NC S1449

Creates the Village of Lake James as a municipal corporation with all powers, duties, rights, and privileges conferred on cities under North Carolina law.

Establishes a seven-member Village Council with the first regular election on November 8, 2011; temporary council members named until initial election, with four elected to four-year terms and three to two-year terms in 2011.

Restricts ad valorem tax rate to 7.5 cents per $100 valuation unless approved by two-thirds vote of qualified voters; tax collection begins July 1, 2010.

Prohibits extraterritorial jurisdiction, involuntary annexation in Burke County, any annexation in McDowell County, and holding alcoholic beverage elections.

Restricts zoning ordinances to meet or exceed Burke County's Shoreline Protection Plan standards; prohibits interference with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission relicensing of the Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project; protects existing public access to Lake James and greenway agreements.