renovation vs cosmetic

Cosmetic. Permits are needed if you're moving/adding electrical lines/boxes within the walls, moving the plumbing within the walls, or altering a load-bearing wall. No permit for cabinets, counters, or light fixtures.

No permit for changing the sink or faucet.

that's wonderful...thank you

have fun!

Everything you described is cosmetic. Now, if you wanted to move the sink to the other side of the kitchen or rip out a structural wall while changing cabinets, you would need a city permit.

You also must inform the city when installing new walls, structural or cosmetic. The new walls can not block egress and the fire department must have access to current floorplans so that they can be advised on egress in the event of a fire. This was a huge problem a few years ago, when a non-load bearing wall in a bronx apartment was not reported to the city and some firefighters were trapped because of it (they had to jump from the window).

good luck