Bolthole Index

Placer County, California

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in the Town of Loomis, California

The Town of Loomis, California requires a building permit for new homes, accessory dwelling units and additions, and the town's own building division handles it1. Loomis also sets its own zoning under Town Code Title 132. Septic permits in Placer County come from county Environmental Health3. Land outside town limits follows Placer County's rules instead4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new homes, ADUs, new residential structures and additions; issued by the Town of Loomis1
Zoning
Town of Loomis zoning (Title 13), with mapped residential districts25
Building code
2025 California Building Code, adopted by the town6
Septic
Placer County Environmental Health permits septic systems3
RV living
Houseguest RV stays limited to two weeks in any twelve months in residential zones; living in an RV full-time not confirmed7
Manufactured home
Allowed outside a mobile home park in the RS district with zoning clearance8
Tiny home
Not confirmed; ask the town6
Wells
Placer County well permit through a C-57 licensed driller9

Who to call

Building permits

Town of Loomis Building Division

Residential building permits for new single-family homes, accessory dwelling units, new residential structures and additions inside Loomis town limits, plus building inspections

[email protected]

Planning & zoning

Town of Loomis Town Hall

General town line and counter for the Community Development Department (building, planning and code enforcement divisions)

(916) 652-1840

3665 Taylor Road, Loomis, CA 95650

Septic permits

Placer County Environmental Health — Septic Systems

Septic Construction Permits, Septic Health Site Evaluations and septic inspections in Placer County

530-886-1870

11434 B Ave., Auburn, CA 95603

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 23, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Town of Loomis means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Loomis, California?

Yes. The Town of Loomis requires a building permit for new single-family homes, accessory dwelling units, new residential structures and additions inside town limits1. Solar, propane tanks and electric gates are deferred to their own separate permits, and the fire district may ask for a fire route sheet during review1.

Loomis has adopted the 2025 California Building Code and the state residential code, with local amendments6. Inspections are required during construction, and a post-construction diversion plan must be approved before the final inspection with the town building inspector10.

These are the town's rules for land inside Loomis. Land outside town limits in unincorporated Placer County follows the county's building permit rules, not the town's4. See the Placer County page for that side of the line.

Who issues building permits in Loomis, and how do you reach them?

The Town of Loomis Building Division, part of the Community Development Department, issues residential building permits inside town limits. Applications go in digitally: projects are submitted by email to [email protected]11. Large files can be shared by link, and incomplete applications are not accepted until corrections are made12.

For questions by phone or in person, Town Hall is at 3665 Taylor Road, Loomis, CA 95650, and the general line is (916) 652-184013. The counter is open Monday through Thursday and closed to the public on Friday13. Building permit fees inside Loomis are not something we could confirm, so ask the Building Division for a current fee estimate before you budget.

Does Loomis have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs, tiny homes, lot size and setbacks?

Yes. Loomis zones its own land under Title 13 of the Town Code, and the residential districts are mapped with numeric suffixes such as RS-5 or RS-2025. Look up the district for a specific parcel on the town zoning map before you rely on any number below.

In the RS single-family district, minimum new-parcel sizes run from 20,000 square feet in RS-20 and 10,000 in RS-10 down to 7,000 in RS-7 and 5,000 in RS-514. Primary structures in RS need a 20-foot front and rear setback, with interior side setbacks totaling at least 20 feet and neither under 5 feet15. In the RA, RE and RR rural districts the front setback is 50 feet, or 75 feet next to a street or street easement16, and lot coverage is capped at 20 percent17.

A mobile home outside a mobile home park is allowed in the RS district with zoning clearance8. Whether a tiny home can serve as a dwelling in Loomis is something we could not confirm; the town adopted the state residential code including its tiny home appendix, so ask Community Development how it treats a specific unit6.

How do septic permits work in Loomis?

Septic permits are not issued by the town. Placer County Environmental Health provides septic permitting and inspections for the county3, and a Septic Construction Permit application with supporting documents is required where public sewer is unavailable for a new home18. Incomplete applications cannot be processed, and a soils test is required if the parcel has no soils testing report18. The Environmental Health office is reached at 530-886-187019.

