The lights will only go out if you wire the lights on the load side of the gfci. I usually pull two circuits for the bathroom. One 20 amp for the gfci receptacle(s) and a 15 amp circuit for the lights/fan.
Yes,A neutral or away to get a neutral to the box is required.The cable routing is entirely dependent on your layout. The way that uses the least amount of cable is the way I would do it. Just remember current code requires neutrals at the switch box.
Your area may not be under the 2011 NEC yet.Interesting. I passed the rough inspection last week.
That's a strange code rulejoed said:Just remember current code requires neutrals at the switch box.
It's to accommodate lighted switches, timers, dimmers, etc. that are more than just a switch and need a return path for the current that passes through them.That's a strange code rule
Ah ha! We are not. Thanks.Your area may not be under the 2011 NEC yet.