Visitors were joined by Supervisor Dennis Townsend (far right) on a walking tour of Setton Farms, the high-performing agricultural operation in Terra Bella, Calif., which supports more than 700 local jobs at peak harvest season. 

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Tulare County Planning Commissioners Bill Whitlatch (back right) and Gil Aguilar (back left) prepare to provide guidance on a project presented before the Planning Commission, held within the County of Tulare Board Chambers.

October marks National Community Planning Month, a time to reflect on how strong planning supports the health, safety, and prosperity of our communities. As we wrap up the month, the Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) has been reflecting on the impact of our planning professionals within the agency and across the region.

As the County of Tulare's Planning Director, I’m proud to work alongside colleagues and team members who view planning not just as a regulatory process but as a tool for economic growth, infrastructure resilience, and quality of life initiatives.

This edition highlights that spirit, from the launch of small businesses like Tony’s Taverna in Three Rivers, to the completion and management of major Public Works projects that lay the groundwork for responsible growth.

We also had the honor of hosting the 94th CCPCA Conference, where we shared how strategic planning, permitting, and cross-sector partnerships are shaping Tulare County’s future. Tulare County is one of only a few counties in California to earn the state’s Prohousing designation, tied to our Housing Element. This distinction continues to strengthen our ability to unlock funding and support innovative housing and community development efforts across the region.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy this month’s edition of In the Works.

Best regards,

Aaron Bock, MCRP, JD, LEED AP

RMA Planning Director

PUBLIC WORKS

ROADS CREW, ENGINEERING, & LAND SURVEYING TEAMS

Progress Across Tulare County Bringing More Safety and Convenience for Students, Businesses, and Visitors

In the last month, the RMA met major milestones for infrastructure improvements across Tulare County. Crews completed several high-impact projects, including the Road 64 Improvement Project leading to Goshen's new housing developments and safety striping enhancements through the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP).

Construction is also nearing completion on the new single-lane roundabout at Avenue 144 and Road 96 near Tipton, designed to improve traffic flow and safety. In Goshen, pedestrian upgrades near Goshen Elementary have wrapped up, making it safer for students walking to and from school. Countywide repairs funded by the Road Repair and Accountability Act (RRAA) also continue to strengthen our local road system.

Together, these projects will enhance the daily lives of thousands of Tulare County residents, including our youngest community members, and support visitors and businesses across the region. Reliable roads are also essential for our local economy. With $8.6 billion in ag activity in 2024 alone, these improvements play a vital role in keeping the Central Valley moving and feeding the world.

HSIP Cycle 11 – Pedestrian Crossing Enhancement Project at Goshen Elementary: This project brings critical safety upgrades to a high-traffic school zone, directly benefiting students and families who walk through this area daily.

Before: Pedestrian crossing at Goshen Elementary before improvements.

After: Pedestrian crossing at Goshen Elementary after improvements.

High school students interacted with the information booth set up by RMA staff to showcase career paths in engineering, building and more.

RMA Joins Trades Day 2025 to Inspire Future Talent

Earlier this month, RMA members from the Public Works team participated in Trades Day 2025 at the Porterville Fairgrounds, a regional event introducing students to careers in the skilled trades. RMA team members, Engineer II Jennifer Cervantes, RMA Coordinator Gumaro Rodriguez, and Engineering Technician II Omar Rodriguez, led a hands-on materials-testing activity, sparking interest in infrastructure and planning careers. With three distinct branches (Public Works, Economic Development & Planning, and Administrative Services), RMA offers dynamic opportunities for students who want to shape Tulare County’s future.

Request For Proposals (RFP):

Community Branding and Signage Design System for Tulare County’s Highway Corridors

Tulare County’s highway corridors may soon get a visual refresh. The Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG), in partnership with the Sustainable Corridors Committee, which includes the County of Tulare, the RMA, and local cities, has released a Request for Proposals to develop a unified community branding and signage design system for the region.

The project aims to highlight Tulare County’s agricultural roots, iconic natural landmarks, and distinct community identities through coordinated signage across unincorporated communities and cities alike. Proposed designs will feature consistent color palettes, typography, and materials that reflect regional pride and withstand California’s climate.

Note: This effort is for design services only. Fabrication and installation will be procured separately.

• RFP Release Date: October 22, 2025
• Proposals Due: February 18, 2026 (5:00 p.m. Pacific) 

Celebrating National Community Planning Month

October is National Community Planning Month, and Tulare County’s RMA has been celebrating the planners shaping our region’s future. Earlier this month, Planning staff attended the APA California Conference, where they gained insight into state policy updates, built new partnerships, and learned from innovative work by the City of Monterey. These opportunities help ensure Tulare County remains a leader in sustainable and equitable growth.

Tulare County Hosts the 94th Annual California County Planning Commissioners Association General Conference

Planning Commissioners from throughout the state learned about best land use practices from Tulare County experts at recent CCPCA Conference. CCPCA Northern District Director Melanie McCavour, Ph.D. raises hand to ask a question while listening to speakers at the TBIZ Incubator in Tulare, Calif.

The 94th Annual CCPCA Conference was proudly hosted by the County of Tulare on October 24–25. Over two days, planning commissioners from across California gathered to explore Tulare County’s approach to planning, housing, and infrastructure, with site visits to Setton Farms, Eagle Mountain Casino, Salt + Light, Calgren, and more.

