\n(a) Definition. – For purposes of this section, the term 'commercial structure' means any building or structure that is designed principally for the manufacture, distribution, or exchange of goods or services, or for any other business or trade purpose.\n(b) Burning of Occupied Commercial Structure. – Unless the conduct is covered under some other provision of law providing greater punishment, if any person shall wantonly and willfully set fire to or burn or cause to be burned, or aid, counsel or procure the burning of any commercial structure or its contents, and the structure is occupied at the time of the burning, the person shall be punished as a Class D felon.\n(c) Burning of Unoccupied Commercial Structure. – Unless the conduct is covered under some other provision of law providing greater punishment, if any person shall wantonly and willfully set fire to or burn or cause to be burned, or aid, counsel or procure the burning of any commercial structure or its contents, and the structure is unoccupied at the time of the burning, the person shall be punished as a Class E felon. (2022-8, s. 1(h).)
North Carolina Legal Code