I had to have a fight with the city inspectors about not having windows in a home theater... They demanded that it have windows and I didn’t want windows. We’re talking about a home theater where you want it dark, not some bedroom...
After getting an building code expert to write the city a letter saying that code permitted it I finally got it through... But as always, it is all on you time and your dime...
Speaking of windows...a neighbor of mine got about a bazillion permits in order to re-roof, re-side, and generally refurbish his home.
So the town inspector comes by and hits him with a fine for having the “wrong” windows. Seems the guy wanted to replace the divided-light windows that were original to the house with — you guessed it — NEW divided-light windows. The inspector said he had to have those ugly plain windows because they were “safer” in the event of a fire.
Stupid me, I thought that’s why all those firemen carried axes.
Regards,
Ah, yes; that old '10% of the square footage of the floor, or X sq ft, which ever is greater; with 50% openable; and the sill no higher than Y" above the floor, in every habitable room with an exterior wall' nonsense.
Last I looked, people don't 'inhabit' home theaters.
Glad we finally moved on to property where the only building requirements are installation of the septic system by a licensed installer; and the electrical system (IF there is one) must be inspected & conform to the state code...but doesn't require a license, if it is your own family doing the work on your own place.
When I wired this house, it was slow going, part time. The Inspector started to fret that I wouldn't finish before the permit timed out...so he came out a couple of weekends, and HELPED (for free, in return for hunting that season) get it finished; and showed me a few tricks that made it quicker & easier.