[Porsche-O-Phile]

You're right and in most cases stuff like that is fine. The rule of thumb is that if it affects structure, mechanical capacity, envelope performance, square footage, occupancy type or electrical service it probably needs a permit. Otherwise it probably doesn't.

Given the stuff I've seen though, I'd be worth asking (and documenting) the question. One can never be too careful in a society full of people constantly looking for new and creative ways to rip you off.