In Lakeland, FL the local governments are sending out people to look for old additions to houses and properties. They then look up in the records to see if a building permit was pulled at the time it was built. If not they go to the homeowner and demand the price of the building permit or they will make them tear it down and rebuild according to current codes.
So, 15 years ago you added 30 ft of fence and didn’t bother to pull a permit to pay Caesar his due. Now you get hit.
And most people don’t know that they require a building permit for damn near anything bigger than a birdbath.
I've even heard of a legal term called "statute of repose" -- which is a much longer duration than a typical statute of limitations (I think it's 10 years in my state) -- that basically protects a previous property owner for any flaws or problems in a property that was transferred to someone else a long time ago. Apparently it often comes up in condominium situations when a developer builds a project, forms a condo association, and then sells off individual units to new owners.
Let there be a bagel revolt on Albany. Hold a massive rally on the steps of the capitol in Albany and bring lots of sliced bagels and litter the steps with them everywhere.
Add schmear for the extra effect.