Northern Brunswick County keeps adding homes, and the businesses that build and serve them need space too. A proposal before Brunswick County would put more than 37,000 square feet of flex space on a vacant site off Chappell Loop Road SE near Leland. WilmingtonBiz reported on the plan Nov. 9, 2026, the day it went to the county Planning Board. If you live near Chappell Loop or are shopping for a home in the Leland area, here is what is proposed and where it goes next.
The Proposal at 10018 Chappell Loop Road SE
According to WilmingtonBiz and county hearing notices, the request (case Z-947CZ) covers about 3.48 acres at 10018 Chappell Loop Road SE, tax parcel 03800011. It would change the zoning from R-6000 (High Density Residential) to CI-CZ (Commercial Intensive Conditional Zoning). The State Port Pilot’s notice summary adds that the request also includes amending the Blueprint Brunswick 2040 land use plan map for the parcel from High Density Residential to Employment Center.
What would be built
- Six buildings totaling 37,350 square feet of flex space for warehousing, storage and offices
- Multiple outdoor laydown yards
- Buildings that can each be split for two tenants, up to 12 tenants total, according to the developer
- 39 parking spaces
- On-site stormwater improvements, including a pond
- Landscaping along the street, plus fencing and planted buffers next to adjoining properties
The site is owned by MSB Development Inc., a Wilmington-based civil construction contractor, which is partnering with MBD Builders on the project. MSB project manager Jeff Bouton told WilmingtonBiz the company plans to occupy one of the spaces. “There’s going to be a need for smaller trades to have flex warehouse space and a little laydown area, and we just think it’s a really good, aesthetically pleasing product,” he said.
Where the Approval Process Stands
WilmingtonBiz reported that county staff recommended approval of the rezoning and supported changing the parcel’s place type to Employment Center. The Planning Board took up the request Nov. 9. Under House Bill 1222, which passed this summer, final action on rezonings moved from the Planning Board to the Board of Commissioners, so the request and the Planning Board’s recommendation go to commissioners for a final decision. We explain that change in Who Approves New Brunswick County Neighborhoods Now.
As of Nov. 11, the sources we reviewed did not report the Planning Board’s vote or a commissioners’ hearing date. Check the county’s Agendas and Minutes portal for updates.
Why Small Flex Space Is Showing Up Around Leland
Bouton told WilmingtonBiz the project is meant to serve growth west of Wilmington. WilmingtonBiz also noted other small-scale industrial projects nearby, including a Canvasback Capital development in Leland Innovation Park that will add three buildings of small-bay or flex space totaling just over 175,000 square feet. Employment-focused land use has been a theme in northern Brunswick, as we covered in Brunswick County’s $6.3M Megasite Grant.
What It Means for Nearby Owners and Buyers
Neighbors
A change from residential to commercial-intensive zoning can mean more truck traffic, outdoor storage and activity during work hours. Buffers, fencing and landscaping are part of the plan. If you live nearby, the commissioners’ public hearing is where you can comment. Conditional zoning ties a project to its approved plan and conditions, so it’s worth reading the site plan once it’s posted.
Buyers
When you look at homes near Chappell Loop Road or any growth corridor, check the zoning and future land use designations of nearby vacant parcels. They tell you what could be built next door. Our Leland new construction guide covers more due diligence steps.
Local trades and small businesses
If you run a contracting or service business, small flex bays with laydown yards are the kind of space the developer says it’s targeting. Watch for leasing details once approvals are final.
FAQ: Chappell Loop Road Flex Space
Where is the site?
At 10018 Chappell Loop Road SE near Leland, about 3.48 acres of vacant land.
What zoning is requested?
A change from R-6000 (High Density Residential) to CI-CZ (Commercial Intensive Conditional Zoning), plus a land use map change to Employment Center.
Is it approved?
Not yet. The Board of Commissioners makes the final decision after the Planning Board’s recommendation.
How big is the project?
Six buildings with 37,350 square feet of flex space, 39 parking spaces and outdoor laydown yards, according to site plans described by WilmingtonBiz.
Keeping Up With Growth Around Leland
New projects change neighborhoods, and knowing what’s planned nearby helps you buy or sell with confidence. Reach out to Aspyre Collective for local insight on Leland and northern Brunswick County.
