This Article shall not be construed as affecting or abridging the lawful authority of local governments to pass ordinances relating to open burning within their boundaries. Nothing in this Article shall relieve any person from compliance with the provisions of Article 21B of Chapter 143 of the N.C. Gen. Stat. and regulations adopted thereunder. In the event that permits are required for open burning associated with land clearing under the authority of Article 21B of Chapter 143 of the N.C. Gen. Stat., the authority to issue such permits shall be delegated to forest rangers who are authorized to issue permits under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 106-942(c). (1981, c. 1100, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 13.25(w), (x).)