Local zoning · Loomis

Loomis — Signage

Q: What sign rules apply to a single-family home lot in Loomis?

For residential zones (RA, RE, RR, RS, RM, RH) the code allows a single wall or freestanding sign per entrance or street frontage; freestanding signs are limited to 6 ft in height; each sign may be up to 32 sq ft , with 64 sq ft total per parcel. See § 13.38.060(A) and the measurement rules in § 13.38.050 .

Q: Does a sign project over a sidewalk and what are the clearance rules?

Projecting signs may project up to 36 inches over a sidewalk (maximum) and must maintain at least 8 ft of clearance from the bottom of the sign to walking surface. Projecting sign face area for pedestrian‑oriented signs is limited (maximum 9 sq ft per projecting sign face). See § 13.38.070(G) .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page explains how the Town of Loomis regulates signs under its zoning ordinance (Title 13). It pulls the controlling local rules for sign types, size, height, placement, illumination, temporary signs, nonconforming signs, and permit triggers so applicants and homeowners know what the code actually requires. Where the code ties sign rules to zoning districts, this page shows the district-level differences and the key sections to check before you design or install a sign.

How to read this page

For the town's zoning map and the name of the zoning districts, see the Loomis Zoning overview.
For site-level rules that also affect signs (front setbacks, lot coverage, etc.), see Loomis Development Standards and Loomis Parking.
If your project needs aesthetic review, see Loomis Design Review.
If your property sits in a special overlay or historic area, check Loomis Overlay Districts and Loomis Historic Preservation.
Building-safety requirements (structural, electrical for illuminated signs) are enforced through the California Building Standards Code / Title 24; this page stays focused only on Loomis’s zoning/sign rules.

(Links above are the first natural inline mentions of those supporting topics.)

What the Loomis sign ordinance controls (big picture)

The Loomis sign rules are in Title 13, Chapter 13.38 (Signs). The chapter states purpose and applicability, permit triggers, general measurement and design rules, zoning-district limits, standards for particular sign types (window, projecting, freestanding, temporary, marquee, murals, etc.), prohibited signs, exceptions, nonconforming rules, and enforcement (see § 13.38.010 – § 13.38.120) .
Sign area, height, number, location, illumination, and aesthetic requirements are applied differently in residential vs commercial/industrial/public zones; the district rules reference the zoning districts established in Table 2‑1 (Section 13.20.020) (e.g., RA, RE, RR, RS, RM, RH, CO, CG, CC, CT, BP, ILT, IL, PI) . The master standard for district sign rules is § 13.38.060 .

District-by-district breakdown (what matters for signs)

Notes: The ordinance lists the districts in Table 2‑1 and applies the sign chapter across those districts; the sign chapter then splits standards into groups (residential; commercial/industrial; industrial/public). For full development standards (setbacks, height, lot coverage) consult Loomis Development Standards. The key sign provisions cited below are in Chapter 13.38.

Residential districts — RA, RE, RR, RS, RM, RH

Purpose & where applied: These residential districts implement the range from rural/agricultural to high-density housing (see Table 2‑1) .
Typical permitted uses: detached homes, accessory structures, limited accessory retail/service in some zones (see Division 2 and specific use regs) .
Sign rules (summary): Residential parcels are limited to wall or freestanding signs; freestanding signs are limited to 6 ft in height; wall signs must be placed below the edge of the roof; one sign per entrance or street frontage; maximum 32 sq ft each and 64 sq ft total per parcel. See § 13.38.060(A) for these limits and measurement rules in § 13.38.050 .
Practical note: political signs and small address numbers have separate allowances (see § 13.38.030(E) and § 13.38.050(E)) — political signs are allowed without a permit but size/time limits apply .

Commercial districts — CO, CG, CC, CT

Purpose & where applied: The CO (Office), CG (General Commercial), CC (Central Commercial / downtown), and CT (Tourist/Destination) zones are downtown, corridor, and regional retail/office areas where pedestrian orientation and mixed commercial uses are expected .
Typical permitted uses: retail, restaurants, offices, lodging and mixed-use per district tables (see Chapter 13.26 and Table 2‑6) .
Sign rules (summary): Commercial sites have more flexibility but also formula-based limits: combination of wall, awning, projecting, suspended, freestanding and window signs is allowed; single-tenant buildings generally may have up to 3 signs on the primary frontage plus one on a secondary frontage; sign area for interior parcels is calculated as 1 sq ft per linear foot of primary building frontage (plus 0.5 sf per foot of secondary frontage), with minimum 25 sf and maximum 200 sf per use and corner-parcel adjustments; freestanding sign heights are typically limited to 6 ft unless specific allowances apply. See § 13.38.060(B) and Table 3‑11 and the measurement rules in § 13.38.050 .
Practical note: downtown CC (Central Commercial) has pedestrian-oriented design expectations; projecting/iconic pedestrian signs and careful materials are encouraged and cabinet "can" signs are prohibited in projecting sign rules (§ 13.38.070, projecting sign rules) .

