It is now "code" for anything new or renovated. Like I said, I am sure there are some good reasons. When I was growing up, one of the things I was told is that if there is a fire and you exit near the fuse(yeah, that old) or breaker box that you should shut off all power. It can help stop spreading the fire for various reasons. Now, the breaker box is almost ALWAYS on the outside of the structure (and poorly secured unless you GAF about your security and safety.