FAQs
Administration:
Employment Verification
You may request an employment verification by calling the Tulare County Human Resources and Development at (559) 636-4900.
Request Public Records
The California Legislature has declared that access to information concerning the conduct of the public’s business is a fundamental and necessary right of every person in the state. The California Public Records Act requires public records to be available to the public upon request.
RMA may request additional information if the request is not specific enough to permit identification of the requested records. While RMA shall disclose identifiable and existing records, RMA is not required to synthesize, manufacture, or summarize records, i.e., develop new records in response to a request.
Who May Request Public Records:
Any person, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, firm, association, any elected member or officer of any local agency, and the requester do not have to be a U.S. citizen.
How to Request Public Records:
RMA does not require that the request be in writing. A request can be made by telephone, email, in person, or in writing. We suggest a written request for clarification of what is requested.
Contact the Resource Management Agency at:
5961 S. Mooney Blvd.
Visalia, CA 93277
Phone: (559) 624-7000
Email: [email protected]
EXEMPTIONS
A full list of exemptions is available in California Government Code §6254 and can be provided upon request. Some types of records that the Resource Management Agency (RMA) is not required to release include:
- Preliminary drafts, notes, or internal memos that RMA doesn’t keep as part of regular business, if keeping them private clearly serves the public better than releasing them.
- Records related to ongoing lawsuits or claims involving RMA, until the case or claim is fully resolved.
- Personnel, medical, or similar records where releasing the information would violate someone’s personal privacy.
- Real estate appraisals, engineering studies, or feasibility evaluations prepared for RMA in connection with buying property or public contracts, until the property is acquired or the contract is finalized.
Under the California Public Records Act (Government Code §6258), anyone may go to court to enforce their right to view or receive a copy of public records.
Building and Permit:
When is a Building Permit Required?
According to the Uniform Building Code, you must get a permit before starting most construction projects. This includes building, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, converting, or demolishing any structure. A separate permit is required for each structure.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit:
Some minor construction projects are exempt from needing a building permit, including:
- One-story detached buildings (like sheds or playhouses) under 120 square feet
- Fences 6 feet tall or shorter
- Oil derricks
- Movable cases, counters, and partitions under 5 feet 9 inches tall
- Retaining walls under 4 feet high (as long as they don't support extra weight or hold hazardous liquids)
- Water tanks on the ground with a capacity of 5,000 gallons or less, and a height-to-width ratio of 2:1 or less
- Platforms, walkways, and driveways less than 30 inches high and not built over basements or floors below
- Painting, wallpapering, and other finish work
- Temporary stage sets for movies, TV, or theater
- Window awnings attached to homes or garages that stick out no more than 54 inches
- Prefabricated above-ground pools for homes that hold 5,000 gallons or less
Important Notes:
- Even if a building permit isn’t needed, separate plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permits may still be required.
- These exemptions do not allow you to do work that breaks other laws or code requirements.
- Permits are issued Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Permit Center.
If you're unsure whether your project needs a permit, it’s always best to check with the Permit Center first.
Note: The Permit Center will issue permits Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How do I obtain a Building Permit?
Only the property owner or a licensed contractor can be issued a permit.
REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING A BUILDING PERMIT
Submit to Tulare County Resource Management Agency
1. Three (3) Plot Plans showing all of the following:
a. Show all buildings and size's.
b. Show well and septic system with distances to structure and distance apart.
c. Streets and setback's to all property lines
d. Assessor's Parcel Number
2. Two (2) complete sets of Building Plans drawn to scale, 1/8" minimum:
a. Foundation, basement, crawl space, or slab on grade.
b. Floor Framing Plan. (show girder locations & joist size and spacing).
c. Floor Plan.
d. Elevation's. (north, south, east, and west)
e. Roof Plan showing ceiling joist layout, rafter layout, post and beams or truss layout.
(trussed roofs require all calculations from manufacturer at time of submittal).
f. Cross section and details.
g. Plumbing Plan.
h. Mechanical Plan.
i. Electrical Plan.
j. All engineering data.
k. All energy calculations for California Title-24 requirements.
Additional requirements for obtaining a building permit for new construction within the
State Responsibility Area (S.R.A):
1. Submit two (2) copies of Improvement Plans for driveways and roads.
The plans should include the following:
a. Show length and width of driveway from access road to the residence.
b. Show width of driveway.
c. Show road grade.
d. Show vertical clearance.
e. Show type of surfing used and that it meets the 40,0001b load limit.
f. Show location and size of turnouts (if applicable).
g. Show location and type of turn around if applicable.
h. Show gate location & direction of opening if proposed.
How much does a permit cost?
Permits costs are based on the type of the construction and the scope of the building permit. Please contact 624-7000 for details.
Can a Homeowner purchase the permit?
Yes, but the Homeowner then becomes the Contractor of record.
Who may draw plans for construction?
