Local zoning · Loomis

Loomis — Development Standards

Development Standards under the Loomis local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page synthesizes the Town of Loomis zoning development standards for setbacks, height, lot coverage, density, and FAR as found in the local zoning ordinance (Title 13 of the Loomis Municipal Code). It focuses strictly on the zoning/development standards (not Title 24/Building Code or state housing law), and provides district-by-district guidance, a quick standards table, applicant checklist, risks, and source citations. For context on how the standards interact with other town processes, see the Loomis zoning & planning overview.

Key ordinance references and measurement rules (short)

  • Setbacks are measured and limited by the applicable zoning district and the setback rules in § 13.30.110; projections and limited exemptions are spelled out there.
  • Height limits and measurement rules are controlled by § 13.30.050 (height measurement, exceptions).
  • Landscaping and screening commitments referenced below are required by Chapter 13.34. See the Town landscaping standards for planting/location rules.
  • Parking requirements referenced by district point to Chapter 13.36; for parking standards see Loomis Parking.

(Whenever a district table is cited below it is drawn from the town's "Table 2-x" development standards in Title 13; each table notes the controlling section numbers.)

District-by-district breakdown

Note: the ordinance organizes district standards into tables (Table 2-3, 2-5, 2-7, 2-8, 2-11) and companion sections (e.g., § 13.24.050). Each bullet below states the principal dimensional controls and cites the specific code section or table.

RA — Residential Agricultural

  • Purpose / typical uses: large-lot agricultural and very low-density residential (see Table 2-3).
  • Key dimensional standards (Table 2-3 / § 13.24.020 et seq.): minimum lot size 4.6 acres, minimum width 160 ft, front setback 50 ft (75 ft if a street/drive falls within that setback), side yards 25 ft, rear 25 ft, and maximum lot coverage 20% (may be increased to 25% on nonconforming parcels per table notes).
  • Height: 35 ft typical (see § 13.30.050 for measurement/exceptions).
  • Where it applies: rural/agricultural fringe areas shown on the zoning map (Chapter 13.20).

RE — Residential Estate

  • Purpose / uses: estate residential with large lots (Table 2-3).
  • Dimensional standards: minimum lot size 2.3 acres, side/interior setbacks 25 ft, lot coverage 20%, height 35 ft.

RR — Rural Residential

  • Purpose: smaller rural parcels than RA/RE with single-family homes (Table 2-3).
  • Standards: minimum lot size 40,000 sf, front setback typically 40 ft (see table), lot coverage ~20%, height 35 ft.

RS (single-family categories) — including RS-20, RS-10, RS-10a (see Table 2-5 / § 13.24.050)

  • Purpose: single-family residential with different density suffixes (the zoning map appends numeric suffixes that change min lot size and site coverage).
  • Representative standards (Table 2-5 / § 13.24.050): RS-20 — 1 dwelling unit per parcel, minimum lot size 20,000 sf, coverage 25%; RS-10 — minimum lot size 10,000 sf, coverage 35%. Second-story and accessory structure special rules apply for smaller lots; see § 13.42.265 and § 13.42.260 for second-story and accessory structure restrictions.

RM — Multi-family residential

  • Purpose: multifamily apartments/condos; density and minimum lot sizes vary by suffix (Table 2-5).
  • Standards: table lists maximum units per parcel, minimum lot areas, lot coverage limits, and other site requirements; check the specific suffix shown on the zoning map for applicable limits (see § 13.24.050 and Table 2-5).

RH (including RH-20)

  • Purpose: higher-density residential, with RH-20 facilitating 20–25 units/acre for affordable housing flexibility. The RH-20 allows a minimum of 20 units/acre and up to 25 units/acre "by right"; alternative standards and RH-specific regulations are in § 13.24.040, § 13.42.250, and Table 2-4.

CO — Office Commercial

  • Purpose: professional office and limited commercial along key corridors.
  • Standards (Table 2-7 / § 13.26.050): minimum lot size 5,000 sf (for subdivisions), front setback 15 ft minimum but offices limited to a maximum 15 ft setback unless design review allows otherwise, FAR up to 0.60, height typically 30 ft / 2 stories.