Loomis ties accessory dwelling units to public utilities, including sewer20. Whether a particular lot has sewer or must use septic is not something we could confirm for the whole town; ask the town and Environmental Health before you buy. Wells are also a county matter: only a C-57 licensed well driller can apply for the county well permit9.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Loomis?

Only briefly, as far as we could confirm. Loomis allows an RV or travel trailer for temporary lodging under certain conditions, and overnight occupancy by houseguests in a residential zoning district may not exceed two weeks in any twelve-month period721.

That is a houseguest rule, not permission to live in an RV while you build. California law treats recreational vehicles as not intended for permanent occupancy and generally limits living in them to mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks unless a local ordinance allows otherwise22. We found no Loomis ordinance that allows full-time RV living on a residential lot, so confirm with Community Development before you plan around it.

For tiny homes, the state requires the unit to qualify as a manufactured home, a California Residential Code home, factory-built housing, an RV, a park trailer or a camping cabin; a unit that fits none of these is an illegal occupancy23.

Building a home in Loomis: the steps, in order

  1. Find the parcel's zoning district on the town zoning map and read the Title 13 standards for it5.
  2. Ask Environmental Health whether the lot needs a septic system or can connect to sewer, and start soils testing if it needs septic18.
  3. Email your plans to the Building Division at [email protected]; complete packages only12.
  4. Submit separate permits for solar, propane tanks and electric gates1.
  5. Schedule inspections through the town and get the post-construction diversion plan approved before the final inspection10.
  6. If you are dividing land, Title 14 of the Town Code regulates subdivisions inside Loomis24.

What stays with Placer County, and what should you check before you buy in Loomis?

Septic permits, septic inspections and well permits stay with Placer County rather than the town39. Placer County also supervises supplemental treatment septic systems permitted after 2005 with a required annual service25.

Loomis town rules do not cover unincorporated land nearby, so check the exact boundary of your parcel first. Beyond that, we could not confirm the town's rules on owner-builder permits, certificates of occupancy, driveway access, floodplain development or short-term rentals; ask the Community Development Department for each. The Placer County rules for the surrounding unincorporated area are on the Placer County page.

Watch-outs

  • Do not assume Placer County's rules apply inside Loomis: the county's building and zoning rules cover unincorporated land only26.
  • Setbacks and lot sizes differ by zoning district and suffix, so confirm your parcel's district on the town zoning map before designing27.
  • Full-time RV living is not confirmed as allowed on residential lots in Loomis; the town's published RV rule covers houseguests for up to two weeks7.
  • The Town Hall counter is closed to the public on Fridays, so plan site visits Monday through Thursday13.

Sources

  1. Residential Structures Permit, Town of Loomis building division (Town of Loomis), quoted and re-checked
  2. Chapter 13.24 Residential Zoning Districts, Town of Loomis (eCode360) (Town of Loomis), quoted and re-checked
  3. Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  4. Apply for a Permit, quoted and re-checked
  5. Chapter 13.24 Residential Zoning Districts, Town of Loomis (eCode360) (Town of Loomis), quoted and re-checked
  6. Chapter 11.04 Construction Codes, Town of Loomis (eCode360) (Town of Loomis), quoted and re-checked
  7. Recreational vehicle FAQ, Town of Loomis (Town of Loomis), quoted and re-checked
  8. Chapter 13.24 Residential Zoning Districts, Town of Loomis (eCode360) (Town of Loomis), quoted and re-checked
  9. placer.ca.gov, quoted and re-checked
  10. Residential Structures Permit, Town of Loomis building division (Town of Loomis), quoted and re-checked
  11. Town of Loomis Building Division (loomis.ca.gov)
  12. Residential Structures Permit, Town of Loomis building division (Town of Loomis), quoted and re-checked
  13. Town of Loomis Town Hall (loomis.ca.gov)
  14. Chapter 13.24 Residential Zoning Districts, Town of Loomis (eCode360) (Town of Loomis), quoted and re-checked
  15. Chapter 13.24 Residential Zoning Districts, Town of Loomis (eCode360) (Town of Loomis), quoted and re-checked
  16. Chapter 13.24 Residential Zoning Districts, Town of Loomis (eCode360) (Town of Loomis), quoted and re-checked
  17. Chapter 13.24 Residential Zoning Districts, Town of Loomis (eCode360) (Town of Loomis), quoted and re-checked
  18. Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  19. Placer County Environmental Health — Septic Systems (placer.ca.gov)
  20. Chapter 13.42 Standards for Specific Land Uses, Town of Loomis (eCode360) (Town of Loomis), quoted and re-checked
  21. Recreational vehicle FAQ, Town of Loomis (Town of Loomis), quoted and re-checked
  22. hcd.ca.gov (California statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Information Bulletin 2016-01: Tiny Homes (California statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Town of Loomis, CA Code of Ordinances table of contents (eCode360) (Town of Loomis), quoted and re-checked
  25. Operation Maintenance & Monitoring, quoted and re-checked
  26. Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  27. Chapter 13.24 Residential Zoning Districts, Town of Loomis (eCode360) (Town of Loomis), quoted and re-checked

