Loomis — Variances and Exceptions

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Variances and minor variances in the Town of Loomis are the discretionary tools the town uses to relax specific development standards (setbacks, height, parking, etc.) when strict application would deny a property privileges enjoyed by nearby properties. The rules live in the Town Zoning Title (Title 13), primarily § 13.62.060 for variances and minor variances; the application and hearing procedures reference Chapters 13.60 and 13.78 and permit implementation rules in Chapter 13.64.

Important cross-links you'll see in this page: the town's basic Loomis Zoning framework, Loomis Development Standards (where the rules you seek to vary are located), and related topics such as Loomis Parking, Loomis Design Review, Loomis Overlay Districts, Loomis ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code. Use those pages as you assemble supporting materials for a variance request.

How variances work in Loomis (core rules)

• Authority and primary text: Variances and minor variances are governed by § 13.62.060 of the Loomis Zoning Title (Title 13). The section states purpose, applicability, review authority, process (filing and notice), required findings, and conditions of approval.

• What may be varied: A variance may waive or modify requirements of Title 13 except for: allowed land uses, residential density, specific prohibitions (for example prohibited signs), or required procedural requirements. The code explicitly limits the scope of relief. § 13.62.060(B).

• Minor variance: The director may approve a minor variance of up to 25% for a narrow list of items (distance between structures, parcel dimensions except area, setbacks, structure height, on‑site parking/loading/landscaping, and sign rules except prohibited signs). The director may refer any minor variance to the planning commission. § 13.62.060(C).

• Decision authority and hearings: Full variances are decided by the planning commission after a public hearing; minor variances are decided by the director with a written notice and a hearing only if requested. All hearings/notice must comply with Chapter 13.78. § 13.62.060(E); § 13.78.020–040.

• Required findings (the hard legal test): The review authority may approve only after making all required findings: (1) special circumstances (location, shape, size, surroundings, topography, or other conditions) make strict application deny privileges enjoyed by others nearby in the same zoning district; (2) granting the variance is necessary to preserve and enjoy substantial property rights enjoyed by others; and (3) the variance is consistent with the general plan and any applicable specific plan. There are special findings for off‑site parking variances (Government Code § 65906.5) and an explicit pathway for reasonable accommodation for disabled persons (ADA). § 13.62.060(F).

• Conditions and limits after approval: The review authority must impose conditions necessary to prevent creating special privileges inconsistent with nearby properties and may require performance guarantees or bonds when health, safety or welfare warrant. Variances run with the land but may expire under time limits in Chapter 13.64. § 13.62.060(G); § 13.64.040–060; § 13.64.050.

Decision‑relevant quick reference table

District-by-district breakdown (where variances will be applied)

Below are the primary zoning districts established in Division 2 (Chapter 13.20) and the most decision‑relevant standards where a variance commonly matters. For each district I note the code name you will see on the zoning map, the typical permitted uses, key dimensional standards, and where those standards appear (so you can target the exact regulation you're seeking relief from). For permitted uses and permit types you should also consult the town's Loomis Land Use page.

Note: the zoning ordinance uses the category symbols shown in Table 2‑1 and the zoning map. See § 13.20.020.

RS / RM (single‑family and multi‑family residential — e.g., RS‑20, RS‑10, RM)

• Purpose: Preserve single‑family neighborhood character and set minimum lot sizes and densities. The RS districts use numerical suffixes (e.g., RS‑20, RS‑10) that set minimum parcel sizes and coverage. § 13.24.050 and Table 2‑5.
• Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwellings, accessory structures, accessory dwelling units (see Loomis ADUs), limited home occupations. § 13.42 accessory rules apply.
• Key dimensional standards you will often seek a variance from: minimum lot area, setbacks, maximum site coverage (example: RS‑20 minimum lot area 20,000 sf, coverage 25%; RS‑10 minimum 10,000 sf, coverage 35%). See Table 2‑5 (RS & RM). § 13.24.050.
• Where it applies: residential neighborhoods; check the official zoning map in the department for parcel‑specific zone. § 13.20.020.

RH (Higher‑density residential)

• Purpose: Facilitate higher density residential developments and allow alternative development standards to facilitate affordable housing. See notes in § 13.24.050 and related RH provisions.
• Typical uses: multifamily housing, higher densities (e.g., RH‑20 allows 20–25 du/acre by right), subject to specific RH standards. § 13.24.050 and 13.24.040 references.
• Key standards: density and site coverage; variances for setbacks or lot dimension are possible subject to the findings in § 13.62.060.

