Sparky:
Does the beauracracy involve life safety upgrades? Any electrical included in the 30-40K?
"Upgrades" for various codes upon a change of occupancy are pretty standard to facilitate the 'new' use, and to clean-up what I call "sins of the past"
A CCO (continued certificate of occupancy) is required here for resi and comm/ind to determine IF there are any life safety situations/violations, and if there was any work done without permits/inspections. A check of records for any 'open' permits is also done.
IMHO, that is not bureaucratic, it is for the safety of the public.
