The procedures provided in Article 9 of Chapter 136 of the General Statutes, as specifically authorized by G.S. 136-66.3(c), shall be applicable to the City in the case of acquisition of lands, easements, privileges, rights- of-way and other interests in real property for streets, sewer lines, water lines, electric power lines, and other utility lines in the exercise of the power of eminent domain. The City, when seeking to acquire such property or rights or easements therein or thereto, shall have the right and authority, at its option and election, to use the provisions and procedures as authorized and provided in G.S. 136-66(c) and Article 9 of Chapter 136 of the General Statutes for any of such purposes without being limited to streets constituting a part of the State Highway System; provided, however, that the provisions of this Section shall not apply with regard to properties owned by public service corporations as defined in G.S. 160A-243(c), unless (1) the exercise of such power of eminent domain is either consented to by the owner of the property to be acquired by the City or (2) it is first adjudicated after notice and a hearing that such acquisition will not prevent or unreasonably impair the continued devotion to the public use of such properties and the operation by such public service corporation.
(Session Laws 1979, Chapter 259 § 5.l)