infrastructure sufficient.
• Where it stands: Ordinance approved unanimously October 6, 2026.
• Next: Rezoning brings remaining parcel into conformity with business park character established in 2002 when approximately 42 acres of surrounding Burnt Mill Business Park were rezoned from manufacturing to O&I.

Project history

2002 rezoning: Approximately 42 acres of Burnt Mill Business Park rezoned from LM (Light Manufacturing) and HM (Heavy Manufacturing) to O&I to reflect office-oriented character

Current status: One remaining LI parcel (subject property) at 3301 Burnt Mill Drive still at old zoning designation

Current use: Single-story multi-tenant office building; fully developed; no expansion proposed

Zoning analysis

Staff findings:

• Modest and strong support for application's alignment with Create Wilmington Comprehensive Plan
• O&I uses less intense than LI generally
• Surrounding properties all zoned O&I
• Rezoning brings property into consistency with existing character

Public comment: One comment in support stating rezoning brings parcel into conformity with business park's existing character

Planning Commission: Recommended approval

Motion history

October 6, 2026:

• Ordinance Amending Official Zoning Maps to Rezone Property at 3301 Burnt Mill Drive from LI to O&I
• Motion by Councilmember Joyner
• Second by Councilmember Clinton-Quintana
• Vote: 7-0 (unanimous)
• Second reading waived (motion by Councilmember Santaguida, seconded by Councilmember Andrews, 7-0)

Sources

• City Council regular meeting minutes, October 6, 2026: https://wilmington.granicus.com/MinutesViewer.php?view_id=25&clip_id=7319&doc_id=d8115ab7-ce3d-11f1-89ef-005056a84798
• Wilmington City website: https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov

Log

2026-10-06 - City Council

Public hearing held on proposed rezoning. Long Range Planner Hillary Taylor presented staff report noting 2002 rezoning of approximately 42 acres and history of office-oriented character development. Attorney Andy Van Trigt (representing property owner KEA Properties, LLC) explained practical effect of bringing remaining parcel into consistent zoning pattern. Council approved ordinance unanimously.