Paul,
As far as I know if you are doing any modifications you are required to get a permit. If you add a plug or light here and there is anyone going to know? Probably not. When permit violations usually get discovered is in the sale of the home. Even then it is only the major things that are obvious.
You could have this angle though. We don’t get along with one of our neighbors. I put a small above ground pool in our back yard one summer. Said neighbor decided to call the city. City came out and said we must get a permit. I got a permit for the pool and another one for various electrical modifications I had done in the past. Called for inspection and passed with flying colors. We decided to return the favor to said neighbor who’s electrical to their pool is down right a hazard. The city wrote an extensive correction list including tearing down the pool (It was to big for the small back yard). Neighbor has done nothing. City has not been back. Life goes on. I guess they figure they will tear it all out when they sell it as they cannot sell the house with outstanding corrections.