Written October 23, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Town of Loomis

Town of Loomis’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New single-family homes, accessory dwelling units, new residential structures and additions inside Loomis town

    • Solar, propane tanks and electric gates are deferred to separate permits.
    • Fire route sheet from the fire district may be required during review.
    “the information below applies to the following residential permits: new single family homes* accessory dwelling units* new residential structures additions”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building construction inside Loomis town

    • Adopts the 2025 California Building Code, Residential Code (with appendices including BB - Tiny Homes), and other state codes as amended locally; the landing page records the code as updated through Ord. 302 adopted December 9, 2025.
    “the california building code, 2025 edition, volumes 1 and 2, adopted by the state of california, copies of which are on file as required by law in the office of the town clerk, is adopted and incorporated in this section by reference as amended.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Residential permitted construction inside Loomis town

    • A post-construction diversion plan must be approved before final inspection with the Town building inspector.
    • Inspections are scheduled through the Town (loomis.ca.gov/inspections).
    “post-construction diversion plan to be submitted and approved before scheduling of final inspection with the town building inspector”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land inside Loomis town limits, under Town of Loomis Title 13 (Zoning)

    • Applies only inside town limits; unincorporated Placer County land is outside this claim.
    “this chapter lists the land uses that may be allowed within the residential zoning districts established by section 13.20.020, determines the type of land use permit/approval required for each use, and provides basic standards for site layout and building size.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts inside Loomis town (RA, RE, RR, RS, RM, RH, RH-20 and commercial districts)

    • Residential district suffixes (for example RS-5, RM-5) are mapped on the Town zoning map (Chapter 13.20).
    “the application of these requirements to property within the town is shown on the zoning map (chapter 13.20) by means of a numerical suffix being appended to the rs and rm zoning map symbols.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Main single-family district RS (with -20, -10, -7 and -5 suffixes) for new subdivision parcels inside Loomis town

    • rs-20: 20,000 sf; rs-10 and rs-10a: 10,000 sf (rs-10a averaged); rs-7: 7,000 sf; rs-5: 5,000 sf.
    • Width and depth vary by suffix per Table 2-5; RS applies only where the zoning map suffix is shown.

    minimum lot size rs-5: >= 5000 sf (rs-10a averages 10,000 sf)

    “rs-20 1 dwelling unit. section 13.42.270 determines whether an accessory dwelling unit may also be allowed 20,000 sf 100 ft 100 ft 25% rs-10 10,000 sf 60 ft 100 ft 35% rs-10a 10,000 sf avg. (2) 60 ft 100 ft 35% rs-7 7,000 sf 60 ft 100 ft 35% rs-5 5,000 sf 55 ft 80 ft 40%”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Primary structures in the RS single-family district inside Loomis town

    • Front 20 ft; corner side 20 ft; rear 20 ft.
    • Interior side setbacks total at least 20 ft with neither side less than 5 ft.
    • RS-5 requires 10 ft interior side for a two-story building wall.
    • Exceptions in section 13.30.110 apply.

    front setback: 20 ft · rear setback: 20 ft · interior side setback total: >= 20 ft (neither side less than 5 ft)

