What Subtle Things Might Trigger A Permit In Rehab (L.A., CA)?

[Steven M.]

As a former home builder and land developer in Los Angeles County, I am quite astute to knowing how and where to submit plans and pulling building and land-related permits and all the fees required to do such work. That's all given. I have no questions doing all this. However and ironically, doing an existing home rehab is something new for me (it's easier to start from the ground up with a new house than doing a rehab, IMHO). My question is what kind of subtle or minimal event would trigger the need to pull a permit in a typical rehab other than the obvious? The obvious of course is a new electrical panel box, new home wiring, yard fence higher than 4', new plumbing and HVAC, new room addition, a new roof or a foundation fix....I get/know that much. But I was wondering what less not-so-always obvious and subltle things might trigger the need for a permit that might be easily overlooked when assessing a home rehab? Future projects are in Los Angeles County (not city). Thanks for weighing in.