Beri,
As Joe said, I would check with the construction dept and/or the city council. There might be an ordinance written that might require it. You might be able to fight the ordinance in a construction board of appeal. ( If you county/state has one) Here in NJ we have the "Rehab" code which says that if it exisits, we can't make them upgrade the dwelling. We are just soppose inspect the new work being done. If a contractor doesn't like my decision, he can bring me to the construction board of appeals for a ruling.
