jp,
busted me. i'm an ahj,hi,si,builder 25 years, many in jm's area. i would call the over 4" spacing on op's post since the house is only 8 years old.i believe the 4"rule was adopted in the1991 code from 6" and 12" before that.i enforce the current code or the code that was in effect the day the application is submitted. in calif all building depts had a deluge of plans submitted on dec 31st in order to beat the new icc codes that were adopted jan 1st. the laws regarding types of exterior wall finishes and tempered glass for all windows went into effect in some fire zones as designated by the state fire marshall. so jerry m. would you require all openings and wall finishes to comply with new laws on existing homes? it,s a good idea but at $20,000 or more per house you might get an earful! it could save lives too! ban stairs and save lives! the codes are a MINIMUM standard for safety and exceeding that is great but leave the ahj out of that one.