Parking Lot Proposals for Downtown Loomis
The Town of Loomis has an increasingly vibrant downtown business area located on Taylor Road between King Road and Sierra College Boulevard.
The Town of Loomis incorporated in 1984, and by 1990, its population had reached 5,685. In 2023 it reached 6,779 and in 2024 it exceeded 6,830. Loomis’ growth places increasing pressure upon existing infrastructure, city operations, transportation, and businesses as demand for services increases. Based upon population growth projections through 2050, Loomis will need parks and recreation, administrative and library expansions as well as transportation hubs and other services.
The growth also places pressure on current parking availability, especially during peak hours and special events. In response to the requests for parking relief, the Town of Loomis identified two currently vacant lots that can be transformed into provisional all-weather parking facilities (using rock material that withstand the effects of rain, and temperature fluctuations).
Frequently Asked Questions about Parking Proposal
Proposal #1 – Adapt the WW Moulding Property
Where is the WW Moulding Property?
The Moulding Property is located along the west side of Taylor Road located at 3800 Taylor Road, extending from north of Circle Drive to south of Shawn Way.
Who owns the WW Moulding Property?
The Town of Loomis has owned the Moulding Property since 2008.
What has the Town of Loomis tried to do with this property?
Over the past five years, the Town of Loomis has made numerous attempts to commercially develop this 3.86-acre site with no success. In 2022, under Resolution 22-49, the property was declared as surplus land that required the Town to follow the Surplus Land Act (SLA). The SLA required the Town to offer the property to affordable housing prior to selling the property for commercial purposes.
However, since the adoption of Resolution 22-49, the Town Council, staff, Loomis businesses, and members of the community have questioned whether disposal of the Property makes sense in view of a variety of Town needs. The Town of Loomis General Plan projects that the Town’s population may increase at the rate of approximately 34% through 2050 and during the same period, employment opportunities are projected to increase at the rate of approximately 28% (see Chapter 6 of the General Plan EIR). In response to these needs, the Town repealed Resolution 22-49 to give more time for study and planning.
Why did the Town repeal Resolution 22-49?
Based on growth projections, the Town planners estimated that Loomis will need additional public facilities to adequately serve current and future residents including parks and recreation facilities, administrative facilities, library facilities, public parking facilities, public transportation center, landscaping improvements, etc.
Some of these needs are longer term and will require further study before a decision can be made on which of these facilities are best for the Property. The Town repealed Resolution 22-49 so the Town keeps ownership of the property while analyzing options for serving the Town’s future needs.
How does turning the property into parking protect it for “future needs”?
Analyzing, prioritizing, and planning Town needs for facilities may take years. In the meantime, there is still a need for additional downtown parking.
The Loomis Chamber of Commerce provided a letter (Attachment B) regarding the lack of adequate parking in the downtown area. The Chamber noted that while there are existing parking areas, these areas are quickly consumed during peak hours or are themselves occupied by outdoor events, leaving few options for business patrons. The Chamber of Commerce notes that parking scarcity has discouraged customers and affects the success of local downtown businesses. They suggest the creation of additional parking areas within the downtown area to improve parking availability and visitorship.
The Town determined that while it studies what to do in the future, the Property can be used for additional parking spaces to serve the immediate needs of the community.
What would the parking area look like?
Staff prepared an Interim Plan for the Moulding Property showing how it could be configured for public parking (Attachment C). As shown on the Interim Plan, development of parking on the Property could be phased depending on funding availability. The parking would also use rock material which would not impede future development on the site.
What impact is the lack of parking having on Loomis?
Although parking does exist downtown, these spots fill quickly, especially during peak hours or if there are outdoor events. The Loomis Chamber of Commerce noted in a letter to the Town (Attachment B) that parking scarcity has discouraged customers and so affects the success of downtown businesses.
Will the entire property be converted to parking?
No. Town of Loomis staff created a plan that configures approximately 60 parking stalls giving the Town time to consider other needs and uses for the site while also providing parking relief. (See Attachment C)
What kind of parking lot will it be?
The current plan calls for creating an “all weather” parking lot which means the lot will consist of rock material allowing use in all weather conditions from rain and snow to fluctuating temperatures.
Where will funding for the parking come from?
The Town of Loomis is exploring options for funding a partial conversion to parking. Recently, the Town reached out to local community construction professionals to assist with the project to help reduce costs in order to meet the need for parking. In total, businesses and volunteers have saved the Town approximately $65,000 by donating equipment and labor.
If outdoor events impact current parking, why even have them?
Festivals, celebrations, outdoor events, concerts, and other activities create interest in the Town of Loomis, encourage people to visit and support local businesses. In Placer County, more than $127 million in revenue is generated from tourists who visit our communities, return to their homes but leave their dollars with our businesses. Some of these events allow visitors to experience the beauty and uniqueness of Loomis which plants the seed for relocating a business or residence to the area. These events also give residents the opportunity to socialize, explore, connect and enjoy the town in which they live, improving overall health and well-being.
When will the Moulding project start and get completed?
The all-weather parking lot is scheduled to begin (Loomis Spring Break) April 14, 2025 and should be completed by April 21, 2025.
Proposal #2 South Placer Fire District Vacant Land
Where is the South Placer Fire District (SPFD) land located?
The vacant SPFD land is located off Magnolia Street directly behind the Loomis Town Hall and to the south of the SPFD Station 18 at 3664 Magnolia Street.
Is South Placer Fire District onboard with using the location as a parking lot?
The SPFD Board agreed to lease the parcel to the Town and are currently working on a lease agreement for the Town Council to consider. This is expected in May 2025.
What kind of parking lot is the Town considering?
The current plan calls for creating an “all weather” parking lot which means the lot will consist of rock material to allow for use in all weather conditions from rain and snow to fluctuating temperatures.
How much will it cost to convert this property into a parking lot?
The Town of Loomis is working on determining the improvement costs for the SPFD location. The goal is to collaborate with volunteers similar to the WW Moulding Parking area to minimize the financial impact on the community.
What is the timeline for converting the SPFD lot to parking?
Summer 2025.
The lot is not easy to see. Will the Town be posting signs directing to it?
The Town of Loomis will install wayfinding signs as needed to help travelers locate the overflow parking lot.