[Hodar]

No survey was required because the building is on the same footprint it was on for 82 years.

Not true. Once you remove the walls, the building is non-habitable. Now all you have is an old foundation. The 'new' building must be built taking into account the current building codes, rules and regulations; not regulations and codes from 80+ years ago.

For example, I made a bid on a home on 1 acre of land in Austin,TX. My inspector found a problem with the septic. End of story, I could not simply modify/repair the problem; I would have to remove the entire septic system and update the entire system to meet current building codes ($50-85,000). Yep, this was a deal-breaker. Too bad, I'd have loved to have that lot.

[TheOracleAtLilac]

I would have to remove the entire septic system and update the entire system to meet current building codes ($50-85,000)

Sounds like you were quoted way high.

[JasonC]

And you don't see anything galactically stupid about that state of affairs? Did the town get a renovated lot, up to code or otherwise? No, they get a rundown eyesore. Brilliant system.