Few questions for you:1) Is it completely up to the discretion of the inspector and planning department on what will be required to be upgraded to modern code? 

Yes you need permits, no you don’t need a license to act as your own GC so long as you are on title to the property with the exception of certain things and certain municipalities across the country - check with your local department to be sure.

The legal hurdles are due to the fact that just about every state has laws now that state that you must be the owner of record (on title) to publicly market a property for sale or be a licensed agent or broker with the department of real estate.

I know it sounds like I'm splitting hairs but some banks write HELOCs in their residential department....which won't write Investment Properties.

The building department of the city referred us to the city board to get exception to continue the renovation of the “non-conforming” structure.

If you mean just purely passive to hold, there's less work to do, maybe cut the grass or some weeding every spring so the fire department doesn't fine you for fire hazard.

@Andre' Arceneaux Immediately call the city/county Building Department to confirm a permit was pulled on the job.

These typically have to obtained in person at the courthouse or public water department. 

The department name can vary.

@Jon Arsenault My local police and utility department referred to that house as "Rattlesnake Ranch".