I am trying to convert an existing room into a bathroom. In doing so, I have removed most of the existing waste/vent plumbing (it was cast-iron) and replaced it with PVC. I have pulled a permit on the project.

I've read in a plumbing manual that toilets within 6 feet of the main waste/vent stack do not need a separate vent. My new toilet is within 6 feet (it's about 4.5 feet away), but due to various things being in the way... it'll require more than 6 feet of PVC to reach the main stack. Because I wasn't sure whether I needed a separate vent, I called a city inspector and eventually he said "yes" (this is not my problem... this is a straight-forward task)

Now for my dilemma... the inspector also told me that I needed a separate vent for my pre-existing toilet (it did not have one). This toilet is located about 18 inches from the main stack, so it'll be very difficult for me to put in a separate vent line for it (that is, if I were to install a separate vent line, the obvious location for a vent line is currently occupied by the main stack).

The inspector did not initially seem confident of his advice (he actually put me on hold to "check something")...

Should I challenge the inspector or simply get creative with my plumbing?

Wait for the inspector to give you his final decision, that's what he'll be using when he inspects your job. Never get creative when you've pulled a permit, especially since you drew attention to your work by calling the inspector.

Wait for the inspector to give you his final decision, thats what he'll be using when he inspects your job. Never get creative when you've pulled a permit, especially since you drew attention to your work by calling the inspector.

A few points of clarification:
1. I did not speak to my actual inspector. This was a different inspector (they all host office hours to help out with questions like this). Also, it was by phone, so it was essentially anonymous.
2. I am not trying to avoid codes/rules... but I would like a clarification of the codes/rules. My specific concern is that the inspector didn't seem confident of what he was saying.
3. When I said that I would "get creative"... that meant that I would install the vent line as I was instructed... the creative part would be how I would squeeze it into the wall next to the main stack.

I'll probably go talk to another inspector today in person... I think drawing a diagram of the layout might help him/her to give me a better answer than is possible by phone. Even so, any advice that I could receive here would be helpful for that discussion.

Thanks in advance!

Update:

I just spoke to a different city inspector and he revealed that I did not need a separate vent on the toilet.

Thanks!