Subjective and/or overzealous code interpretation

[Iva Headache]

What is (if there is) the remedy for an electrical inspector who consistently interprets the code to such an extreme that even his or her peers en masse can not/ will not back up? In local code meetings when all others (mostly inspectors from many jurisdictions not just whiney contractors) poled have a consensus of opinion that conflicts with the inspector, his/her reply is to the effect that ?it?s my jurisdiction? (and I?ll interpret the code the way I want). The constantly asked question is ?what is the intent of the Article?? to which there seems to be no real reply or consideration by the person. Now, this person is very intelligent and knows the code thoroughly however it?s the ?parsing? of every word that leads to non-sensical (to me), no where near the intent conclusions. Any thoughts...

 

[haskindm]

Everyone has a boss. Who does this inspector answer to? The head of permits for the county? County Commissioner? County Administrator? Who adopts the code for your jurisdiction? Whoever this person or group is, the inspector is acting on their behalf as they are the true Authority Having Jurisdiction. I am sure they would be interested in hearing about unreasonable demands, and creative code interpretations. In my juridiction the County Electrical board is The Authority Having Jurisdiction and the inspectors must answer to them.
Good luck.