I guess I’m just not cut out for that sort of drama, so this cycle I just took my marbles and went home.

Yes, this is defined by state statue. 

I have used it on marble as well, color change is about half of pic above.

Whether or not the city would follow-up on that is an open question.However, if the work is substantially done by a contractor under the owner-builder permit, the restriction does not apply.Also, some cities will try to tell you that you can't pull certain permits as owner-builder, but it is written into the FL statues.

However, if the city invents new statues which circumvent historically recognized property rights, does it not then become a de facto HOA over the city? 

Much easier, more anonymous, you're protected because you're not on title, and the trustee is protected by state statue (most states).

If a Cost Segregation Study had not been performed on this $4.4M car wash facility located in Marble Falls, Texas, it would have had first year depreciation of approximately $293,200.

Marble counters, gold plated toilet, whatever, uncle Harry's kitchen cabs from 1920.

The sink was cemented to the marble countertop so the repair isn't easy. 

Bring a marble to test the floors.