CG — General Commercial

  • Purpose: general retail and commercial.
  • Standards (Table 2-7): lot coverage up to 50%, height 35 ft / 2 stories, setbacks typically 15 ft, and FAR 0.60 where listed.

CC — Central Commercial (downtown)

  • Purpose: pedestrian-oriented downtown commerce.
  • Standards (Table 2-8): lot coverage up to 100% (built-to / zero lot-line allowed), height 35 ft / up to 3 stories in some instances, specific FAR minimums and maximums apply and parking must be designed so upper-FAR projects do not undermine pedestrian orientation. See the CC/CT table and § 13.30.050 for measurement.

CT — Tourist / Destination Commercial

  • Purpose: visitor-serving commercial and destination retail.
  • Standards (Table 2-8): lot coverage typically 40%, height 35 ft / 3 stories (45 ft possible for hotels/theaters with Fire Dept. approval), residential density 2–10 units/acre for mixed-use projects where applicable.

PI — Public / Institutional

  • Purpose: public buildings, schools, institutions.
  • Standards (Table 2-11): minimum lot size 5,000 sf (subdivision-determined), front setbacks generally none required except as set by design review or permit, height and other standards subject to site-specific review.

Quick standards table (decision‑relevant excerpt)

District Typical min lot / density Front setback Side / rear Max lot coverage / FAR Height Code reference
RA 4.6 acres min 50 ft (75 ft where street in setback) 25 ft side 20% (may allow 25% nonconform) 35 ft Table 2-3; § 13.24.020 / § 13.30.050
RS-20 20,000 sf; 1 DU/parcel (Table 2-5) (Table 2-5) 25% 35 ft Table 2-5; § 13.24.050 / § 13.30.050
RS-10 10,000 sf see Table 2-5 see Table 2-5 35% 35 ft Table 2-5; § 13.24.050
CO 5,000 sf (subdivision) 15 ft min (offices max 15 ft) 15 ft if abutting R zone FAR 0.60; lot cov. 60% 30 ft / 2 stories Table 2-7; § 13.26.050
CC 5,000 sf (typical) variable / zero lot-line allowed variable 100% coverage; FAR varies 35 ft (3 stories) Table 2-8; § 13.30.050
CT mixed-use standards (2–10 u/ac) 15 ft (Taylor Rd exceptions) 10 ft where abuts R 40% 35 ft (45 ft for hotels w/approval) Table 2-8; § 13.26.060 / § 13.30.050
PI 5,000 sf (subdivision) none required (subject to design review) site-specific site-specific site-specific Table 2-11; § 13.30.050

Notes: these are decision-relevant highlights; consult the specific table row and the related sections for accessory structure limits, building separations, and exceptions (see § 13.42.260, § 13.42.265 for accessory/residential special rules).

Practical guidance / translation (how to use the code)

  • Start with the zoning map to determine the precise numeric suffix (for RS/RM) because Table 2-5 uses suffixes to set lot size and coverage. The review authority applies the suffix shown on the map to the property; see § 13.24.050.
  • For setbacks and measurement questions use § 13.30.110 for setback measurement rules and limited exemptions; eaves and overhangs are not permitted to cross property lines. Verify whether an infill or specific plan establishes different setbacks as allowed by that section.
  • If you plan a downtown or Central Commercial (CC) project, assume zero lot line / full coverage is possible but design review will tightly control pedestrian orientation and parking layouts; consult the design review process at Loomis Design Review and the parking chapter.
  • Accessory structures and second stories on smaller residential lots are governed by § 13.42.260 and § 13.42.265; these can limit accessory structure height and second-story allowances on lots under certain sizes—verify the parcel size triggers.
  • Landscaping and screening requirements are not optional: Chapter 13.34 controls placement of landscaping in setbacks and around parking; see Loomis Landscaping and Screening for how plantings and buffers affect setback layout.

Internal links you may need while applying: see Loomis Zoning for district definitions, Loomis Parking for parking standards, Loomis Design Review for design-related setback/placement exceptions, Loomis Overlay Districts for additional overlay controls (riparian, historic), Loomis ADUs for accessory dwelling specifics, California Building Standards Code for building-level compliance, and Loomis Landscaping and Screening for planting/setback landscaping rules.

