Wide interpretation is generally the case I have.
I occaaionally see code books and handbooks in Barnes and Noble and sometimes Waldenbooks. I used to get the codebook from a local suppply house (with their logo on the cover) for $18.00. Local inspection units (Peoria and Bloomington) at one time had them cheap, but not anymore. One small town which started inspections last year got a new one in the library. Other libraries around have them from the 60's and 70's.
Local inspectors generally have one or two things they enforce around here. One plugs his polarity tester into every outlet, another only checks GFCI's, one walks through and smiles a lot. I saw a new three bedroom house with two baths, Air Conditioning, Electric Range, and Electric Dryer, with a total of 15 circuit breakers. It wasn't questioned. On that floorplan, I have at least 9 for the kitchen, alone.
This last year, I explained the smoke alarm guidelines to three differant towns, inspectors and fire departments didn't understand them. Then there is the homeowners, who only want one or two, battery only smoke alarms, when they actually need 7 or 8. And then the builders who.........
Commercial work isn't ispected, generallly.
Elevators are inspected by the elevator repair technician. Pay the fee for the elevator to the city, here is your piece of paper. Several communities, such as Peoria, found that if the elevator inspector actually showed up, it was just to put the permit in the holder.
Years ago, one elevator inspector was in a car crash with a marked city car on the interstate in the next county. After his discharge, the position was eliminated.
DISCLAIMER: Most inspectors are consciencious and do a good job.
I hope the economy improves around here so all I have to do is PLC's again.
regards....casey