On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Exeter
Required for most new construction, many remodel or repair activities, and structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical changes; most projects need a permit before work starts.
Detached one-story structures under 120 sq ft
Fences 6 feet or shorter
Movable counters or partitions under 5 ft 9 in
Retaining walls under 4 ft when they do not support hazardous loads
Water tanks up to 5,000 gallons with height-to-width ratio not over 2:1
Platforms, walkways, or driveways under 30 inches and not over occupied lower levels
Painting, wallpaper, and finish work
Temporary movie or theater sets
Small window awnings projecting 54 inches or less
Prefabricated above-ground pools up to 5,000 gallons
- Exempt Detached one-story structures under 120 sq ft
- Exempt Fences 6 feet or shorter
- Exempt Movable counters or partitions under 5 ft 9 in
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 ft when they do not support hazardous loads
- Exempt Water tanks up to 5,000 gallons with height-to-width ratio not over 2:1
- Exempt Platforms, walkways, or driveways under 30 inches and not over occupied lower levels
- Exempt Painting, wallpaper, and finish work
- Exempt Temporary movie or theater sets
- Exempt Small window awnings projecting 54 inches or less
- Exempt Prefabricated above-ground pools up to 5,000 gallons
Note: Separate plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permits may still be required. If uncertain, consult the permit center before starting.
Required documents
- Three plot plans showing building plans, setbacks, and utilities
- Two full sets of plans including foundation, elevations, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and energy calculations
- Any required driveway or road plans for State Responsibility Area projects
- Approved plans and permit documents for inspections
- Building code
- City cites Uniform Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, and National Electrical codes; Tulare County applies the 2025 California Building Codes and related Title 24 parts for permits.
- Permit validity
- Tulare County code indicates approved permits can expire after three years if no permit is issued or used; issued permits generally expire if work is not completed within timed limits that vary by permit type, with limited extension requests possible.
- Owner-builder
- Property owner may obtain the permit but acts as Contractor of Record.
- Contractor requirements
- Permit must be issued to the property owner or a licensed contractor; commercial plans must be prepared by a California licensed architect or engineer.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by complexity; simple permits may be fast or over-the-counter, while complex projects can require longer review and outside specialty review.
- 01 Confirm whether a permit is needed and ask about any required approvals such as utility or health review.
- 02 Start at the Tulare County Permit Center and use the online permit portal for account-based intake.
- 03 Submit a complete permit package with application, plans, plot plans, and required calculations or drawings.
- 04 Pay minimum or initial fees at submittal and allow for review.
- 05 Respond to corrections if plan check issues comments.
- 06 Permit is issued after approval and payment; some simple permits may be approved quickly while complex projects take longer.
- 07 Obtain permit card or documents where required and schedule inspections.
- 08 Request and complete inspections in the required sequence before occupancy.
Typical processing time: Varies by complexity; simple permits may be fast or over-the-counter, while complex projects can require longer review and outside specialty review.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Exeter building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$154.00 minimum submittal fee for most submittals, as stated by Tulare County.
02
Plan check fee
County pages do not provide a standalone public line item in the accessible permit-entry pages.
03
Permit fee formula
Fees are based on project type and scope; some work is valuation-based and school impact fees may also apply per square foot.
04
Penalty (no permit)
Noncompliance can result in penalties and work may require permits with possible double fees.
County accepts checks and cards online; card payments have a 3.5% surcharge; cash is generally for in-person appointments. Online payments use the county utility billing or payment site.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- TCPermits (online)
- (559) 624-7104 (phone)
Typical sequence: Request inspections in the required sequence before occupancy; work must be complete and ready for each inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Exeter permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Exeter, CA? ▸
Required for most new construction, many remodel or repair activities, and structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical changes; most projects need a permit before work starts.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Exeter, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Exeter, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $154.00 minimum submittal fee for most submittals, as stated by Tulare County.. Fees are calculated as: Fees are based on project type and scope; some work is valuation-based and school impact fees may also apply per square foot.. Plan check fee: County pages do not provide a standalone public line item in the accessible permit-entry pages..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Exeter, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Exeter, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm whether a permit is needed and ask about any required approvals such as utility or health review. 2. Start at the Tulare County Permit Center and use the online permit portal for account-based intake. 3. Submit a complete permit package with application, plans, plot plans, and required calculations or drawings. 4. Pay minimum or initial fees at submittal and allow for review. 5. Respond to corrections if plan check issues comments. 6. Permit is issued after approval and payment; some simple permits may be approved quickly while complex projects take longer. 7. Obtain permit card or documents where required and schedule inspections. 8. Request and complete inspections in the required sequence before occupancy.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Exeter, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Exeter, CA typically run Varies by complexity; simple permits may be fast or over-the-counter, while complex projects can require longer review and outside specialty review.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Exeter, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Exeter, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Detached one-story structures under 120 sq ft; Fences 6 feet or shorter; Movable counters or partitions under 5 ft 9 in; Retaining walls under 4 ft when they do not support hazardous loads; Water tanks up to 5,000 gallons with height-to-width ratio not over 2:1; Platforms, walkways, or driveways under 30 inches and not over occupied lower levels; Painting, wallpaper, and finish work; Temporary movie or theater sets; Small window awnings projecting 54 inches or less; Prefabricated above-ground pools up to 5,000 gallons. Note: Separate plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permits may still be required. If uncertain, consult the permit center before starting. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Exeter, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Exeter, CA via: TCPermits, (559) 624-7104.
last verified April 2026
source City of Exeter, with permits and inspections administered by Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) Building Department ↗
entry id permits/california/tulare/exeter
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Exeter, with permits and inspections administered by Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.