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

  • Confirm zoning district and numeric suffix on the Town zoning map (Chapter 13.20) and note any overlay districts.
  • Verify minimum lot size/density, coverage, and setbacks in the correct Table (Table 2-3 / Table 2-5 / Table 2-7 / Table 2-8 / Table 2-11) and cite the applicable table row.
  • Confirm height limit and measurement method per § 13.30.050.
  • Check accessory building and second-story special rules (if lot < 40,000 sf or < 20,000 sf) in § 13.42.260 and § 13.42.265.
  • Prepare parking plan consistent with Chapter 13.36 and site layout so FAR and pedestrian objectives are not compromised (see Loomis Parking).
  • Submit landscape plan meeting Chapter 13.34 perimeter and parking-lot landscaping requirements; provide screening where required.
  • Determine whether design review or a MUP/use permit/variance is required (see Loomis Design Review and Loomis Variances and Exceptions).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Applicability of numeric suffixes for RS/RM The numeric suffix controls minimum lot area and coverage; using the wrong suffix changes allowed units/coverage. Verify the zoning map suffix for the parcel and use Table 2-5 / § 13.24.050.
Accessory building height exceptions ADU/garage height rules differ by lot size and may trigger a Minor Use Permit (MUP). Check § 13.42.260 for accessory structure height limits and MUP triggers.
FAR and parking interplay in commercial zones Higher FARs may require structured solutions or special parking arrangements to preserve pedestrian orientation. Confirm FAR caps in the district table and parking compliance per Chapter 13.36; design review may limit exceptions.
Downtown setbacks (Taylor Rd / Horseshoe Bar Rd exceptions) Certain streets have specific front-setback rules (zero setback on Taylor Rd except by design review). Verify the street-specific rules in Table 2-8 and § 13.30.110.
State ADU law vs. local development standards State ADU rules can preempt some local limits (e.g., maximum sizes/setbacks) for qualifying ADUs. Consult Loomis ADUs page and compare local accessory structure rules to state ADU provisions; where state law applies, it may supersede local standards. If not found in retrieved materials, verify with the jurisdiction.

Information Gaps

  • Full permitted-use lists per district (Table 2-6 and full use tables) were not included in the retrieved snippets; the exact allowed/conditional uses per district should be checked in the full Title 13 tables. Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Complete numeric parking ratios (Chapter 13.36 specifics) were referenced but full numeric standards (spaces per unit or per 1,000 sf) were not present in the retrieved excerpts. Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Some FAR minima / maxima are shown for certain commercial districts, but a comprehensive FAR schedule across all districts was not present in the excerpts. Verify with the full code tables. Not found in retrieved materials.

Plain-English Summary

Loomis sets district-specific development rules (minimum lot sizes, setbacks, height limits, coverage, FAR and density) in Title 13. Single-family zones (RS suffixes) use numeric suffixes to control minimum lot area and coverage; commercial and downtown districts allow much higher coverage and different setback rules. Always start with the parcel's zoning suffix, consult the appropriate Table (e.g., Table 2-5 for RS/RM, Table 2-7 for CO/CG, Table 2-8 for CC/CT), and apply setback measurement rules in § 13.30.110 and height rules in § 13.30.050.

Source References

  • Title 13, Table 2-3 — RA / RE / RR district standards; see the RA/RE/RR table and notes (Table 2-3).
  • Title 13, Table 2-5 and § 13.24.050 — RS & RM density, parcel size and site coverage.
  • Title 13, Table 2-7 and § 13.26.050 — CO and CG district development standards.
  • Title 13, Table 2-8 and referenced CT/CC provisions — CC and CT district standards, Taylor Rd / Horseshoe Bar Rd exceptions.
  • Title 13, Table 2-11 — PI district development standards.
  • § 13.30.050 — Height limits and measurement rules.
  • § 13.30.110 — Setback regulations, measurement, and exceptions.
  • Chapter 13.34 — Landscaping (landscaping location and parking-lot plantings).
  • § 13.42.260, § 13.42.265 — Residential accessory structures and second-story limits on small lots.
  • Planning organization and review authority: § 13.70.020–060 (planning agency / director authorities).

