Slabs, shop pads and long driveways
Bigger lots change the job. A concrete slab for a shop, barn, RV or equipment pad is often the first request, followed by long driveways where only the first stretch near the street is paved, and retaining walls where a lot drops toward a creek. Slab thickness depends on what will sit on it: 4 inches is the usual minimum for passenger-car driveways, and heavier loads call for a contractor's recommendation on thickness, base and reinforcement.
If the slab will hold a building, it may become a foundation that needs a building permit and engineering. See concrete foundations and ask the contractor to confirm with the town before pricing it as plain flatwork.
Town of Loomis encroachment permits
The Town of Loomis Public Works Department issues and inspects encroachment and grading permits. Any improvement within the right-of-way of a public street, or within a public utility easement, needs an encroachment permit, and the town publishes its own application form. A new driveway connection, a widened approach or a culvert where a driveway crosses a roadside ditch are the usual concrete-related cases.
- Private flatwork on your own lot: the state building code exempts driveways and sidewalks not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below. Confirm with the town.
- Grading: large pads on sloped ground may involve the town's grading permit. Ask the contractor whether the cut and fill crosses that line.
- Retaining walls: the state baseline is a permit above 4 feet from footing to top, or any wall supporting a surcharge.
Creeks, slopes and drainage
Antelope Creek and Secret Ravine both drain through Loomis, and the town sits at about 404 feet. On a lot that slopes toward a creek or ravine, drainage decides how long a slab lasts. Ask where roof and surface water will go, whether the slab needs to slope a particular way, and whether a wall needs gravel backfill and a drain at its base. Neighboring Granite Bay sits on granite bedrock; we have no lot-level soil data for Loomis, so ask each contractor what they expect to find when they dig.
Small-town character and older buildings
Loomis incorporated on December 17, 1984, partly to keep its small-town character and historic buildings. Early in the 20th century it was the second-largest fruit-shipping station in Placer County, and the High Hand and Blue Goose fruit packing sheds still stand between Taylor Road, a segment of historic Highway 40, and the Union Pacific tracks. Work near the historic core or on commercial frontage may involve town planning review beyond a standard permit, so raise the address early.
Typical national installed ranges, not Loomis quotes: $4 to $12 per square foot for a slab and $6 to $12 for a plain driveway. Send a request with the size, use and access, and a licensed contractor can quote in writing. Check the license at cslb.ca.gov before you sign.
Main guide: concrete contractors in Sacramento.