Sorry, but it isn't BS.
You need permits to install electrical work, add partitions to the basement, build a shed, or pour cement.
Cities have contacts with the trash people, so that if they see drywall, or electric wire, or cement bags in the trash, they report it to the city, and the inspectors pay the home owner a visit.
You may think you own your house, but you do not. You are only using it and paying for it at the whim of the taxing authority. They can take it away from you at any time .
I never said you didn't need permits.
You don't have to be a contractor to take out a permit and like I said an owner can do any construction except install an electric meter panel and hook up to a city sewer, those 2 items require a license