This varies greatly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. It also depends on what kind of work and how much.
In many locations, minor electrical work, in-kind plumbing replacement, interior construction that does not change the overall footprint or the number or types of bedrooms, bathrooms, etc, (such as the building of a closet in an existing room) need no permit. However, some locales may require new installations to come up to a newer code level than those that they replace. You really need to check with your local building department to see what is allowed without permit and when permits are required.
Failure to get a permit for work that requires one could result in a stop work order if the building authority learns of the project. It also could result in the property not having a valid certificate of occupancy, which could make selling the property difficult. It also might compromise your relationship with your lender. Finally, it may put your insurance coverage at risk if a claim is based on the work done in violation of permit regulation.
Often if work is not done based on a permit, it can later be corrected by filing a new application, submitting plans and paying a penalty in addition to the regular fees. But there is a risk that the plans will not meet the standards when the permit is eventually filed, and may fail, requiring a redo.
Your best bet is to check and see what is required before starting on a renovation. Then you can make an informed decision.
It looks like Georgia revises its building code frequently. I didn't find a revision for 2005, but the 2006 edition was OCR scanned and published here.
In section 1009.3, there is this:
1009.3 Stair treads and risers Stair riser heights shall be 7
inches (178 mm) maximum and 4 inches (102 mm) minimum.
Stair tread depths shall be 11 inches (279 mm) minimum. The
riser height shall be measured vertically between the leading
edges of adjacent treads. The tread depth shall be measured
horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of adjacent treads and at a right angle to the tread's leading
edge. Winder treads shall have a minimum tread depth of 11
inches (279 mm) measured at a right angle to the tread's leading edge at a point 12 inches (305 mm) from the side where the
treads are narrower and a minimum tread depth of 10 inches
(254 mm).
(I have cleaned up OCR defects.)
Best Answer
The code seems to use the term "subsurface soil drainage", but I wasn't able to find any detail on subsurface drainage.
I also searched for vitrified clay tile, but didn't come up with much.
I'm not sure how useful it is, but International Residential Code (IRC) has this to say.
I've found that most building departments are quite helpful, and enthusiastically provide information to inquisitive homeowners. Your best bet might be to contact your local building department, and see what information they can provide.