(a) Towns and Municipalities. - Unless and until determined by the Commission in particular cases, all towns and municipalities shall for the purpose of the administration of G.S. 62‑260 include a zone adjacent thereto as follows:
- (1) A zone within 1/4 mile of the corporate limits if the municipality has a population of 2,500 or less.
- (2) A zone within 1/2 mile of the corporate limits if the municipality has a population of between 2,500 and 10,000.
- (3) A zone within 1 mile of the corporate limits if the municipality has a population of between 10,000 and 100,000.
- (4) A zone within 2 miles of the corporate limits if the municipality has a population of more than 100,000.
- (5) Municipalities whose commercial zones join shall be considered as one municipality for the purpose of this rule.
- (6) The population of any municipality, for the purpose of this rule, shall be determined by the population shown by the latest United States Census.
- (7) The distances referred to shall be air‑line distances.