Definitely not.
It depends on the work, the value and/or quantity of the work being done. It also may vary from town to town.
You do not need a permit for minor work. For example, electrical or plumbing work, such as replacing a standard electrical outlet, replacing a ceiling light or putting in a new sink.
You do need a permit for any brand new electrical work and any new plumbing work. Such as if you added additional wiring to what was there or moved plumbing around in the room by relocating a sink, etc.You probably don’t need a permit for new cabinets if you stayed in the same footprint. A permit is not needed for the island or new flooring. Removing the wall may or may not be OK. If it is a load bearing wall, then you needed a permit. Each city has its own procedures and its own local building codes. There is a basic state code, but local code can be more stringent.
Best thing to do is to call your local building and safety and ask. It’s very unlikely you would be fined. More likely you will have to take out any permits suggested then have the local building inspector come out to inspect it.
Joel & Co. Construction - General Contractors
Always check with your City to determine if a permit is required. If a permit is required and it is not obtained prior to the start of the project and a City inspector determines the work is being conducted without the City’s knowledge or consent, then you and/or the GC will receive a stop-order and possibly a fine. This can significantly delay a project plus be a costly decision, so never work without a permit where one is required!
Remember, unless you are staying in the home forever, then someone else will one day call that home, and the permit is a history of the work done in the home. It is there to protect both the GC and the homeowner. Would you trust non-permitted electrical and/or plumbing work and want to move into that home? No one does, so make sure to pull permits to ensure that everything is done according to code.
As far as I am concerned, here in The Bay Area in CA you must pull a permit anytime you are going to modify anything, regardless of the project type, size and or cost. It is the law!
This is one of the first questions a property owner should be asking his or her architect or contractor. A permit from a city or village is required for all construction work except for minor repairs (usually interior only), replacement of some types of building elements (same size, type, location) or other types of work specifically listed by the municipality regulations or ordinances. Before starting your construction or renovation project, contact the city or village building department or browse the website for the answer. If the project is complex, it is always good to seek advice of an experienced design professional or building contractor on this specific topic.