Industrial / Business Park districts — BP, ILT, IL

Purpose & where applied: BP (Business Park), ILT (Limited Industrial), and IL (Light Industrial) accommodate manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and supporting uses; see Table 2‑10/2‑9 for specifics .
Typical permitted uses: indoor warehousing, light manufacturing, distribution, office-support; accessory retail limited to serve employees (see §§ 13.28, 13.42) .
Sign rules (summary): these zones follow the commercial/industrial sign standards in § 13.38.060(B) and Table 3‑11; allowed sign types include freestanding, wall, awning, and directory signs; multi‑tenant centers may be allowed an additional freestanding identification sign area based on linear frontage (0.25 sf per lf of primary frontage to a maximum) — review Table 3‑11 and § 13.38.070 for second-floor/tenant directory allowances .
Practical note: industrial sites must also coordinate signage with parking/loading/landscaping so signs don’t conflict with circulation or required screening (see Landscaping and Parking chapters) .

Public/Institutional — PI

Purpose & where applied: PI (Public/Institutional) covers public facilities (schools, libraries, government offices, public assembly) and is listed in Table 2‑1 .
Typical permitted uses: public buildings, assembly, schools, libraries, some recreational uses (see Table 2‑9) .
Sign rules (summary): PI sites are governed by the same general sign chapter but the review authority may allow reader boards and special recognition/directional signage for public assembly uses (for example institutional reader boards are permitted up to 16 sq ft as a freestanding sign; larger reader boards require a minor use permit) — see § 13.38.070 and related subsections for reader board and directional sign standards .

Key standards at-a-glance

Topic	Residential districts	Commercial/Industrial/PI	Code reference
Allowed primary types	Wall or freestanding	Wall, awning, projecting, suspended, freestanding, window, directory	§ 13.38.060; § 13.38.070
Max freestanding height	6 ft	Generally 6 ft for small signs; larger allowed by specific provisions (see freeway signs)	§ 13.38.060; § 13.38.050(B)
Max sign area per parcel	32 sf each; 64 sf total per parcel	Interior parcel: 1 sf per linear ft primary frontage (plus 0.5 sf per lf secondary); min 25 sf and max 200 sf per use	§ 13.38.060 (Tables 3‑10 & 3‑11)
Window sign limit	Not allowed in residential; commercial limited to 20% of ground‑floor window area	Commercial only; 20% of ground‑floor window area for permanent/temporary window signs	§ 13.38.070(J)
Projection limits (over sidewalk)	N/A (residential: below roof)	Max 36 in over sidewalk; min 8 ft clearance; area limit 9 sq ft per projecting sign face	§ 13.38.070(G)
Illumination rules	Not to interfere with residential enjoyment; shielded, no blinking	External illumination preferred; no blinking/flashing; cabinet can signs discouraged/prohibited in some contexts	§ 13.38.050(F)
Temporary signs (political/real estate/temporary business)	Political: limited size/time; real estate: small on-site signs; temporary business opening signs allowed in commercial up to 30 days	Temporary commercial openings: up to 30 days and up to 50% of allowed sign area; construction/subdivision signs have specific limits	§ 13.38.030(E); § 13.38.070(G); § 13.38.070(6)

Selected special rules (practical items)

“Reader boards” and freeway‑oriented signs are controlled by special subsections: institutional reader boards up to 16 sf are allowed as freestanding signs for theaters or institutions; freeway‑oriented signs require a use permit and are tightly restricted (only adjacent to I‑80 and qualifying large sites); height above 30 ft needs explicit commission findings and a site procedure to measure visibility from I‑80 (§ 13.38.070(E)) .
Murals in commercial or PI districts are permitted subject to design review and are not counted against the standard sign area (§ 13.38.070(F)) .
Animated/electronic variable‑message signs, blinking or flashing signs, balloons, pennants, roof signs, and pole/pylon signs over six feet are generally prohibited (examples listed in § 13.38.040) — the code emphasizes safety and aesthetics as the basis for these prohibitions .
Nonconforming signs: you may change sign copy and do limited nonstructural maintenance, but you cannot enlarge or structurally alter a nonconforming sign to extend its life; destroyed signs over 50% value cannot be re‑established (§ 13.38.090) .

