N.C. Gen. Stat. § 156-48: Compensation for damage to lands.

If any proprietor of lands shall be damaged by any improvement proposed, the commissioners shall so report, and he shall be entitled to be compensated as may be just by the proprietor whose lands are benefited in proportion to the benefit to them respectively; but in estimating such damages the benefit shall be deducted, and such proprietor shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of a corporator as respects the use of the improvement, but shall not be entitled to a vote, or be bound for the assessment. (1868-9, c. 164, s. 12; Code, s. 1321; Rev., s. 4006; C.S., s. 5306.)