Draft Zoning Code Update
The City is currently processing multiple amendments to CMC Title 17 Zoning Code related to the Capitla Mall, the Cliff Drive Resiliency Project, Multi-family Zoning, and Accessory Dwelling Units. Please scroll down to learn more.
Capitola Mall Zoning Code Amendments
On August 22, 2024, the Capitola City Council adopted amendments to the 2023–2031 Housing Element of the City’s General Plan. The Housing Element establishes goals and policies for housing production as required by state law and identifies programs with specific City actions and deadlines.
Housing Element Program 1.7 directs the City to amend the Zoning Code to facilitate housing production on the Capitola Mall site. For mor information, visit the Capitola Mall Zoning Code Amendments webpage.
Cliff Drive Resiliency Project and Associated Zoning Code Amenements
The City is currently working on a Cliff Drive Resiliency Project. As part of this project, the City must update sections of the Local Coastal Program. The City's Local Coastal Program is the guiding policy and regulatory framework for development and resources within the City's coastal zone. There are 2 key components to a Local Coastal Program. The LCP Land Use Plan establishes broad policies for land use, coastal access, habitat protection, and hazard management. The LCP Implementation Plan (Zoning Code) contains the specific zoning standards, ordinances, and procedures to carry out the Land Use Plan policies. As part of the Cliff Drive Resiliency Project, the City must amend the two documents to bring outdated policies up to date and add resilience planning to address increased coastal erosion, sea-level rise, and public access needs. Amendments are proposed to the following chapters of the Zoning Code: Chapter 17.32 Parks and Open Space Draft, Chapter 17.64 ESHA, Chapter 17.68 Geological Hazards, and Chapter 17.76 Parking and Loading. For more information, view the Cliff Drive Resiliency Local Coastal Program Webpage.
Multifamily & ADU Updates
The Multifamily and ADU updates include amendments to Accessory Dwelling Units (Chapter 17.75), Residential Multifamily (RM) subzones (Chapter 17.16 Residential Zoning Districts), the Zoning Map to rezone some existing Mulitifamily (RM) subzones, and the General Plan Land Use Element.
What steps have been taken so far on the Multifamily Zoning updates?
The City is making updates to zoning regulations for RM Multifamily districts as part of our ongoing efforts to support housing needs. This process began in 2024, and staff has been working closely with the community to shape these changes.
At the August 15, 2024, Planning Commission meeting, residents shared important feedback and concerns about the initial draft. In response, the Commission asked City staff to take a deeper look at the proposed amendments based site criteria and existing conditions.
On February 25, 2025, the City hosted a Community Meeting to provide updates on the amendements to the Multifaily Zoning and receive feedback.
On March 3, 2025, the Planning Commission received an update on the draft amendments and provided direction to staff on the appropriate densities for the areas to be rezoned. Since March, staff has been working with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to ensure the approach for the amendments is in alignment with state regulations. On July 31, 2025, representatives from HCD confirmed the City's approach is in alignment with state regulations and the housing element.
On July 31, 2025, the City published updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and draft amendment to the Zoning Code, Zoning Map, and General Plan. These documents as well as the Draft General Plan Land Use Amendement are available below.
On August 21, 2025, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the draft amendments and forwarded a unanimous positive recommendation to the City Council.
On September 25, 2025, the City Council adopted the Multifamily and ADU amendments. The amendments are currently under review by the California Coastal Commission for certification.
For more information, view the following documents:
1. Draft Multifamily Zoning Code Amendments
2. Draft Multifamily Zoning Map Amendments
3. Multifamily Frequently Asked Questions.
4. Draft Accessory Dwelling Units Zoning Code Amendments
5. Draft General Plan Land Use Element Amendment
