As a builder for 40 years +, I've never heard of such a code.

As Kippy says, ask him to show you the code...

Pretty sure that's not a real thing...sounds like a difficult inspector.

Never heard such a thing either. I'd ask for the code-source before spending any money on a new window. Maybe it's a new thing, or was the way things were done somewhere else this particular inspector used to work?

They still put in garden windows, which pushes the window out....no code I've ever heard of....

I agree with everyone here. Ask the inspector for a copy of the relevant code. If he won't/can't come up with one, go down to the courthouse and get it yourself. It sounds weird to me--what does it matter if you're cleaning off a backsplash or a window sill? Either can be sanitary or not; it depends upon the cleanliness of the homeowner, not upon what material the offending matter lands on.

OTOH, codes and inspectors can be illogical. My mom once ran a school for adults with special needs. An OSHA inspector made her move all the toilet paper dispensers up 1/4". The building was a former public high school and my mom's school only used about 1/4 of the space, but no matter--ALL the dispensers had to be moved. Furthermore, the work had to be done by a licensed contractor. It cost the owners a small fortune.

Anyway, I hope your client doesn't have to move her window! Good luck! :-)

I would ask for a copy of the code and I would ask if you could put it flush with the countertop maybe the issue is that it's 2 inches and not 0" and not 4"

Agree with others - ask the inspector to show you the Code (tell him you want to understand it fully so you need to see how it is actually written).

"Not sanitary" - crazy!

I can't imagine it is, but if it's a 0" vs 4" or more, then suggest to your clients they make it counter-height instead of raising it further. It will open up the kitchen and it's such a nice feature.

An option to appease the inspector may be to bump out the sink wall cabinets 3" so there's more "sanitary" space b/w the sink and window.

If you have to change the window, another option is to bump out the window 7" or so and drop it to the counter - but that involves other exterior changes as well.

"An OSHA inspector made her move all the toilet paper dispensers up 1/4". The building was a former public high school and my mom's school only used about 1/4 of the space, but no matter--ALL the dispensers had to be moved."

This sounds more like Americans with Disabilities Act compliance than the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. ADA compliance is civil rights enforcement which far exceed the building code. The building code tells you how large your restaurant's sign may be. Civil rights law prevents you from putting "No colored served here" on that sign.

It has been my experience that the code can be what the building inspector says it is on the day he says it. I've seen them ignore their own drawings approved in writing.

Buehl, that was my thought. The very first was, what if she was going to put in a counter height -- which I am!

I know from my ex-POC-GC-DH that inspectors can be difficult. He never had any. He was grandfathered into the Good Ol' Boys Club of Montgomery County, MD courtesy of his father's 50 years of connections.

But sanitary reasons? Get the health department in on this one. But no. I guess one inspector is enough.

Via my city's website, I can find links to most applicable building codes online. If your city doesn't have such a think, try your county or state.