Bought a home in Northern Cal that could be termed a fixer upper.  I got an unbelievably great deal.  Now I am told that to do something as simple as insulate an existing wall, add a garage door or replace a shower stall with a full shower I have to have a permit.  Even if we do the work ourselves!  And permits are not cheap here.  I own a quarter Acre lot and there are 4 people living on the property.  I'm told I can not add a bedroom because I already have more people living here then guidelines allow for the lot size.    And on different note, you have to have a referral form your GP to see any specialist. Back in PA by comparison, there were no referrals except for if you wanted PT.    And in PA if you were doing the work yourself and not expanding the home's foot print, no permit was required.  And the cost of permits was half as costly at most.    California is corrupt and under attack by its politicians.