[MRM]

Matt, all that depends on the local municipality. If you're in the country there might be no permit requirement. In other places the license/permit can apply to a wide range of things. Usually a homeowner doing something cosmetic like retiling a bathroom wouldn't need a permit; some places require permits when the cost of materials exceeds a certain amount. If the tradesman in Hugh's case needs to do something with the plumbing, even if it's small, he might have to pull a plumbing permit.

As Jeff said, just check into it yourself and take notes on who you talk to. It sounds worse than it really is.