In the Chicago area, avoiding permits is a high art form.
I got tagged a few times by the village for not having one (fence repairs), and skated on some things (replacing all windows).
Just play dumb and be courteous, and they just have you get the permit.
Usually I end up educating the inspector (stone veneer) or getting complimented by him (shed build).
A home buyer doing a permit audit is very very rare around here. A realtor told me someone tried it as a negotiating tool on a home purchase. The seller simply told them to get lost.