Planners & Sr. inspectors from my local building department offer their opinions by phone all the time. They never asked me for names, addresses, or permit #'s before answering questions, but there are two consistent problems.
1) Voluntary answers are usually only half the story, or somewhat miss informed, because both inspector & planners are needed for a complete answer. Speaking to one side usually misses a critical code or listing requirement often checked by the other. During the normal permit process planners & inspectors both team up on the same task; planners with advanced engineering degrees pass required specifications to inspectors with advance field experience.
Further, bad faith insurers can't deny claims as easily with a record of proper permit. Red flags for claims adjusters include Zone R & U buildings with potential owner-builders, restaurants, theaters, & gas stations, which are among the highest rates of installed equipment without permits.
2) The permit process usually examines the submitted plans & equipment for fire hazards and code compliance, not every way to save money with other methods or equipment. My building Dpt. never saw a receptacle listed for aluminum wire, regardless of being sold at big box stores (sealed in plastic bags).
In your situation, the outdoor box, weatherproof bubble cover, and GFCI receptacle cost more than some steal NEMA-3 units designed for the purpose, with GFCI's and other options built in.
Most questions like this are best answered between the relationships with those listed above.
