kirkhall, if the IRC applied to your project without revision, your inspector was not over-zelous, he simply "misremembered" the glazing provisions. The code specifically exempts "Glazing that is adjacent to the fixed panel of patio doors" (item 2, last exception). Safety glazing is required by the IRC in "hazardous locations" which are defined as follows: R308.4 Hazardous locations. The following shall be considered specific hazardous locations for the purposes of glazing: 1. Glazing in all fixed and operable panels of swinging, sliding and bifold doors. Exceptions: - Glazed openings of a size through which a 3-inch diameter (76 mm) sphere is unable to pass. - Decorative glazing. 2. Glazing in an individual fixed or operable panel adjacent to a door where the nearest vertical edge is within a 24-inch (610 mm) arc of the door in a closed position and whose bottom edge is less than 60 inches (1524 mm) above the floor or walking surface. Exceptions: - Decorative glazing. - When there is an intervening wall or other permanent barrier between the door and the glazing. - Glazing in walls on the latch side of and perpendicular to the plane of the door in a closed position. - Glazing adjacent to a door where access through the door is to a closet or storage area 3 feet (914 mm) or less in depth - Glazing that is adjacent to the fixed panel of patio doors. 3. Glazing in an individual fixed or operable panel that meets all of the following conditions: 3.1. The exposed area of an individual pane is larger than 9 square feet (0.836 m2); and 3.2. The bottom edge of the glazing is less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor; and 3.3. The top edge of the glazing is more than 36 inches (914 mm) above the floor; and 3.4. One or more walking surfaces are within 36 inches (914 mm), measured horizontally and in a straight line, of the glazing. Exceptions: - Decorative glazing. - When a horizontal rail is installed on the accessible side(s) of the glazing 34 to 38 inches (864 to 965) above the walking surface. The rail shall be capable of withstanding a horizontal load of 50 pounds per linear foot (730 N/m) without contacting the glass and be a minimum of 11/2 inches (38 mm) in cross sectional height. - Outboard panes in insulating glass units and other multiple glazed panels when the bottom edge of the glass is 25 feet (7620 mm) or more above grade, a roof, walking surfaces or other horizontal [within 45 degrees (0.79 rad) of horizontal] surface adjacent to the glass exterior. 4. All glazing in railings regardless of area or height above a walking surface. Included are structural baluster panels and nonstructural infill panels. 5. Glazing in enclosures for or walls facing hot tubs, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, bathtubs and showers where the bottom exposed edge of the glazing is less than 60 inches (1524 mm) measured vertically above any standing or walking surface. Exception: Glazing that is more than 60 inches (1524 mm), measured horizontally and in a straight line, from the waters edge of a hot tub, whirlpool or bathtub. 6. Glazing in walls and fences adjacent to indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs and spas where the bottom edge of the glazing is less than 60 inches (1524 mm) above a walking surface and within 60 inches (1524 mm), measured horizontally and in a straight line, of the water's edge. This shall apply to single glazing and all panes in multiple glazing. 7. Glazing adjacent to stairways, landings and ramps within 36 inches (914 mm) horizontally of a walking surface when the exposed surface of the glazing is less than 60 inches (1524 mm) above the plane of the adjacent walking surface. Exceptions: - When a rail is installed on the accessible side(s) of the glazing 34 to 38 inches (864 to 965 mm) above the walking surface. The rail shall be capable of withstanding a horizontal load of 50 pounds per linear foot (730 N/m) without contacting the glass and be a minimum of 11/2 inches (38 mm) in cross sectional height. - The side of the stairway has a guardrail or handrail, including balusters or in-fill panels, complying with Sections R311.7.7 and R312 and the plane of the glazing is more than 18 inches (457 mm) from the railing; or - When a solid wall or panel extends from the plane of the adjacent walking surface to 34 inches (863 mm) to 36 inches (914 mm) above the walking surface and the construction at the top of that wall or panel is capable of withstanding the same horizontal load as a guard. 8. Glazing adjacent to stairways within 60 inches (1524 mm) horizontally of the bottom tread of a stairway in any direction when the exposed surface of the glazing is less than 60 inches (1524 mm) above the nose of the tread. Exceptions: - The side of the stairway has a guardrail or handrail, including balusters or in-fill panels, complying with Sections R311.7.7 and R312 and the plane of the glass is more than 18 inches (457 mm) from the railing; or - When a solid wall or panel extends from the plane of the adjacent walking surface to 34 inches (864 mm) to 36 inches (914 mm) above the walking surface and the construction at the top of that wall or panel is capable of withstanding the same horizontal load as a guard.

These rules have been in the IRC and its predecessor (the CABO code) since the mid 80's. Until the 2009 IRC there was no exception for glass in a wall perpendicular to the wall of the door if it was within the 24" arc (a semicircle was drawn horizontally from the edge of the door). The 2009 IRC required safety glass if the glass was in a wall perpendicular to the closed door if within 24" of the hinge side of a swinging door. The Ohio code appears to have butchered that requirement beyond recognition. To satisfy the inspector that the old 24" arc rule is not in effect, show him THIS.

The "glass" used in fireplaces and wood stoves is not glass at all. It is a ceramic material designed and manufactured to withstand intense heat. Tempered glass is toughened by various means to resist breakage, but will most definitely shatter into small pieces when it reaches too high a temperature. What you have now is a definite safety hazard and should be removed. The ceramic material is expensive, but the price you were quoted seems pretty high. Contact the manufacturer of your fireplace for replacement "glass" of the right size and design. In the meantime, don't use the fireplace. It's impossible to tell how weakened the tempered glass has already become by being heated. It's entirely possible that it could shatter quickly if heated again.

NYC is a very HCOL area. If more than 2 guys are telling you that price then that is the going rate unfortunately. And if that is the going rate you very well may not want the "affordable" guy for quality reasons. Just my .02..........