"Which edition of the IRC are you quoting this code from? And which Article number?"
It wasn't quoted from the IRC, it was from a local amendment provided by the city of Tucson. I didn't mean to confuse anyone by mentioning the IRC along with this amendment.
I think the reasoning behind this rule is that here in Tucson, washing machines located outdoors are the norm. But I agree with gfretwell, I never thought of what will happen when the low income HO needs to replace the machine!
I am meetimg with a city inspector Monday and I will bring up the concerns and let everyone know what he says. I would think a GFCI would be a better idea.
B