    “front 20 ft. 15 ft., 25 ft. maximum allowed side-interior (each) both interior side setbacks shall total a minimum of 20 ft., with neither side less than 5 ft. 10 ft. is required in the rs-5 zoning district for a 2-story building wall. side-corner 20 ft. 15 ft. rear 20 ft. 6 ft.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    RS single-family district by zoning suffix inside Loomis town

    • RS-20: 25%.
    • RS-10, RS-10a and RS-7: 35%.
    • RS-5: 40%.

    maximum site coverage rs-5: <= 40 percent

    “rs-20 1 dwelling unit. section 13.42.270 determines whether an accessory dwelling unit may also be allowed 20,000 sf 100 ft 100 ft 25% rs-10 10,000 sf 60 ft 100 ft 35% rs-10a 10,000 sf avg. (2) 60 ft 100 ft 35% rs-7 7,000 sf 60 ft 100 ft 35% rs-5 5,000 sf 55 ft 80 ft 40%”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — RA, RE and RR rural districts (Table 2-3) inside Loomis town
      “lot coverage maximum percentage of total lot area that may be covered by structures. 20%; the review authority may allow up to 25% coverage on a nonconforming parcel that it determines is significantly smaller than the minimum area required by the zone (i.e., 25% or less of the required lot area).”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Primary structures in the RS single-family district inside Loomis town

    • RS-20: 35 ft, 2 stories.
    • RS (other suffixes): 30 ft, 2 stories.
    • Height measurement and exceptions in section 13.30.050.

    maximum height rs: <= 30 ft (RS-20 35 ft; 2 stories)

    “maximum height 35 ft., 2 stories in rs-20 30 ft., 2 stories elsewhere”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — RA, RE and RR rural districts (Table 2-3) inside Loomis town
      “height limit maximum allowable height of structures. see section 13.30.050 (height limits and exceptions) for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions. maximum height 35 ft. and 2 stories”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Use of an RV or travel trailer for temporary lodging on residential parcels inside Loomis town

    • Houseguest overnight occupancy may not exceed two weeks in any twelve-month period (Town FAQ citing Municipal Code 13.62.030, not opened).

    houseguest overnight occupancy limit: <= 2 weeks per twelve-month period

    “the overnight occupancy of a recreational vehicle or travel trailer in a residential zoning district by houseguests are not to exceed two weeks in any twelve-month period.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary RV lodging by houseguests in residential zoning districts inside Loomis town

    • Limited to houseguest lodging under the Town FAQ conditions; general tent or outdoor camping rules not located.
    “the use of an rv or travel trailer for temporary lodging is permitted under certain conditions.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Mobile home outside a mobile home park in the RS single-family district (also listed as permitted in RA, RE, RR and RM) inside Loomis town

    • Permitted with zoning clearance; specific use regulations in section 13.42.150 apply (not opened).
    “mobile home - outside of mobile home park p p p p p p 13.42.150”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units and junior ADUs inside Loomis town

    • Town may require a new or separate utility connection between the ADU and the utility, subject to connection fees or capacity charges.
    • Not verified for new primary single-family homes; see the separate unknown claim.
    “all adus and jadus shall connect to public utilities, including but not limited to water, electric, and sewer services.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land divisions inside Loomis town

    • Title 14 Subdivision Regulations applies; specific design and improvement standards (Chapter 14.44 water and sewer rule) not opened.
    “title 14 subdivision regulations (§ 14.04.010 &ndash; § 14.64.060)”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential building permit applications (new homes, ADUs, additions) inside Loomis town

    • Projects are submitted digitally by email; large files may be sent by file-sharing link.
    • Incomplete applications are not accepted and corrections are requested before intake.
    “projects are to be submitted digitally via email to [email protected].”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Town of Loomis or Placer County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder permits inside Loomis town
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate of occupancy for new homes inside Loomis town
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size inside Loomis town
  • Tiny homes — Tiny home used as a dwelling inside Loomis town
  • Who permits septic — Onsite septic systems inside Loomis town
9 more unanswered
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals
  • Permit fees

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Town of Loomis publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Placer County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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