Exeter, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City of Exeter states it partners with Tulare County because of modest growth, and confirms building permits for Exeter are issued by Tulare County rather than directly by city staff.

Department

City of Exeter, with permits and inspections administered by Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) Building Department

Address

City of Exeter, 137 North F Street, Exeter, CA 93221; Tulare County RMA, 5961 South Mooney Boulevard, Visalia, CA 93277

Phone

City Planner (559) 802-3052; Tulare County Building Department (559) 624-7104; permit intake/help (559) 624-7000

Email

rma@tularecounty.ca.gov , City_Planner@4-creeks.com

Website

https://cityofexeter.ca.gov/departments/administration/planningbuilding/buildingfaqs/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

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.

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.

Source: City of Exeter, with permits and inspections administered by Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) Building Department

General Requirements

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$154.00 minimum submittal fee for most submittals, as stated by Tulare County.

Plan check fee

County pages do not provide a standalone public line item in the accessible permit-entry pages.

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.

Penalty (no permit)

Noncompliance can result in penalties and work may require permits with possible double fees.

Payment note

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. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• 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

Important: Separate plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permits may still be required. If uncertain, consult the permit center before starting.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• TCPermits (online)
• (559) 624-7104 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Request inspections in the required sequence before occupancy; work must be complete and ready for each inspection.

Additional Resources

• 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.
• County permits
• County permit prerequisites
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

Other cities in Tulare County