mechanical permit and building safety inspection

[Abe Mazliach]

I own a house that I rent out to a couple. A City Code Compliance Specialist came to my rental unit and told me the direct–vent wall-heater was installed without a plumbing gas permit. He told me to obtain a mechanical permit and building safety inspection for the heater and have a licensed contractor conduct the work per California state law. He said this is to ensure the heater and gas line are installed per code and are safe to operate.

I have owned this house almost 4 years but the wall-heater was there before I purchased the house. It looks like it's been there for a long time. I feel like the City inspector is being unfair to me as I didn't install the wall-heater. Why wasn't the previous owner or the owner who installed the wall-heater asked to obtain a permit?

Do I have any grounds to complain to the City Planning Department to being told to get a permit, have a licensed contractor test it and have it inspected?

I would appreciate any advice on this matter. Thank you, Abe