N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-243: Who may issue a search warrant.

(a) A search warrant valid throughout the State may be issued by:

(1) A Justice of the Supreme Court.

(2) A judge of the Court of Appeals.

(3) A judge of the superior court.

(b) Other search warrants may be issued by:

(1) A judge of the district court as provided in G.S. 7A-291.

(2) A clerk as provided in G.S. 7A-180 and 7A-181.

(3) A magistrate as provided in G.S. 7A-273. (1868-9, c. 178, subch. 3, s. 38; Code, s. 1171; Rev., s. 3163; C.S., s. 4529; 1941, c. 53; 1949, c. 1179; 1955, c. 7; 1965, c. 377; 1969, c. 869, s. 8; 1973, c. 1286, s. 1.)