As used in this Part, the words "unit" or "issuing unit" means "unit of local government" as defined in G.S. 159-44 or G.S. 159-102, "municipality" as defined in G.S. 159-81, and the State of North Carolina. (1973, c. 494, s. 36; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1276, s. 9; 1983, c. 554, s. 19; 2003-403, s. 12.)