Commercial Plans must be drawn up by an Architect or Engineer licensed by the State of California. The plans must be drawn to scale.
Residential Plans may be drawn up by a Draftsman or the homeowner. The plans must be drawn to scale.
When are School Fees required?
New construction on commercial structures and new construction of residential building as well as additions that exceed 500 square feet, require that a school fee be collected before issuing a building permit.
Depending on the school district you are building in, the fees will vary according to which fee schedule the district has adopted. Currently, residential fees are between $3.20 to $7.94 per square foot and commercial is between $.30 and $.60 per square foot.
If you have any additional questions please contact us:
Government Plaza (RMA Headquarters)
5961 South Mooney Boulevard
Visalia , California 93277
Phone (559) 624-7000 | [email protected]
How do I request an Inspection?
Inspection requests are taken by phone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All request received before 7:30 am will be performed that day.
To make an inspection request, you can use our online citizen access portal at TCPermits.com or call the Tulare County Inspection IVR System (a recorder) (559) 624-7104 and follow the instructions.
Before making the call please have the following information available:
Building permit number
Inspection Code Number
NOTES:
1. A building permit should be obtained before any construction work begins.
2. Permit holder is responsible to request inspections on their projects.
3. At the time of an inspection request, the work to be inspected needs to be complete and ready for the inspector.
4. All conditions from other departments shall be met before a “final” inspection can be preformed.
5. Buildings will not be occupied before a final inspection approval by the Building/Zoning Inspector.
Who do I contact for a complaint about abandon vehicles, substandard buildings and building violations?
For Complaints on abandon vehicles, substandard buildings and building violations, please call (559) 624-7000.
What is required for a Mobile Home permit?
1. Call or visit the Permit Center and talk to a Planner to make sure that a mobilehome can be placed on the property.
2. Three (3) copies of a plot plan showing the following:
a. All buildings and sizes.
b. Well and septic systems with distances to mobilehome.
c. Streets and setbacks of all property lines.
3. Assessor's parcel number.
4. If awnings are to be installed, show size and valuation. (Awnings must also be shown on plot plan)
5. Purchase price of mobilehome, size, number of bedrooms, and HUD numbers (insignia numbers).
6. Owner should be aware of school impact fees.
Note: The Permit Center will issue permits Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
You may contact us at:
Government Plaza
5961 South Mooney Boulevard
Visalia, California 93277
Phone (559) 624-7000
Encroachment and Transportation Permits:
What is required for Encroachment Permit?
Any work to be performed within Tulare County maintained road right-of-way requires the issuance of an encroachment permit. There are three (3) types:
- Blue application form - Utility/Public Agency Permits.
Requires liability insurance certificate only. - Yellow application form - All concrete work including curb and gutter/concrete drives/sidewalk.
Requires liability insurance certificate and encroachment bond. - White application form - All other work including sewer, water, electric service, paved driveways, pipeline, TV cable, etc.
Requires liability insurance certificate and encroachment bond.
All encroachment and transportation permits require a certificate of liability insurance naming Tulare County and its employees as additionally insured.
A $500,000 minimum of either auto liability or general liability is required, and the following phrase must be typed verbatim on all certificates of insurance:
"THE COUNTY OF TULARE, ALL OF ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES ARE NAMED AS ADDITIONAL INSURED."
Note: The Permit Center will issue permits Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
When is a Transportation Permit Required?
If you plan to move oversized structures or equipment that do not meet legal load limits on Tulare County-maintained roads, you are required to provide a certificate of liability insurance.
All encroachment and transportation permits must include a certificate of liability insurance that names Tulare County and its employees as additional insured.
The insurance coverage must include a minimum of $500,000 in either auto liability or general liability. The following statement must appear exactly as written on all insurance certificates:
"THE COUNTY OF TULARE, ALL OF ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES ARE NAMED AS ADDITIONAL INSURED."
For questions or to begin the permit process, please contact the Resource Management Agency.
When is a Bond required for Encroachment Permits?
Bond is required for all Encroachment Permits except for Utility/Public Agency Permits.
The bond shall be between $5,000 and $25,000, depending on the size of the job, to be determined by the Tulare County Permit Agent.
Water and Sewer Services:
Water and Sewer Districts
Delft Colony Sewer and Water (Dinuba)
Seville Sewer (Seville & Visalia)
Tonyville Sewer (Lindsay)
Tooleville Sewer (Exeter)
Traver Sewer (Traver)
Yettem Sewer & Water (Yettem)
Wells Tract Sewer & Water (Woodlake)
Billing inquiries – (559) 624-7000
Emergency – (559) 271-1140
Payment Locations
Permit Center
Resource Management Agency
5961 Mooney Blvd, Visalia, CA
Payment Methods
To make a payment online, CLICK HERE
Phone - To pay over the phone, call (559) 624-7000
Cash - We do not give change
Checks & Money Orders - Made out to your water and sewer district
Cards - We accept credit cards and debit cards.
