What is under concrete in Tulare
| Soil | Share | Drainage | Shrink-swell | Corrosion of concrete | Rating for homes on slabs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colpien | 52% | Moderately well drained | Moderate | Moderate | Very limitedFlooding, Shrink-swell |
| Nord | 32% | Well drained | Low | Low | Very limitedFlooding |
| Flamen | 8% | Moderately well drained | Moderate | Low | Very limitedFlooding, Shrink-swell |
| Yettem | 8% | Well drained | Low | Low | Very limitedFlooding |
The USDA soil survey maps the ground in Tulare mostly as Colpien (52%), Nord (32%), Flamen (8%) and Yettem (8%), based on 25 points sampled across the city.
For shrink-swell, the swelling and shrinking of clay as it wets and dries, Colpien and Flamen are moderate and Nord and Yettem are low.
The survey rates the risk of corrosion to concrete as moderate for Colpien. The rest are rated low.
Why it matters: USDA’s California soil interpretations say that once linear extensibility passes 3 percent, the line between low and moderate shrink-swell, shrinking and swelling can damage buildings, roads and other structures.
USDA says corrosion of concrete is driven mainly by the soil’s sulfate and sodium content, texture, moisture and acidity. NRMCA’s durability guide lists sulfate-resisting cements, such as Type II and Type V, and lower permeability as the way concrete is made to resist sulfate exposure.
Flood zones in Tulare
FEMA’s flood map puts none of the 25 land points sampled in Tulare in a Special Flood Hazard Area, the zone with a 1% annual chance of flooding. All fell in zone X (25).
The soil survey also lists flooding as a limit for some of these soils. That comes from the survey’s own flood-frequency class for each soil, which is a separate record from FEMA’s map.
Tulare at a glance
- CountyTulare County
- Land area20.7 square miles
- From Exeter12.6 miles, straight line
- Main soilColpien, 52% of sampled ground
Driveway and sidewalk permits in Tulare
The City of Tulare’s Engineering Division issues encroachment permits for work in the city right-of-way.
Inspections are booked through the inspection line or by email at least 48 hours ahead, and the city updated its encroachment insurance requirements on January 1, 2025.
City of Tulare Engineering Division · (559) 684-4213 (inspection line)
Outside city limits: Tulare County says work performed on a county right-of-way needs an encroachment permit. That covers homes on county roads outside city limits.
More: what drives concrete driveway cost and permits city by city.
Services in Tulare
- Driveway ReplacementOld driveway out, new driveway in. The first job on Tim’s list.
- New Concrete DrivewaysNew builds and existing homes, poured to the garage.
- Stamped and Decorative ConcreteStamped texture, circles, curved borders and seat walls.
- Concrete PatiosBackyard patios, pool surrounds and poured steps.
- Foundations and SlabsHouse slabs, footings and piers for new builds.
Recent Tru Concrete work
Photos are from Tim’s jobs across his service area, not necessarily Tulare.
Tru Concrete also works in
Tulare concrete FAQs
What does the USDA soil survey say about the ground in Tulare?
The USDA soil survey maps the ground in Tulare mostly as Colpien (52%), Nord (32%), Flamen (8%) and Yettem (8%), based on 25 points sampled across the city. For shrink-swell, the swelling and shrinking of clay as it wets and dries, Colpien and Flamen are moderate and Nord and Yettem are low. The survey rates the risk of corrosion to concrete as moderate for Colpien. The rest are rated low.
Where is Tru Concrete based?
Exeter, California, about 12.6 miles from Tulare in a straight line. Tim drives up to 35 to 40 minutes by freeway for an estimate.
Do I need a permit for driveway work in Tulare?
The City of Tulare’s Engineering Division issues encroachment permits for work in the city right-of-way. Contact City of Tulare Engineering Division at (559) 684-4213 (inspection line).
Is Tulare in a FEMA flood zone?
FEMA’s flood map puts none of the 25 land points sampled in Tulare in a Special Flood Hazard Area, the zone with a 1% annual chance of flooding. All fell in zone X (25).