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy before a sign permit is approved

Confirm zoning for the parcel (Table 2‑1 / § 13.20.020) and applicable district sign standard (residential vs commercial/industrial/PI) .
Prepare sign dimension and area calculations using the measurement rules in § 13.38.050 (include drawings that show the sign perimeter, double‑faced rules, and measurement of freestanding height) .
Demonstrate the sign type and location comply with the district table (Table 3‑10 or Table 3‑11) and any limits on number and height (see § 13.38.060) .
Provide lighting spec and show conformance with illumination rules (no blinking, shielded, intensity not interfering with residences) under § 13.38.050(F) .
If multi‑tenant or a major nonresidential project, confirm whether a master sign plan is required and include uniform style/placement standards if so (see master sign plan rules in § 13.38.030(C)) — Verify with the director. Not found in retrieved materials: the exact text of the master sign plan subsection (see “Verify with the jurisdiction” below). .
For projecting signs, show compliance with projection limits and pedestrian clearance (§ 13.38.070(G)) and include mounting details and structural support (coordinate with building permits if required) .
For freestanding or subdivision identification signs, provide separation, landscaping, and height details (see subdivision sign limits in § 13.38.070) .
If sign is within or projects into the public right‑of‑way obtain an encroachment permit in addition to the sign permit (see § 13.38.050(C)) .
Verify if the site requires design review (Design Review triggers: e.g., new nonresidential projects with 4+ tenants, exterior remodels that change signage) and submit to Loomis Design Review if required (§ 13.62.040 references in sign review findings) .
Confirm there are no other agency approvals required (fire district, utility district) — the code states other requirements may apply § 13.10.040(G) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Which zoning district applies to a parcel	Sign limits and allowed types (residential vs commercial/industrial) depend on the zoning district	Verify parcel zoning on the official zoning map on file with the department and confirm interpretation under § 13.20.020 (director may resolve boundary uncertainty)
Master sign plan requirement for multi‑tenant projects	A master sign plan changes what copy changes are allowed without permits and sets uniform standards; missing a required plan can force rework	Ask planning staff whether your project is a “new nonresidential project with 4+ tenants” or a major rehab that triggers master sign plan requirements; check the master sign plan provisions in § 13.38.030(C). Verify with the jurisdiction
Illumination metrics and neighbor impacts	“Illumination shall not interfere with residential enjoyment” is qualitative; neighbors may object	Provide shielding diagrams, light intensity specs, and have the review authority confirm acceptable fixture types per § 13.38.050(F)
Freeway‑oriented sign approvals and height	Freeway signs require use permit and special visibility proof; the commission must make specific findings	If proposing >30 ft, follow the prescribed field verification procedure and expect a use permit hearing per § 13.38.070(E)
Definition / applicability of “temporary” vs “permanent” sign	Duration determines whether a permit is required and whether sign counts against allowed area	Refer to the chapter’s definitions (Division 8 “Sign”) and § 13.38.030(E) for temporary sign allowances; where unclear, verify with the director. Not found in retrieved materials: full Division 8 text for every sign definition — consult the official code text for exact definition wording

Plain-English summary

Loomis’s zoning code limits how big, how many, where, and what kind of signs you can have based mainly on whether your property is in a residential zone (strict, small signs: typically up to 32 sf each, 6 ft freestanding) or a commercial/industrial/PI zone (larger, frontage-based allowances and more permitted sign types). Illumination, projecting signs, temporary signs, nonconforming signs, and freeway‑oriented signs have specific rules and some items (like freeway signs or large reader boards) require discretionary approvals; always check the exact § references and confirm parcel zoning with staff before ordering or installing a sign (§ 13.38.050–.070 and § 13.20.020) .

Source References

Town of Loomis Zoning Ordinance, Title 13 — Chapter 13.38 (SIGNS), including § 13.38.010 – § 13.38.120 for the full sign chapter and standards .
Sign measurement, general requirements, design and illumination: § 13.38.050; prohibited signs:§ 13.38.040; nonconforming signs:§ 13.38.090 .
Zoning districts list and where each district applies: § 13.20.020 (Table 2‑1 — Zoning Districts); district descriptions (CO, CG, CC, CT, BP, ILT, IL, PI, RA, RE, RR, RS, RM, RH) in Division 2 tables .
District sign standards and Tables 3‑10 (residential) and 3‑11 (commercial/industrial): § 13.38.060 and Table 3‑11 (sign area formula and tenant allowances) .
Standards for specific sign types (projecting signs, window signs, temporary signs, reader boards, murals, freeway signs): § 13.38.070 (and subsections) .
Design and maintenance criteria for signs: § 13.38.050(D–G) (color, materials, maintenance, lighting rules) .
Nonconforming and enforcement (abatement) rules: § 13.38.090 – § 13.38.100 .