CC / CT (Central Commercial / Tourist Destination — CC, CT)

• Purpose: Downtown and tourist/commercial corridors. See Table 2‑8 for development standards. § 13.20.020, Table 2‑8.
• Typical uses: retail, restaurants, visitor‑serving uses, mixed‑use residential per permit requirements.
• Key dimensional standards: front setback 0–15 ft, maximum FAR and height limits (usually 30–35 ft); lot coverage and parking rules are in Division 3 (see Loomis Parking). Table 2‑8.

CO / CG (Office Commercial / General Commercial — CO, CG)

• Purpose: Commercial areas near I‑80 and other commercial corridors; special site rules for transition to residential. § 13.26.050–060 and Table 2‑7.
• Typical uses: offices, general commercial businesses; some residential as mixed‑use in CO subject to density limits.
• Key standards: setbacks (e.g., 15 ft typical front/side), height limits (30–35 ft), lot coverage and FAR (CO FAR 0.60, lot coverage up to 60% in CO). Variances often sought for setback or height. Table 2‑7.

BP / ILT / IL / PI (Business Park, Limited Industrial, Light Industrial, Public/Institutional)

• Purpose: Business parks, light industry, and public uses. See Table 2‑10 and Table 2‑11. § 13.28.040 and § 13.28.030 for uses.
• Typical uses: warehousing, light manufacturing, offices, schools, government buildings (PI). Table 2‑9 / 2‑10 list permitted uses and permit requirements.
• Key standards: setbacks (often 25–50 ft where abutting residential), lot coverage ranges, and height limits (30–35 ft, sometimes stepped adjacent to residential). Parking and landscaping standards are required and frequently at issue (see Loomis Development Standards and Loomis Landscaping and Screening). Table 2‑10.

PD (Planned Development)

• Purpose: Customizable district applied by ordinance — the PD establishes its own permitted uses and may modify standard development rules where the council finds the modifications are necessary for superior design and compatibility. § 13.29.030–040.
• Practical note: Variances inside a PD are governed by the PD's adopted conditions; check the PD ordinance number shown on the zoning map. § 13.29.030.

Practical guidance for common variance requests

• If you need relief for setbacks, height, lot dimension, or parking: the minor variance pathway can be quicker (director decision) but is limited to 25% reductions and the list in § 13.62.060(C); otherwise prepare for a planning commission hearing under § 13.62.060(E).

• For requests that affect allowed uses or residential density, do not use the variance route—those items are ineligible. Instead consider a zoning amendment or PD process. § 13.62.060(B).

• Off‑site parking or in‑lieu parking alternatives require the special Government Code § 65906.5 findings included in § 13.62.060(F)(2). For nonresidential projects, be ready to show the variance would be an incentive and would facilitate transit access.

• Reasonable accommodation requests for ADA compliance can be granted as a variance-like relief under a specific finding. Build that case around demonstrated disability needs and available alternatives. § 13.62.060(F)(3).

• Design review: many variance approvals trigger design review because design review is required for any project requiring a variance (design review is performed by the commission for projects requiring variances; director for minor variances per § 13.62.040). Include design materials up front. See Loomis Design Review.

Checklist (what an applicant must provide / satisfy)

• File a complete application in compliance with Chapter 13.60 (application forms, fees, and CEQA materials where applicable). § 13.62.060(D).
• Written evidence/documentation demonstrating the special circumstances (location, shape, size, topography, surroundings) that make strict application impractical. § 13.62.060(F)(1)(a).
• Analysis showing the variance preserves substantial property rights enjoyed by other nearby properties. § 13.62.060(F)(1)(b).
• Statement of consistency with the General Plan/specific plan. § 13.62.060(F)(1)(c).
• If requesting an off‑site parking variance, include evidence meeting the Government Code § 65906.5 findings (benefit, transit access). § 13.62.060(F)(2).
• For reasonable accommodation requests, include medical or housing documentation supporting the need. § 13.62.060(F)(3).
• Plans and elevations (include materials for design review if required), parking/landscaping plans (see Loomis Parking and Loomis Development Standards).
• Proof of required notices / consent (the town will circulate notice per Chapter 13.78). § 13.78.020.
• Post‑approval readiness: be prepared for conditions, possible performance guarantees, and permit time limits (Chapter 13.64). § 13.64.050–060.

