The electrical permits in my jurisdiction (Midwest USA city) run about $15 for a branch circuit off the top of my head (don't have the exact number, but it suffices for this question). There are a few other fees added to them as well, but all in all, they do not add up to the $50 minimum fee requirement my jurisdiction imposes on permits.
Could it really be the case that the building department does not want people pulling permits for jobs the size of adding a single branch circuit to a house? Or would it be legitimate to apply for a permit for a single branch circuit, and then give the building department $50 and say "keep the change"?