Amends GS 7A-228, providing that written notice of appeal must be filed in the office of the clerk of superior court within 10 days after entry of judgment, but within five days after entry of judgment in a summary ejectment proceeding. Makes conforming changes. States that failure to pay court costs within 10 days after entry of judgment in a summary ejectment proceeding and within 20 days after entry of judgment in all other proceedings will result in automatic dismissal. Specifies that within 10 days after entry of judgment in a summary ejectment proceeding and within 20 days after entry of judgment in all other proceedings, certain judges or the clerk may authorize a person to appeal as an indigent if the person is unable to pay costs of appeal. Applies to appeals filed on or after October 1, 2011.