I have to agree with ICE on the heat killing asphalt shingles. I have seen it. Additionally, ice build up at the eaves of older houses is also partially due to inadequate attic ventilation. I am in Zone 6. The NRCA states that while no verified information exists about attic ventilation in relation to surface temperatures of the asphalt shingles, "Based on research conducted to date, the strongest case for ventilating asphalt shingle roof assemblies with outside air exists for residences located in cold climates and where snow accumulations persist on roofs for extended periods of time. Under those sets of conditions, ventilation has been shown to be a valuable strategy for removing excess moisture from attics, thus preventing condensation that can damage roof sheathing and preventing ice dam formation."
The argument of "where does it stop" is simple. Would you allow the installation of an exhaust fan over a tub without ensuring that it is GFCI protected and vented to the outside? In many cases, attic ventilation is simple and reasonably cheap. A 900 sq. foot attic would only require 6 sq. feet of vents if roof and soffit vents aren't used. The use of roof and soffit vents would reduce that to 3 sq. feet. Does a type 1 gas appliance get installed without ensuring there is adequate combustion air and make-up air? I believe that attic ventilation, when possible, is part of the roof system.
I had never even considered it prior to finding it on another municipality's website. That is why I came here to find out if the concept was way out of the ordinary, which I am beginning to think that it is.