The mission of the Department of Planning and Development is to improve the quality of life for City residents by ensuring that physical, social, and economic development in the city occurs in a rational and comprehensive manner that addresses community needs and governmental priorities.

The Department of Planning and Development is responsible for preparing, modifying, and maintaining neighborhood comprehensive development plans, land use regulations, economic development strategies, and demographic and social impact studies. In addition, the Department serves as the principle liaison between city government, community organizations and planning councils and works in partnership with these groups in developing neighborhood plans. The department assists in the identification of community needs, the determinations of governmental priorities, and the design of programs.

Charter-mandated activities pursued by officials in this department include:

• Preparing the annual capital budget and capital improvement programs. 
• Proposing amendments to the capital budget, zoning code, urban renewal plan and comprehensive plan. 
• Processing site plan applications, street renamings, rezonings, demolition requests and annexations. 
• Overseeing the City's 12 City Historic Districts.

Neighborhood Planning

These officials provide staff support and technical assistance to the eight Neighborhood Planning Councils, as well as community groups, neighborhood associations, and other governmental agencies.

Economic Development

These officials promote the development and expansion of Wilmington-based business and stimulate economic development throughout the City of Wilmington. Officials also work in tandem with "Wilmington Renaissance" and other development organizations to highlight the city's efforts to revitalize the downtown business district, waterfront, and neighborhood areas.

City Historic Districts

Wilmington has sufficient historic resources to have 11 regular City Historic Districts. These districts include Baynard Boulevard, Kentmere Parkway, Rockford Park, Cool Spring/Tilton Park, the tri-part district of Old Swedes–St. Mary's–Eastside, Quaker Hill, Delaware Avenue, Trinity Vicinity, and Upper & Lower Market Street (a combined commercial and residential district). Visit the City Historic Districts section for more information and maps.

Land Use and Planning

These officials are responsible for land use planning and developing and updating policies to guide the physical development of the City. This division evaluates the impact of projects included in City programs; conducts environmental reviews; identifies historic structures "(National Register and City Historic Districts)" and sites affected by development activities; processes zoning code and map changes; reviews subdivision plans and development proposals; and maintains the City's comprehensive and urban renewal plans.

Forty Acres Neighborhood Conservation District

Like City Historic Districts, Neighborhood Conservation District status is a form of overlay zoning which adds a level of protection to selected neighborhoods. Guidelines wiill help to ensure sensible and harmonious design and preserve the historic quality of a neighborhood.

Read the Design Guidelines

View the Forty Acres Area Map
The Area Map is a PDF document and requires Adobe Reader to view & print. Download a free verion of Acrobat Reader.

Read Sub. 1 Ordinance 04-032
(Procedures for Designation of Neighborhood Conservation Districts)

Read Sub. 1 Ordinance 04-033
(Create Forty Acres Neighborhood Conservation District)

Additional Links (click on logo to visit website)

Preservation Delaware, Inc. is the statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Delaware's architectural heritage and historic settings. PDI is a statewide partner with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Motivated by the urgent need to protect Delaware's architectural and archaeological heritage, the goals of the organization are pursued through educational programs, public policy initiatives, and preservation projects.