[Scrambler Bob]

Building permits are for revenue, and to reassess for future tax.

Building code is to protect future buyers, kind of.

Pay the tax, be forbidden from re-selling.

[so_real]

That's the sad part ... in this case they'd be happy to sign the permit and pay the fee. It's not about the money. But their understanding is that in doing so they are "subject", which I'm given to understand is the verbiage on the building permit, to adhere to the building code which requires some modern conveniences -- the big one being the smoke detectors. That they cannot do.