Capitola Wharf Master Plan
The City of Capitola contracted Fuse Architecture to develope a Capitola Wharf Master Plan. This initiative aims to shape the future of the Wharf with input from our community members through an extensive public outreach and participation process.
The first draft was published on April 17, 2026 and is conceptual in nature. The design represents an early vision and will be updated once the City secures an interested development partner to advance the project. Review the draft Capitola Whaf Master Plan by clicking the following link to draft plan.
Draft Capitola Wharf Master Plan (April 2026)
Get Involved
The draft Capitola Wharf Master Plan will be presented to the City Council on April 23, 2026. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the City Council meeting to learn more about the Wharf Master Plan and provide comment on the plan. The design team will present the draft Capitola Wharf Master Plan to the Capitola City Council.
Review the staff report and see the draft Capitola Whaf Master Plan by clicking here (link to draft plan).
City Council Meeting
Date: April 23, 2026 Time: 6 pm Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 420 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
Background
In 2024, the City completed the Wharf Resiliency and Public Access Project, which made critical upgrades to the Capitola Wharf. Improvements included widening the Wharf, replacing aging pilings and decking, and adding new public restrooms.
In December 2023, severe storms caused significant damage to several Wharf structures. These damaged buildings were removed for safety. In February 2024, the City Council directed staff to begin a long-term planning effort to guide the future of the Wharf, known as the Wharf Master Plan.
To support this effort, the City hired Fuse Architecture to lead community outreach, planning, and conceptual design work.
Community Input
In spring 2024, seven potential design concepts for the Wharf were developed and shared with the community, stakeholders, and City Council.
Public engagement included:
- A community survey with over 1,000 responses
- A public meeting
- Outreach to local boards, commissions, and stakeholder groups
On June 26, 2024, the City Council reviewed this input and selected a “hybrid” direction. This approach combines elements of:
- A flexible marketplace and fishing concession
- Permanent structures, including a potential restaurant
Proposed Wharf Concept
Based on City Council direction and community feedback, the current concept focuses on balancing public access, economic activity, and long-term resilience.
Key features include:
Marketplace Building: A single structure designed to accommodate a restaurant and a fishing concession in one integrated space
Public Amenities: A new building with two public restrooms and a lifeguard station with space for marine rescue equipment and an elevated lookout
Preservation of Existing Features: Benches, picnic tables, viewing areas, fish cleaning station, restrooms near the Wharf entrance, bike racks, boat hoist, and buoys
Implementation Approach
Developing permanent commercial uses on theWharf, with a restaurant and marketplace, will require significant investment and ongoing operations. The City is exploring a public-private partnership model, where a private partner would finance, build, and operate the commercial components. The City would retain ownership of the Wharf and lease space to the operator
What Happens Next
The current concept is an important step in moving the Wharf Master Plan forward. It will be used to:
- Show the proposed layout, scale, and mix of uses
- Establish a baseline for potential operators and investors
- Support the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify qualified development partners
Get Notified of Upcoming Wharf Meetings and Events
Sign up for updates and notifications about the Capitola Wharf Master Plan by clicking here (link to sign up for email notifications).
Thank you for helping us shape the future of the Capitola Wharf! Please check back as this webpage will be updated as more information becomes available.
