24 NCAC 03 .0514. BURDEN OF PROOF

(a) In all proceedings commenced by the filing of a notice of contest, the burden of proof shall rest with the Commissioner to prove each element of the contested citation by the greater weight of the evidence. The burden of proof as to all affirmative defenses shall be upon the Respondent to prove each element of the affirmative defense by the greater weight of the evidence. (b) In proceedings under Rule .0305 of this Chapter for modification of the abatement period, the burden of proof shall rest with the petitioner.