I asked a lawyer who does real estate development:
I'm having a prolonged flame with someone, and I'm afraid they're right. I'm claiming there are regulations about what you must have *in your house (single-family dwelling) right now* vs. when you sell it. But I may be wrong. I've searched online law resources for regs about houses, but they all seem to be enforced only when you sell. Know any rules about equiptment you must have in modern houses?
The rules are generally construction rules set forth in the state and local building codes; they are regulations, not statutes for the most. They cover everything from structure (foundation thickness, earthquake requirements in CA, wind load engineering standards in FL. As far as equipment, I don't believe that the codes are too detailed. They all require smoke detectors. Then there are equipment specific regulations, such as the 3.5 gal toilets, the safety garage door openers. There are also separate electrical codes
He replied: that
mandate wall outlets every so many feet, what kind of wiring can be used. There are plumbing codes that will require a bathroom with a toilet, tub, lavatory, etc. in each house. Some building codes go so far as to require minimum kitchens, but many don't. Most building codes are applied only to new construction, but also kick in when there is major reconstruction of an old home, or if the home is rented to others. There are some requirements on sale; in NY you would have to install a smoke detector in an old home in order to sell it, and must give an affidavit to the buyer that it is in working condition.
So Tim is right --there are no constraints on his property, unless he wants to improve or sell it. Or the government needs it for a freeway...