I've wired numerous residential elevators (3 floors) within this particular jurisdiction always pulling NM cable; 10-3 w/ground for the motor and 12-2 for the light. These circuits are pulled through ceilings and walls and "stubbed out" in the elevator mechanical room where the elevator contractor terminates them into his equipment. Have done it this way for years, not only in this jurisdiction but in all surrounding ones, too.
A new inspector is hired and the first one of my homes that is inspected, he wants to see all elevator electrical in conduit from the panel to the elevator equipment. Nowhere along the way or in the elevator room is the wiring exposed to any "physical harm". Is he within his rights by code to demand this after the job has been "roughed-in"??