A community member looks up parcel information utilizing a public computer within the Government Plaza lobby. RMA Staff is nearby at all times to help guide our constituents as they interact with our services and processes.

LATEST UPDATES

FROM THE RMA

• Good News
• Public Works
• Economic Development, Planning & Tourism
• Building & Permit Center
• Fiscal and Administrative Services & Human Resources
• Grants & Resources
• RMA Monthly Data Report

As Tulare County continues to grow and evolve, we are proud to share the progress being made in streamlining processes, enhancing customer service, and advancing key projects that support our communities. Through dedicated planning, permitting, and development efforts, we are ensuring that Tulare County has the infrastructure and resources needed to thrive.

One major milestone is the Road 160 Sidewalk Improvement Project in Ivanhoe, a significant step toward improving pedestrian safety and accessibility. Infrastructure investments like this not only enhance mobility but also lay the foundation for future economic growth, making it easier for businesses and neighborhoods to flourish.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the many transformative projects on the horizon at the Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA). With continued collaboration and commitment, we will keep building on this momentum, creating a more connected, safe, and thriving Tulare County for all.

Best regards,

Aaron R. Bock, MCRP, JD, LEED AP

RMA Assistant Director of Economic Development and Planning

Infrastructure Upgrades in Ivanhoe

Before and after photos of the Road 160 Sidewalk Improvement Project in Ivanhoe showcase improvements.

PUBLIC WORKS

ROADS CREW, ENGINEERING, & LAND SURVEYING TEAMS

As of March 1, 2025, new speed limits have officially taken effect across several unincorporated residential and rural areas of Tulare County. Approved by the County of Tulare Board of Supervisors and recommended by the RMA, these changes aim to improve roadway safety for both drivers and pedestrians. Please note that these changes do not pertain to areas within city limits across our communities.

Completed Work You may have spotted our Signs Shop Team in the field updating signage across the region. As of mid-April, speed limit signage has been fully updated in the communities of Alpaugh, Allensworth, Cotton Center, Ducor, Exeter, Ivanhoe, Kingsburg, Plainview, Poplar, Richgrove, Three Rivers, Tipton, Tonyville, and Traver.

Work In Progress

Work is still underway in other areas, including Cutler/Orosi, Earlimart, Goshen, Lindsay, Pixley, Porterville, Seville, Strathmore, Sultana, Terra Bella, Tulare, Visalia, and Woodville.

Two Google Maps have been created to help visualize the upcoming changes.

Please continue to be alert and follow all posted speed limits as signage is refreshed.

Questions? Contact RMA@tularecounty.ca.gov

Supervisor Eddie Valero visits the RMA Signs Team on the job in the Ivanhoe community.

The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is a federal and state funding source administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) through the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.

HSIP aims to achieve significant reductions in traffic fatalities on public roads through data-driven and strategic approaches to improve the safety of public roads. In Cycle 12 of the HSIP, 288 projects were awarded for a total of $299.6 million dollars.

A summary of the County of Tulare’s application projects and awards are as follows:

Project 1: Corridor Safety Improvement Project

Project 2: Avenue 184 and Orange Belt Drive Intersection Improvement Project (Near Strathmore)

Project 3: Guardrails

Project 4: Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements (Orosi, Waukena, Woodville)

Annual Planning Report Affirms County’s Housing Progress

At the March 25, 2025 County of tulare Board of Supervisors meeting, RMA Assistant Director Aaron R. Bock, MCRP, JD, LEED AP, presented Tulare County’s 2024 Annual Progress Report. This update helps track how the County is meeting its long-term goals for housing and growth.

Housing Milestone: The County’s Housing Element, part of the County of Tulare's General Plan, was officially certified by the State of California in February 2025. This only happens once every eight years and helps Tulare County unlock funding and plan new housing for residents.

What is a General Plan?

A General Plan is like a roadmap that helps guide how land is used across Tulare County. It sets the foundation for what can go where, including where houses, stores, parks, or farmland should be. These land use rules are often referred to as "zoning" or "zoning regulations". The General Plan also helps residents and leaders make smart decisions about things like roads, schools, public safety, and how neighborhoods grow. It shapes the future of our communities and affects everyone, whether you rent or own a home, run a business, or work the land.

Questions About Planning or Zoning? Contact economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov.

Follow us on social media!

