Needs to be tempered glass.

Well, I know that -- still a long stretch from there to "need to brick up that window" !!

Inspectors rule, best not to upset him or u will find ur self ever more uptight. Lol

I'd be confused, too, acm! And, I'd not only WANT to know what his reasons are, I'd NEED to know! Show me the code, mister!!

Besides, isn't the plumbing inspector there to inspect the plumbing?

Yeah, well, we had a guy out to turn on the gas, and he had to come back twice because he kept changing what he wanted done with a particular gas pipe (or rather, two inspectors asked for opposite things -- third time the charm on that one). So I guess it's a wide realm of inspectorhood.

Fred, where are you with some relevant code? I'm honestly ferfuddled.

Section R308, especially R308.4.5

And maybe section R312.2

http://premiumaccess.iccsafe.org/document/code/553/9807076

How low is the window --how many inches from the floor to the window?

@Fred -- am I supposed to be able to open that document? I don't seem to have access... :(

@leelee It's a low window, but high enough that I figured you could use the ledge for storage or candles. anyway, look at these:

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I mean, I know that glamorous shots aren't always to code, but I feel like I'm missing some other detail that makes my (already roughed-in, ready to close the walls) layout unworkable. Maybe it's having a window on one side an a glass shower wall on the other? Too little free space in front? Somehow the communication between my contractor and the inspector was inadequate to clarifying this...

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Can you click on chapter 3 from here?

http://premiumaccess.iccsafe.org/document/toc/553/

the link is clickable for me but not individual items, like 'chapter 3'.

acm, next time give the inspector rum cake and not gingerbread cookies?

Wow, by that wording, any normal window that's less than 5 feet off the ground and less than 5 feet from the tub is a hazard, so I guess basically all of these tubs by windows are illegal. Which seems over the top. Am I missing something else?? Is my inspector just playing hardball?

Time to get out the bricks and white play-doh.

What a racket. That's all I've got to say about that. I could tell you stories.

You need to start reading that section from the beginning. That is why I did not want to try to post photos of the WHOLE section.

Talk to your window provider to see what will comply....after all, glass shower enclosures are still legal... there is a "clear" alternative to glass block.

In other words, every sliding patio door, french door, door with more than 9 sq. ft. of glass (3×3), and shower door also has the same type II glass that is required to be in the window in this circumstance. It is not that you can't have a window, it just has to have the correct glass.

A plumbing inspector is not certified to be the building inspector, which is the one who has the authority on the window. You may have inspectors that are certified as both, but this clown obviously does not know enough to be one of those.

What about when you step out of the tub and slip on the floor and hit your head on the side of the tub?

Better get a helmet and some skateboard knee and wrist guards, too. This is a dangerous world we live in.

The plumbing inspector is there for the plumbing...period. He has NO authority to tell you to close up a window.

There is no reason why you can not solve the problem with tempered or other version of safety glass.

"CERTIFIED CODE OFFICIALS

As of Apr. 10, 2009, the only persons who may legally engage in any aspect of UCC enforcement are those who hold UCC certification in each category of work that they perform."

http://www.dli.pa.gov/ucc/Pages/Certified-Code-Officials.aspx

Here is one we did in Metro Nashville. The inspector walked up to the window and saw the tempered sticker in the corner and handed me the green tag.

I have found out talking to inspectors and homeowners, people who pull their own permits usually have the most issues from inspectors. Typically, the city wants homeowners to use a licensed contractor. It helps offset the city's liability.

Transitional White Bathroom with Sliding Barn Doors · More Info

Unfortunately true, but not entirely fair, do you think?

"offset the city's liability"??????? You have GOT to be kidding me! I have flipped in several cities and States and NOWHERE I've been has the "city" had ANY responsibility if an inspector passes something that later results in a problem. Sorry to rant at you but, IF you have any proof (winning lawsuit etc.) I would love to read about it.

I think that is just "an excuse".

I think you ask the building inspector what is required and I agree the plumbing inspector inspects the plumbing and can make suggestions but they are out of his realm of responsibility an in this case a tempered glass should make everyone happy honestly you cannot make a house safe for every contingency or idiot proof it either