One question here. Why is the original circuit on 20 amp breaker in
the first place? If it is part of an appliance circuit in a kitchen or
dinning area?If so than changing the breaker is not an option.

Now for those of you who were quoting code and for those of you who
think the code can be ignored (Turtle) I submit the following.

NEC 2002
80.13 Authority

(4) Police, Fire,
and other enforcement agencies shall have authority to render necessary
assistance in the enforcement of this Code when requested to do so by
the authority having jurisdiction.

80.23
(A) Violations

(2) Any order or notice issued pursuant to this code shall be served
upon the owner ,operator,occupant,or other person responsible for the
condition or violation,either by personal service or mail..............

(B) Penalties

(1) Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of this Code or
who fail to carry out an order made pursuant to this code or violates
any condition attached to a permit ,approval,or certificate shall be
subject to the penalties established by this jurisdiction.

Now for those of you (Turtle) who think the code is a joke , I
suggest you (Turtle) go pick up a copy and read further . If you read
the above or read the code itself you will notice words like owner ,
occupant , person or persons. There very few places were the Code
spcifically states Electrician. So yes the home owner is responsible.

Lastly Turtle do the group a favor and pull your head in your shell
and stop giving out bogus information.

Bill