We set out on a mission to discover Tulare County’s best taco spots, and thanks to your input, we’ve mapped out an incredible selection! From taco trucks to local restaurants, your favorite spots have helped shape the ultimate Taco Trail.

What's Next?

We will release the Official Tulare County Taco Trail on Thursday, May 1, just in time for Cinco de Mayo celebrations! There will be opportunities to win prizes, and the promotional campaign will run through July 31, 2025!

Stay tuned for more information!

Questions? Contact us at economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov.

BUILDING & PERMIT CENTER

From home construction to commercial site planning, the Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) is committed to helping projects move forward with clarity and confidence. One key service available to residents, business owners, and developers is review by the Project Review Committee (PRC) - a cross-departmental team that brings together experts to provide comprehensive feedback on proposed developments.

The PRC process helps applicants better understand local zoning laws, environmental guidelines, infrastructure requirements, and fire safety standards before investing significant time or capital into a project. Whether you’re launching a new business or expanding an existing property, this collaborative review can help spot potential challenges early on, saving both time and money.

To get started, applicants are encouraged to contact a County of Tulare RMA planner to determine if a PRC review is recommended for their project. Once an application is submitted, a virtual PRC meeting is scheduled, where participants can hear from County experts in Planning, Public Works, Environmental Health, Building, Economic Development, and more. Afterward, applicants receive a summary letter with recommendations and next steps.

Fees and Timeline: The RMA's flat PRC Review Fee is $601 and includes a review by multiple departments. The full process takes about 4–5 weeks. If you're unsure whether your project qualifies, reach out to the Permit Center team, we’re here to help.

Questions? Please contact the Permit Center at (559) 624-7000.

At the Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA), the HR team plays a vital role in ensuring a safe and supportive work environment for RMA employees. From guiding staff through the hiring process to supporting employees, the team’s dedication to employees and the County is evident. Let's get to know the talented individuals who make up this essential part of the agency: Laura, Kim, and Eekeo.

By Doreen Alvez, RMA Grants Specialist and Firewise Regional Coordinator

The County of Tulare is proud to announce that the communities of Camp Nelson, Pierpoint, Doyle Springs, Cedar Slope, Coy Flat, Rogers Camp, and Ponderosa have joined together under the Firewise USA® banner to reduce their community wildfire risk.

The Upper Tule communities submitted a Firewise application to CalFire on February 19, 2024, and it is currently under review prior to formal submission to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) portal.

A few months later, the Upper Tule Firewise Safety Committee drafted a three-year plan to address the hazards identified by the risk assessment and is currently under review.

Communities interested in learning more or pursuing Firewise recognition should contact Firewise Regional Coordinator Doreen Alvez for guidance and support by emailing rma@tularecounty.ca.gov.

Tulare County's Upper Tule communities of Camp Nelson, Pierpoint, Doyle Springs, Cedar Slope, Coy Flat, Rogers Camp, and Ponderosa, lie along the path off State Route 190, also known as the Mighty 190.

Latest RMA Data Packet Now Available

RMA Data is now available in a single data packet including information regarding:

• Project Status Updates
• Public Works Field Operations
• Monthly Planning Report
• Building and Housing Report

Follow Us On Social Media

Several RMA initiatives also have an online presence. Search for the following accounts to keep up to date with the latest at our agency.

• Tulare County RMA: Facebook • Instagram
• Economic Development Office (Grow Tulare County): Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn
• Tourism News: (Discover Tulare County): Facebook • Instagram

Have a Story in Mind?

Send over your story idea and it may just make it into a future edition of this publication! To learn more, contact RMA Media Specialist Lacey Patrick by email (lpatrick@tularecounty.ca.gov).

RMA Contact Information and Quick Links

Government Plaza (RMA Headquarters)

5961 S. Mooney Boulevard, Visalia, CA 93277

Phone: (559) 624-7000 • FAX: (559) 615-3002

Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Fridays 8:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Email: rma@tularecounty.ca.gov

Building Permit Center Hours:

Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

Porterville Permit Center

 346 N. Porter Road, Porterville, CA

Phone: 559-782-6800 • 559-782-6801

Building Zone Information

Phone: (559) 624-7105

E-mail: Zone-Information@tularecounty.ca.gov

Public Information Requests

Email: rma@tularecounty.ca.gov