rgrace
Sawhorse
The 2015 International Residential Code is the applicable code for this exercise.
I intend to finish my basement with all the elements necessary for a second dwelling that I intend to use for housing my elderly in-law. On my plans, I place a six foot base cabinet in the open living area and install a sink in the middle of it. I indicate that a cord-and-plug connected microwave will be placed on the counter. My Zoning department is happy with the arrangement as long as I don't intend to ever rent it, use it or advertise it as an independent dwelling unit. Independent dwelling units are not permitted, but an extension of my family into permanent quarters in the basement is acceptable. Based on my plan, the Zoning department told me that I had to identify the cabinet/sink/microwave area as a "kitchen," so I did. The Zoning department doesn't actually define "kitchen" in any of their ordinances, but word of mouth from them is defined as a space that has a sink and provisions for cooking.
I call for a framing inspection. The inspector saw "kitchen" on my plan and told me that I had to change my plan and permit description from "kitchen" to "wet bar" or they (the inspector) would require I install two small appliance branch circuits for the two receptacles installed, one on either side of the sink. I can't change the description without Zoning rescinding my approval, and I don't really want to install two dedicated circuits, each serving only one duplex receptacle.
What would you do now, and why?
I intend to finish my basement with all the elements necessary for a second dwelling that I intend to use for housing my elderly in-law. On my plans, I place a six foot base cabinet in the open living area and install a sink in the middle of it. I indicate that a cord-and-plug connected microwave will be placed on the counter. My Zoning department is happy with the arrangement as long as I don't intend to ever rent it, use it or advertise it as an independent dwelling unit. Independent dwelling units are not permitted, but an extension of my family into permanent quarters in the basement is acceptable. Based on my plan, the Zoning department told me that I had to identify the cabinet/sink/microwave area as a "kitchen," so I did. The Zoning department doesn't actually define "kitchen" in any of their ordinances, but word of mouth from them is defined as a space that has a sink and provisions for cooking.
I call for a framing inspection. The inspector saw "kitchen" on my plan and told me that I had to change my plan and permit description from "kitchen" to "wet bar" or they (the inspector) would require I install two small appliance branch circuits for the two receptacles installed, one on either side of the sink. I can't change the description without Zoning rescinding my approval, and I don't really want to install two dedicated circuits, each serving only one duplex receptacle.
What would you do now, and why?