Blue,

If he can't write down or tell you the code section, it isn't a violation. Inspectors aren't allowed to make up their own rules. If the NEC is adopted by law or ardinance, any exceptions or additions must also be enacted by a legislative body.

Per code- residential, as many as you want, Commercial- 10 on a 15 amp circuit, 13 on a 20 amp circuit.

Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.