Maybe this discussion should change to home inspectors forcing home sellers to change out FPE panels and adding GFCI so they can sell their home.
Home inspectors are a different story altogether. There are 2 words that do not belong in a home inspectors vocabulary and should NEVER be in a home inspection report... 'code' and 'violation'. These are not a function of a home inspection.
Well, finally something we disagree on. There is a difference between pointing out a code violation (based on year of construction/renovation) as a basis for validity in a home inspection and writing up a code violation as though you are the AHJ. Violations are still an issue and need to be documented when it is your job to point them out.
When a police officer issues a ticket or arrests somebody they always cite the law. Why should the building inspectors be different.
In response to the comments that resist citing the code because of staffing levels I would offer a couple of perspectives.
In California and I expect most other places the building department can increase the permit fees to pay for adequate staffing. So if you have a problem with the work load talk with management or is it easier to take it out on the applicant.
Also remember that building department seem to have no problem with imposing additional administrative requirements on the applicant. The hours waiting in line or just waiting for the plan checker to get to a project. So why should you expect sympathy from those impacted by your requirements.
Also remember as an engineer I am not excused from complying with a regulation because I do not know where to find it.
I've been here 5-1/2 years, never spoke to a home inspector. RE agents and appraisers, but never a home inspector.
What's wrong with FPE panels?
While there are differences between criminal law and civil law in other cases the government is acting against the recipient of the citation.
Why should the building inspector have the ability to impose cost on the building owner without any authority?
The fat that at a later level of the enforcement process a code section will be provided is of little consequence to the building owner since it is often cheaper for the building owner to pay the extortion than to deal with the delays.
A citation is a writ from the courts or a ticket. It is the start of a court process. I can do this as a by-law enforcement officer (the ticket part), but cannot do this as a building official. So, the building owner is not getting a citation from me.
When I purchased my home I was required to sign dozens of documents when they accepted my offer. One document was an instruction that I was not allowed to let any government official in any capacity to have access to the property.