The problem with having rules is that rules are static, and have no flexibility for particular circumstances. Safety? The very idea of 'safety' is a balancing of competing risks and managing losses.
The NEC recognizes this - as well as its' own legal limits - by referring matters back to the judgement of the AHJ. In the end, it's the responsibility of the AHJ, regardless of what some committee put down in a privately owned 'model' code.
The matter at hand is one classic such example. I am surprised that none of out 'urban' folks have yet posted a picture of such a situation as this thread describes. Let's imagine a fairly common arrangement:
A commercial panelboard placed outside, opening into a 'common' area, such as a drive or an alleyway, right on the property line. On either side of the panelboard is a bollard, with removable horizontal members spanning the distance between the bollards. Perhaps these pieces are held in place with bolts, or even padlocks.
Now, you have to ask: what's more likely? A catastrophic fire, and earthquake, or an errant delivery truck? Do you want to try to open an arcing cabinet whose doors have been pushed in by a few tons of Detroit iron? Do we want lesser damage to be left untended, letting weather and critters into the innards, as well as making the cabinet difficult to open?
I'd say a few pounds of structural iron in front of the gear is a very good trade-off. So what if you need tools and a key to make the gear accessible?
Remember - even if the gear is not obstructed in any manner, the NEC allows the mains to be locked "on" with the strongest chain and stoutest locks you can find. Code also allows this gear to be inside a locked room.
You really want a disconnect? Then mount a 'shunt trip' on the wall- but protect the gear!
