If it has a piston for a metering device, you will be fine.

Ok, so I pretty much gave out all our secrets.I typed this on a mobile device.  

In my humble opinion, once it's been approved, it would take a revolution to overturn it :(I am one of the probably hundreds if not thousands of small investors that got punched in the stomach real hard because of this situation, and I know there are several others out there (still ignorant to the fact) who will, eventually, have many sleepless nights because of this.I was very new and ignorant to real estate rules, laws and regulations when I started.

You can do a general search by your specific county that has "county or city ordinances" in the search, and that should pop government offices that address tenant rules/regulations.   

Anyone know if there are any laws or regulations in NC concerning this business?

Hey man, take a look at the other thread on this, more discussion there.https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/90/topics/309378-british-columbia-announces-regulation-to-end-shadow-flipping

I was wondering if anyone familiar with the geography knows any special regulations/rules I need to follow.

If so, can someone please help me out with requirements/regulations to become approved for a STR there, and if you'd still recommend buying/building in the area? 

The Bay area is expensive, and California is also the most regulated, litigious corner of the world.

However if its not there's a couple 3rd party sites where you can get devices that meter the usage for the individual apartments.