N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-48-42

In any hearing called by the Commissioner for an appeal made pursuant to G.S. 58-48-40(c)(7), no later than 20 days before the hearing the appellant shall file with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designated hearing officer and shall serve on the appellee a written statement of the appellant's case and any evidence the appellant intends to offer at the hearing. No later than five days before the hearing, the appellee shall file with the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designated hearing officer and shall serve on the appellant a written statement of the appellee's case and any evidence the appellee intends to offer at the hearing. Each hearing shall be recorded and transcribed. The cost of the recording and transcribing shall be borne equally by the appellant and the appellee. However, upon any final adjudication the prevailing party shall be reimbursed for that party's share of the costs by the other party. Each party shall, on a date determined by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designated hearing officer, but not sooner than 15 days after delivery of the completed transcript to the party, submit to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designated hearing officer and serve on the other party, a proposed order. The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designated hearing officer shall then issue an order.