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Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile
Residential interior remodels that do not involve structural work typically can be done unpermitted, but check the local codes for your town/city. I have heard of exceptions to this. Some municipalities are worse than others. I've PERSONALLY seen two different cities in soCal require sprinklers in wood-framed residential construction and a full city council approval to paint a house. That's the state of things today. It would be unusual (but wouldn't surprise me) to hear of a city requiring a permit for the kind of work you're describing. ASK the question and DOCUMENT the answer (person you spoke to, date, time, etc.)
Don't do the work unpermitted if it's required. Anyone advising you to do so doesn't know what they're talking about and can get you in a lot of legal hot water. Do the stuff "above board" or don't do it at all.
Like you, I completely agree that it's ridiculous, but again - this is what happens when you live in a "big government" society where the bureaucrats have limitless resources and power.
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The permit process serves several functions, one of which is to increase your property taxes, ie more revenue for the town.
Having said that I suggest doing it legal. Went through this with a house I just sold. Was a new build when I bought it 12 years ago, the builder did not disclose the bedrooms/bathrooms on the second floor, he called it attic space and put them in after the final town signoff. I had trouble selling it due to lack of permits.
Closed on the house end of december. Permits still in process. Buyer still has 10k of my cash in escrow. Whole thing has me out of pocket for nearly 20k. (10k after i get escrow back)
What a friggin headache.