Do I need a permit to build a half-wall

I would like to put up a half wall (say 7' with a ceiling height of 9') in a studio to conceal the sleeping area from the rest. I only mean to go about 2/3 of the width and leave about 2' from the ceiling to let ventilation and light still work properly. How can I find out whether this requires a permit? If it does, can anyone give me an estimate of what getting the permit would cost? I don't feel like spending 10K in fees to put up a $1K half-wall to maintain a little more privacy, but I really don't feel like not being insured due to a permit violation. I would appreciate any insight.