(a)        Local governments are authorized to exercise the powers conferred by Article 8 of Chapter 160A of the N.C. Gen. Stat. and Article 6 of Chapter 153A of the N.C. Gen. Stat. to adopt and enforce local ordinances pursuant to this Part to the extent necessary to comply with State and federal law, rules, and regulations or permits consistent with the interpretations and directions of the State or federal agency issuing the permit.

(b)        Local environmental regulations adopted pursuant to this Part are not subject to the variance provisions of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160D-705 unless that is specifically authorized by the local ordinance. ?(2019-111, s. 2.4; 2020-3, s. 4.33(a); 2020-25, s. 51(a), (b), (d).)