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Ok, most of us - I think - recognize that building permits are ok to guarantee the design integrity and safety of a structure, and these people apparently did not go through the process. What to do? They have created a work of art that would be a shame to destroy. Inspect the building retroactively, and if it seems safe, levy a small fine for not getting the permit initially and leave it alone.

No. I deny the fundamental premise. I do not acknowledge that building permits are necessary to guarantee the design integrity and safety of a structure. They are a tool to assist government with assessments so that property tax revenues are maximized. They are an invasion of privacy. They are a means of exerting control. Anyone in the building trades can tell horror stories about building departments tormenting homeowners and adding many, many unnecessary dollars to construction costs. Adding to construction costs of course means that fewer people can afford to become homeowners and must remain in rental or government-controlled housing. See how that works? Higher property costs + higher taxes = more people unfree and under rigid control.

I'm enough of a libertarian to believe that if I want to build something stupid on my own property, that is my risk and my concern so long as it does not impinge on the value of or use of my neighbors' properties.

"I'm enough of a libertarian to believe that if I want to build something stupid on my own property, that is my risk and my concern so long as it does not impinge on the value of or use of my neighbors' properties."

What if - on your own property - you build an unsafe apartment building and it collapses, killing 20 people?

building permits are necessary to guarantee the design integrity and safety of a structure.

They were sold to us as MININUM STANDARDS, now they tell us how to build it the way they want to.