Payments made after the 25th may reflect on the next billing cycle
Roads:
How do I get the potholes in my road fixed?
Click Here to contact the Tulare County Road Yard nearest to the location of the pothole
My road floods after every rain. Why doesn’t the County do something?
Roadway flooding can happen for several reasons, such as clogged drainage inlets, natural dips in the road that collect runoff, or other contributing factors. If you notice a flooding issue, please contact the appropriate district responsible for that location.
How do I request having my road resurfaced?
Please call (559) 624-7000 or report a road issue here.
Can I get a STOP sign installed on my street to slow down the vehicles?
Click here to view the TIP Sheet on STOP signs
How do I get the speed limit lowered on my street?
Click here to view the TIP Sheet on Speed Zones 23
The STOP sign near my house is missing or damaged. What should I do?
Call the Resource Management Agency at (559) 624-7000 during normal working hours or call your local law enforcement agency.
How can I get a streetlight installed on my street?
The County Board of Supervisors has a policy (Board Resolution No. 71-4871) outlining when street lights may be installed on County roads. The County will consider installing street lights if any of the following conditions are met:
General Requirements
Street lights may be installed:
- At busy intersections
- One street has at least 2,000 vehicles per day, and
- The other has at least 1,000 vehicles per day.
- At intersections with traffic channelization
- If the intersection is heavily used at night.
- At hazardous locations (not just intersections)
- Areas with poor visibility, sharp curves, narrow bridges, or railroad crossings.
- Only if other warning devices (like signs or reflectors) are not enough to keep the area safe.
- At locations with a history of accidents
- If there have been two or more preventable accidents (that might have been avoided with lighting) in the past 12 months.
Residential Area Requirements
Street lights may also be installed at intersections based on the number of nearby homes or businesses:
- Four-way intersections
- If there are at least 18 dwellings or businesses within 330 feet of the intersection.
- "T" or "L" shaped intersections
- If there are at least 14 dwellings or businesses within 330 feet.
If you think you meet these requirements, contact the Resource Management Agency to request a street light.
How do I get centerline stripes painted on my street?
If your street is a major system street, the factors to be evaluated in determining the necessity of striping the street are as follows:
- Average Daily Traffic volume not less than 300 vehicles.
- Designated as a through highways by the Board of Supervisors (all intersecting streets are required to stop).
- Special hazard due to alignment or surface conditions.
- Multi-lane facility.
- High motor vehicle accident rate.
- School bus route.
- Heavy fog area.
- Predominantly recreational traffic route or service.
Any of the above conditions qualifies a major system street for striping if the paved surface is at least 20 feet wide.
If your street is a minor system street, the factors to be evaluated in determining the necessity of striping a minor street are as follows:
- Average daily traffic volume not less than 200 vehicles.
- Frequent hazardous horizontal or vertical curves with sub-standard sight distance.
- Continuity with other striped routes.
- Designated through highway.
- High motor vehicle accident rate.
- School bus route.
- Heavy fog area.
- No internal subdivision street will be striped unless it qualifies for striping under one of the factors listed above.
Any of the above conditions may qualify a minor system street for striping if the paved surface is at least 18 feet wide and if monies are available to install and maintain the stripe.
If you think your street meets the above requirements, contact the Resource Management Agency to request centerline striping.
How do I get edge lines painted on my street?
Edge Line (Fog Line) Installation Guidelines
The County may install edge lines (also known as fog lines) on streets if certain conditions are met:
1. Minor Roads
Edge lines may be added if:
- The road has a centerline and is at least 26 feet wide, and
- Either the area experiences heavy fog,
- Or the road curves or winds so much that it’s not safe to drive faster than 45 mph.
2. Major Roads
Edge lines may be added if:
- The road has a centerline and is at least 26 feet wide, and
- Any of the following is true:
- The area experiences heavy fog
- The road is too curvy for safe travel above 45 mph
- The road sees at least 500 vehicles a day
3. Residential Areas
Edge lines will not be added to roads located in residential areas, as defined by the California Vehicle Code.
4. Special Cases
Regardless of the above, edge lines may be installed in specific spots where the road narrows, at bridges, or where there are other safety concerns.
If you think your street qualifies for edge lines, please contact the Resource Management Agency.
About “No Parking” Signs in Front of Your Home
People parking near your home can be frustrating, but here's what the law says:
According to the California Vehicle Code, you cannot put up your own “No Parking” signs or anything that looks like an official traffic sign. Doing so is a violation of the law.
However, cities and counties can put up official signs. So if you want a "No Parking" sign in front of your home, you should contact the Resource Management Agency to request one.
My community organization would like to have a parade through our town. Do we need a permit for that?
Yes. You may fill out the online form. Click here to open the fillable Parade Permit Application
How do I report Road Hazards?
Contact RMA at (559) 624-7000