Sasha,
If the box was hidden, the inspector probably didn't know it was there.
By the way, the NEC was written by "The National Fire Protection
Association". There is something in that name that makes me want to
follow the code as closely as possible, so I can live as long as
possibly. The life I save may be my own. (You may save your own too!)
Not a good place to save money.

Stretch