North Carolina § 117-20 - Encumbrance, sale, etc., of property.

Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 117-20 — Encumbrance, sale, etc., of property., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 117-20. Encumbrance, sale, etc., of property.

No corporation may sell, mortgage, lease or otherwise encumber or dispose of any of its property (other than merchandise and property which lie within the limits of an incorporated city or town, or which shall represent not in excess of ten percent (10%) of the total value of the corporation's assets, or which in the judgment of the board are not necessary or useful in operating the corporation) unless Authorized so to do by the votes cast in person or by proxy by at least two-thirds of its total membership, and The consent of the holders of seventy-five per centum (75%) in amount of the bonds of such corporation then outstanding is obtained. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, the members of such a corporation may, by the affirmative majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy at any meeting of the members, delegate to the board of directors the power and authority (i) to borrow moneys from any source and in such amounts as the board may from time to time determine, (ii) to mortgage or otherwise pledge or encumber any or all of the corporation's property or assets as security therefor, and (iii) with respect to Electric Membership Corporations only, to sell and lease back any of the corporation's property or assets. History (1935, c. 291, s. 15; 1965, c. 287, s. 13; 1969, c. 670, s. 1; 1987, c. 448, s. 1; 1997-346, s. 4; 1999-111, s. 1.) Editor's Note. - Session Laws 1997-346, s. 6, as amended by Session Laws 1999-111, s. 1, provides that "this act is effective when it becomes law and applies only to annexations or incorporations that occur on or after the effective date. This act expires on December 31, 2003." Session Laws 2003-24, s. 1, repealed the expiration provision.

Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 117-20

What does North Carolina General Statutes § 117-20 cover?

Section 117-20 ("Encumbrance, sale, etc., of property.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite North Carolina § 117-20?

A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 117-20" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of North Carolina law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.

How does North Carolina § 117-20 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.