Capitola Mall Zoning Code Amendments
At the City Council Special Meeting for Capitola Mall Zoning Code Updates on March 16, 2026, the Council passed a first reading of the zoning code amendments. The City Council must pass a first and second reading of the ordinance at two City Council meetings prior to the new code taking affect in Capitola. A second reading is scheduled for the March 26, 2026, City Council meeting.
The staff report and draft ordinance for the March 26, 2026, Meeting will be available on the City's agenda webpage on March 20, 2026, at this link.
What is happening at the Capitola Mall?
Currently, the city does not have a development application for the Capitola Mall. In 2024, the City adopted and the State Certified a Housing Element which identifies future housing units within the Capitola Mall block. City staff is currently working on implementing the Housing Element which includes updating the Zoning Code to accomodate additional housing in alignment with the Housing Element. These updates include allowing building heights up to 85 feet and excluding parking garages from the maximum floor area calculation, which will hlp make future housing on the mall site feasible.
FAQs for Mall
Many questions have come up about the mall zoning code updates. Why is the City increasing the height limit to 75 feet? Why are we planning for so many housing units within the mall block? What happens if the city does not update the code? City staff has compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Capitola Mall zoning updates, which can be viewed at this link.
How Can I be involved?
1. Attend a City Council Meeting. The public is encouraged to attend the City Council meetings and provide input either through email, letters, or in person.
Upcoming City Council Meeting on Mall Zoning Code updates:
Date: March 26, 2026 Time: 6:00 pm
Place: Council Chambers, 420 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
The staff report and draft ordinance for the March 26, 2026, meeting will be available on the City's agenda webpage on March 20, 2026, at this link.
What steps have been taken already?
September 11, 2025: City Council approved a work program to prepare Zoning Code amendments consistent with Housing Element.
October 2, 2025: Planning Commission hosted the first work session to kickoff the Mall zoning code updates.
October 8, 2025: City staff hosted a Community Meeting to educate the community on the Mall zoning code updates and receive impact from the public.
October 30, 2025: Planning Commission hosted a second work session on the Mall zoning code updates.
November 19, 2025: Planning Commission Special Meeting on initial draft Mall zoning code amendments.
December 4, 2025: Planning Commission provided direction on initial draft of Mall zoning code and continued the item to January 29, 2026 Special Meeting.
February 5, 2026: Planning Commission unanimous positive recommendation on Mall zoning code updates to City Council.
February 23, 2026: City Council review of Mall zoning code updates. Continued to Special Meeting on March 16, 2026.
March 16, 2026: City Council passed a first reading of the Capitola Mall Zoning Code amendments.
City staff will be updating this page as more information becomes available. If you would like to stay informed on the Capitola Mall update, view this link to sign up for emails.