Internal links used in text:

  • Loomis zoning & planning overview: /us/california/loomis
  • Loomis Zoning (districts): /us/california/loomis/zoning
  • Loomis Parking: /us/california/loomis/parking
  • Loomis Design Review: /us/california/loomis/design-review
  • Loomis Overlay Districts: /us/california/loomis/overlay-districts
  • Loomis ADUs: /us/california/loomis/adu
  • California Building Standards Code (Title 24): /us/california/building-codes
  • Loomis Landscaping and Screening: /us/california/loomis/landscaping-and-screening

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Loomis Zoning Code (Section 13.42.260) High relevance
  • Loomis Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Loomis Zoning Code High relevance
  • Loomis Zoning Code High relevance
  • Loomis Zoning Code (Section G.) High relevance
  • CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) High relevance
  • Loomis Zoning Code (Section 13.34.040) High relevance
  • Loomis Zoning Code High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-1 or RS lot in Loomis?

Use and bulk rules depend on the RS suffix shown on the zoning map. For single-family districts the numeric suffix (e.g., RS-20, RS-10) sets minimum lot area, maximum site coverage, and allowable units; consult Table 2-5 and § 13.24.050 to determine the exact lot area and coverage for your parcel. Accessory dwelling rules (ADUs) and accessory structure height/second-story limits are set in § 13.42.260 and § 13.42.265.

What are Loomis setback requirements?

Minimum setbacks are set in each district table (for example, Table 2-3, Table 2-5, Table 2-7) and measured according to § 13.30.110; setbacks can vary by street (Taylor Rd, Horseshoe Bar Rd have specific rules) and projection exemptions are spelled out in that section. Always measure from the back of sidewalk where a planting strip exists unless the director authorizes otherwise.

What height limits apply in Loomis?

Height limits are district-specific (many residential and commercial districts list 35 ft or 30 ft); measurement rules and exceptions are in § 13.30.050. Certain commercial uses (hotels/theaters) in CT may permit 45 ft with fire department approval.

How much lot coverage am I allowed on my property?

Lot coverage limits appear in the district tables: for example, RA 20%, RS-20 25%, RS-10 35%, CG 50%, CC up to 100%; check the table that matches your zoning district (Table 2-3, Table 2-5, Table 2-7, Table 2-8). See the table notes for exceptions and review authority discretion.

Does Loomis use Floor Area Ratio (FAR)?

Yes — some commercial districts specify FAR (for example, CO lists FAR 0.60; CC/CT include FAR ranges and minimums in their table). FAR rules are in the district tables and project-specific FAR higher than certain thresholds may trigger parking or design review considerations. See Table 2-7 and Table 2-8 and § 13.26.050.

Are there special rules for downtown (Central Commercial)?

Yes. The CC district is pedestrian-oriented and allows high lot coverage (up to 100%), zero lot-line development, and higher FARs—however, design review and parking arrangement requirements emphasize pedestrian character. See Table 2-8 and design review rules.

Do accessory buildings or ADUs face special height or setback limits in Loomis?

Yes. Accessory buildings on lots under 20,000 sf may be limited to 15 ft unless a Minor Use Permit is obtained; second stories on lots under 40,000 sf are specifically governed by § 13.42.265. Also check the local ADU rules and state ADU law interplay (see Loomis ADUs and state ADU guidance).

If my parcel abuts a residential zone, do side setbacks change?

Many nonresidential districts require 15 ft side setbacks along a lot line abutting an R zone (see CO/CG setbacks in Table 2-7). Always confirm the district table for abutting-residential setback rules and measurement method under § 13.30.110.

When is design review required vs. allowed to modify setbacks?

Design review can authorize certain variations (for example, courtyard entries or Taylor Rd frontage exceptions in CT/CC) but the design-review process and its authority are established elsewhere in the code; consult Loomis Design Review and § 13.26.050 or the district-specific design standards. Verify when design review is required for your permit type.

Can I exceed district height limits for a hotel or theater?

In the CT district certain uses (hotels, motels, theaters) may reach 45 ft with Fire Department approval; otherwise standard district height caps apply and are measured per § 13.30.050.

What if my lot is part of a previously approved subdivision with different setbacks?

If a specific plan, subdivision map, or entitlement established site-specific setbacks for your parcel, those apply instead of the standards in Title 13 (see § 13.30.110 on infill and previously approved projects). Always check recorded entitlements.

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