No, it’s because the county decided that “all installation and removals of HVAC, air handling, heating, and cooling equipment” require a permit and did not stop to think initially that this is worded in such an overbroad manner that it also technically encompasses window and portable air conditioners, and theoretically also portable space heaters as well. All means all. It’s just that window AC is the only thing visible from the outside of your home, so the inspectors can bust your balls for it from the street if they feel like hassling you for something.

I’m sure the local government loves it as well because if a “violation” is noticed from the street it gives them a legal avenue to enter the properties of people they don’t like (i.e. poor people, blacks, hispanics, etc.) to troll for additional citations or other generalized harassment.