Purpose: This district is established to create and maintain a high density commercial, office, service and residential area meeting city, county and regional needs. It encourages the full utilization of public services and contributes to the economic base of the city. According the Wilmington Vision 2020: A Waterfront Downtown plan, the CBD is envisioned to be a living, working, learning and mixed use community. The intent of the design standards is to recognize and respect historic resources; to preserve and respect existing historic buildings; to preserve the cohesive character of the downtown area by compatible, sympathetic development and to provide an enhanced pedestrian experience. This district is not intended to accommodate basic industries and other uses that produce noise, odor, smoke, dust, airborne debris, and other impacts that might be detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the surrounding neighborhoods, the viability of surrounding uses, or industries with small physical plants and high land-to-worker ratios.
