Reynolds looked at the permit.
“Issue date is six months ago.”
“That doesn’t mean this elevation was approved.”
He rotated the sheet toward her.
“Western elevation. Twenty feet.”
Vanessa stared at the page.
“What about setback?”
Reynolds checked his measurements.
“Compliant.”
“Buffer?”
“Compliant.”
“This is an industrial structure beside residential homes.”
“This parcel has established lawful commercial use.”
“It destroys the view.”
Reynolds looked at her.
“That’s not a code category.”
I had to look away.
Not because I was laughing.
Because if Vanessa saw even half a smile, we would lose another ten minutes.
She pointed toward me.
“This is retaliation.”
Reynolds shrugged.
“I inspect structures. I don’t inspect motives.”
Then he turned toward my contractor.
“You can continue.”
The drill started.
The sound echoed across the yard.
The next panel began rising.
Vanessa stood on the road as it climbed.
Eight feet.
Twelve.
Sixteen.
Twenty.
Reynolds handed me a copy of his notes.
No violation.
Approved height confirmed.
Setback compliant.
No unapproved deviation observed.