My understanding is that any electrical work here requires a permit. In reality though only new work like a house, addition, new commercial property, or services get permits. Some carpenters/generals will pull permits for basement remodels, but I'd guess most don't. Service work rarely gets a permit, and sometimes service gets pretty extensive.
It's the owners responsibility to pull the permit, and if I refused to do work without a permit, I would have starved a long time ago.
Dave
