Maybe building codes could spec that home automation devices must have local controls.

The companies aren't going to do it without regulation.

Wait, so now building codes are going to get involved with what I run in my house after it is built and inspected? That doesn't sound like building codes. If anything, regulation from the FCC or someone else would be more uh, fitting.

Sure, I was thinking of things like lights supporting local control. I guess I'd try to write it so that a phone app talking to the light counted as passing the rule, as long as it worked without an internet connection.

I don't see how it is a problem for simple rules like "Installed lights must always be controllable from inside the premises" to be code.

Or maybe people stop building all this shit in the cloud?

Part of my argument there is that it isn't going to happen without regulation.