Capitola Mall Zoning Code Amendments
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 75 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. Review the draft Capitola Mall Zoning Code Updates at this link.
2. Attend a Planning Commission Meeting. The public is encouraged to attend the Planning Commission meetings and provide input either through email, letters, or in person.
Upcoming Planning Commission Meeting on Mall Updates:
Date: December 4, 2025 at 6 pm
Place: Council Chambers, 420 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
View the staff report 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.
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.
