N.C. Gen. Stat. § 77-11
The board of county commissioners may establish public landings on any navigable stream or watercourse in the county upon petition in writing. Unless it shall appear to the board that the person owning the lands sought to be used for a public landing shall have had 20 days' notice of the intention to file such petition, the same shall be filed in the office of the clerk of the board until the succeeding meeting of the board, and notice thereof shall be posted during the same period at the courthouse door. At said meeting of the board, the allegations of the petition shall be heard, and if sufficient reason be shown, the board shall order the establishment of the public landing. The board shall at that time initiate proceedings under the Chapter entitled Eminent Domain.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 77-11