@Candela, Congratulations on your new property! The decision to pull permits for your kitchen renovation would depend on a few factors such as the extent of the work, the city's reputation in terms of code enforcement, and your neighbors. This is just my personal opinion as as an rei.
In addition, I should note that pulling permits could trigger a domino effect. Depending on the extent of the work and the city's requirements, you may be required to update other aspects of your property to meet current codes. I have experienced this firsthand, and before I knew it, I was having to hire an architect and engineer for something so minor! It can become quite a costly and time-consuming process. So, it's important to weigh the potential risks and benefits and make an informed decision.
Also, if you plan on selling your house in the future, you would need to disclose any unpermitted improvements you've made. This could potentially be a liability if the work was not done to code, such as if the wall you remove happens to be a bearing wall.
Overall, it comes down to a risk assessment that you would have to consider. If the work is minor and you could knock it out FAST and won't require any significant changes to the structural integrity, plumbing or electrical systems, you may be able to proceed without permits. However, if you have "Karens" nearby or if the city has a reputation for strict code enforcement, it may be worth obtaining necessary permits to avoid any potential issues down the road. Make sure when you're doing the work, it doesnt appear like a construction site from the outside, which could be a red flag.