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain‑English summary

If your Loomis property needs to deviate from a numeric zoning rule (like setbacks, height, or parking), you can ask for a variance — the town only grants it when the property has special physical conditions that make the rule unfair compared to neighbors, and only after finding the change won't conflict with the general plan or give the property an unfair special privilege. Minor variances (up to 25% on specific items) can be done administratively; other variances need a planning commission hearing. § 13.62.060 is the controlling section — build your case around the three required findings.

Information Gaps

• Exact application form checklists, current fee amounts, and standard processing timelines (days to hearing after filing) — Not found in retrieved materials; verify with the planning department or fee schedule.
• The town’s online application submittal portal and templates for variance findings — Not found in retrieved materials; verify with the department.
• Parcel‑specific constraints (e.g., whether a parcel is inside a PD or has additional deed restrictions/CC&Rs that affect allowed relief) — Verify with the zoning map and municipal records. § 13.20.020 references the zoning map.

Source References

• Loomis Zoning Title (Title 13), Chapter 13.62, Variance and minor variance — § 13.62.060.
• Findings and decision details for variances — § 13.62.060(F) (including parking and reasonable accommodation findings).
• Application processing, CEQA, and staff report requirements — Chapter 13.60, § 13.60.070.
• Public hearing and notice rules — Chapter 13.78, § 13.78.020–040.
• Permit implementation, performance guarantees, and time limits — Chapter 13.64, § 13.64.040–060.
• Zoning districts, zoning map, and district tables (RS, RM, RH, CC, CT, CO, CG, BP, ILT, IL, PI, PD) — Division 2 and Tables 2‑5, 2‑7, 2‑8, 2‑10, 2‑11 (see § 13.20.020, § 13.24.050, § 13.26.050–060, § 13.28.040, § 13.29.030–040).
• Design review cross‑reference — § 13.62.040 and design review criteria.

Additional internal pages referenced in this guide (useful links): Loomis Zoning, Loomis Land Use, Loomis Development Standards, Loomis Parking, Loomis Design Review, Loomis Overlay Districts, Loomis ADUs, California Building Standards Code.

Retrieved passages

• Loomis Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance show source text
• Loomis Zoning Code (title and) High relevance show source text
• Loomis Zoning Code (title denies) Medium relevance show source text
• Loomis Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance show source text
• Loomis Zoning Code (title in) Medium relevance show source text
• Loomis Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance show source text
• CBC § G107 (SECTION G107) Medium relevance show source text
• Loomis Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance show source text
• Loomis Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance show source text
• Loomis Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• Loomis Zoning Code (Section G.) Medium relevance show source text
• Loomis Zoning Code (title within) Medium relevance show source text
• Loomis Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance show source text
• Loomis Zoning Code (Title 13.) Medium relevance show source text
• Loomis Zoning Code (Section G.) Medium relevance show source text
• Loomis Zoning Code (§ 13.30.040.) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Loomis Zoning Title (Title 13), Chapter 13.62, Variance and minor variance — **§ 13.62.060**. (Title 13)
• Findings and decision details for variances — **§ 13.62.060(F)** (including parking and reasonable accommodation findings). (§ 13.62.060)
• Application processing, CEQA, and staff report requirements — Chapter **13.60**, § 13.60.070. (§ 13.60.070.)
• Public hearing and notice rules — Chapter **13.78**, § 13.78.020–040. (§ 13.78.020)
• Permit implementation, performance guarantees, and time limits — Chapter **13.64**, § 13.64.040–060. (§ 13.64.040)
• Zoning districts, zoning map, and district tables (RS, RM, RH, CC, CT, CO, CG, BP, ILT, IL, PI, PD) — Division 2 and Tables 2‑5, 2‑7, 2‑8, 2‑10, 2‑11 (see **§ 13.20.020**, **§ 13.24.050**, **§ 13.26.050–060**, **§ 13.28.040**, **§ 13.29.030–040**). (§ 13.20.020)
• Design review cross‑reference — **§ 13.62.040** and design review criteria. (§ 13.62.040)
• Loomis_ZoningCode.md

• Official Loomis code library