If you want, I can extract the exact wording of the specific subsections that apply to your parcel and prepare a draft permit exhibit (drawn sign area calculation and checklist) — tell me the parcel address or APN (and whether the site is single-tenant or multi-tenant) and I’ll map the code items to your project. Verify all parcel‑specific interpretations with Town planning staff before construction.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Loomis Zoning Code (chapter and) Medium relevance
Loomis Zoning Code Medium relevance
Loomis Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Loomis Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Loomis Zoning Code Medium relevance
Loomis Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Loomis Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Loomis Zoning Code Medium relevance
Loomis Zoning Code Medium relevance
Loomis Zoning Code (Section G.) Medium relevance
Loomis Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Loomis Zoning Code Medium relevance
Loomis Zoning Code Medium relevance
Loomis Zoning Code (Title 13) Medium relevance
Loomis Zoning Code (Section G.) Medium relevance
Loomis Zoning Code (chapter and) Medium relevance
Loomis Zoning Code (Title 13.) Medium relevance
Loomis Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Loomis Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Loomis Zoning Code (§ 13.36.110.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Loomis code library

Frequently asked questions

What sign rules apply to a single-family home lot in Loomis?

For residential zones (RA, RE, RR, RS, RM, RH) the code allows a single wall or freestanding sign per entrance or street frontage; freestanding signs are limited to 6 ft in height; each sign may be up to 32 sq ft, with 64 sq ft total per parcel. See § 13.38.060(A) and the measurement rules in § 13.38.050 .

Do I need a sign permit to change the copy on my existing commercial sign?

Nonstructural copy changes to an existing conforming sign are allowed without a sign permit, but structural changes or increasing sign area require a permit. See the list of sign changes allowed without a permit in § 13.38.030(E) and maintenance/copy change limits for nonconforming signs in § 13.38.090(B) .

How is sign area measured in Loomis?

Sign area is measured by enclosing the extreme limits of all framing, writing, logo, or other display within a single continuous perimeter (rectangles/squares). Double‑faced signs are measured as one face when faces are parallel and within 18 inches. See the measurement rules in § 13.38.050(A) .

Are electronic message boards or flashing signs allowed?

No. Animated signs, electronic message displays, and signs that blink/flash or change intensity are listed among prohibited signs; time/temperature displays are an exception. See § 13.38.040(B) and the illumination rules in § 13.38.050(F) .

Can a multi‑tenant shopping center have a single large freestanding directory sign?

Yes — multi‑tenant centers are treated differently: a site with 4+ tenants may be allowed additional freestanding identification sign area calculated as 0.25 sq ft per linear foot of total primary building frontage, up to the maximums in Table 3‑11; however individual tenant sign areas and overall frontage formulas still apply. See § 13.38.060(B) and Table 3‑11 .

What about murals or painted signs on buildings — do they count toward my sign area limit?

Murals placed on a building wall in commercial or PI districts are permitted subject to design review and are expressly stated to be in addition to the sign area allowed by § 13.38.060 (i.e., murals are not counted against the sign area) — see § 13.38.070(F) .

I want a sign that faces I‑80—can I get a freeway sign?

Freeway‑oriented signs are tightly restricted. A freeway sign requires a use permit, is only allowed on parcels adjacent to I‑80 meeting particular size and tenant thresholds, and height above 30 ft needs the commission to find that obstruction prevents visibility and that increased height is the minimum necessary. See § 13.38.070(E) .

Are political signs allowed without a permit?

Yes, political signs are allowed without a sign permit subject to time, size, placement, and deposit rules; in residential zones they are limited to a smaller square footage than in nonresidential zones and must be removed shortly after the election. See § 13.38.030(E)(5) for the detailed limits and timeframes .

Does a sign project over a sidewalk and what are the clearance rules?

Projecting signs may project up to 36 inches over a sidewalk (maximum) and must maintain at least 8 ft of clearance from the bottom of the sign to walking surface. Projecting sign face area for pedestrian‑oriented signs is limited (maximum 9 sq ft per projecting sign face). See § 13.38.070(G) .

If I have an old sign that no longer meets the code, can I fix it or replace it?

Nonconforming signs may receive limited nonstructural maintenance and copy changes up to 25% of the existing sign face area. They cannot be structurally enlarged, changed to another nonconforming sign, nor re-established after being discontinued for 30 days or after damage exceeding 50% of replacement value. See § 13.38.090 .

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