A special lookbook was created for attendees, showcasing all eight cities and more than 40 unincorporated communities. Tulare County thanks all speakers, departments, and sponsors who helped highlight our region’s leadership in people-centered planning.

Special Thanks to the CCPCA Event Sponsors:

• City of Tulare
• Eagle Mountain Casino
• Setton Farms
• Calgren Renewable Fuels

Supervisor Amy Shuklian kicks off Day 1 of the CCPCA Conference.

Attendees receive a tour of Zumwalt Park / Adventist Health Ampitheater by City of Tulare City Manager Marc Mondell.

Attendees receive a tour of Calgren Renewable Fuels in Pixley, Calif. The local business is running research and development off Highway 99 to promote clean energy through ethanol production, methane conversion to natural gas, and carbon capture.

Tule River Tribe Chairman Shine Nieto (second from right) joins Supervisor Dennis Townsend (third from right) and RMA Associate Director Michael Washam (right) at a hosted lunch by Eagle Mountain Casino for CCPCA attendees.

Housing Policy in Action: How Tulare County’s Planning Efforts Are Unlocking Real Solutions

Tulare County is one of just a handful of counties in California to achieve and maintain the Prohousing designation, granted by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to enhance eligibility for key housing and infrastructure funding.

Led by the RMA Planning Division, this designation is already making a difference: local partners, such as Self-Help Enterprises and the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency (TCHHSA), have utilized it to secure critical resources.

At this year’s California County Planning Commissioners Association (CCPCA) General Conference, Self-Help CEO Tom Collishaw and TCHHSA Homeless Coordinator Noah Whitaker discussed how strong planning is driving real progress. They were joined by Salt + Light Chief Operating Officer, Erin Garner-Ford, also at the conference to speak about securing resources for mission-driven work.

TCHHSA Homeless Coordinator Noah Whitaker leads a discussion about housing and issues surrounding homelessness.

The Neighborhood Village in Goshen was a focal point of the CCPCA Conference, with Salt+Light Chief Operations Officer Erin Garner-Ford discussing the non-profit and its programming.

Be on the Lookout: Fraudulent Invoices Impersonating the County of Tulare

The County of Tulare Resource Management Agency (RMA) is alerting residents and businesses to ongoing scam attempts involving fraudulent invoices falsely claiming to be from the County or the Tulare County Planning Commission.


If you receive an invoice or payment request that seems unusual, verify it before taking action by contacting rma@tularecounty.ca.gov or calling (559) 624-7000.


Victims of fraud should contact the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigations at (559) 636-5410.

Example of a fraudulent invoice impersonating the Tulare County Planning Commission, which was reported to the RMA in September 2025.

BUILDING & PERMIT CENTER

Tulare County Simplifies Small Parcel Map Recordings (Effective October 30, 2025)

Simplified Example of a Parcel Map in Tulare County:  This simplified diagram illustrates how property lines are represented in a recorded parcel map, showing an example configuration for subdivisions involving four or fewer parcels. 

Starting October 30, 2025, Tulare County property owners will no longer need to prepay property taxes (known as “tax clearance”) when recording lot line adjustments or final parcel maps involving four or fewer parcels.

"Recording" means officially filing a parcel map with the County Recorder’s Office, which makes changes to property boundaries legally binding and part of the public record. This step occurs after a parcel map has been approved by County departments or a city’s planning office.

This change helps:

• Reduce paperwork and delays
• Lower upfront costs for property owners
• Align County practices with those already used in many local cities

Tax clearance is still required for tentative subdivision maps and final parcel maps involving five or more parcels.

Why this matters:

This change makes it easier and more affordable for property owners to manage, share, or transfer land, whether with family, friends, or business partners.

This update is part of a collaborative effort between the RMA and the Assessor’s Office, with implementation led by RMA.

Questions? Please email us at rma@tularecounty.ca.gov or call (559) 624-7000.

Tony’s Taverna Now Open in Three Rivers

Local Restaurateurs Maritza (center) and Tony (right) Konnaris cut the ribbon to their newly remodeled Mediterranean restaurant in Three Rivers, California. Photo courtesy: Stacey Williams.

The County of Tulare celebrated the grand opening of Tony’s Taverna on October 4, 2025. Owned by Tony and Maritza Konnaris, the restaurant transformed the former We Three Bakery into a Santorini-style Greek and Mediterranean destination.

This economic development project was also a key building and inspection project. With support from Supervisor Eddie Valero, the RMA Building team, and local chambers, this project created nearly 50 local jobs and adds another jewel to Tulare County’s culinary map.

Want to work towards something great? Work for the County of Tulare!

At the County of Tulare, every role makes a difference in strengthening our communities and shaping a brighter future. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to grow your skills, we offer opportunities that matter, supporting vital services, building infrastructure, protecting natural resources, and serving the people who call Tulare County home as well as those who are enjoying it on a memorable visit.

Explore current openings and find your next career path by visiting our website today.

Seeking Promotoras (Volunteers) for Tulare County Forest Resilience Outreach

The RMA is seeking dedicated Volunteer Promotoras to serve as community liaisons, connecting residents with vital wildfire and disaster preparedness resources through our Listos Grant Program.

Applicants must reside in mountain communities located on or adjacent to Hwy 190 and Hwy 198.

Questions? Please contact RMA Grants Specialist / Forest Health Coordinator Doreen Alvez (DCAlvez@tularecounty.ca.gov).

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