Santa Cruz Changes 141: The Future of Capitola Mall

Since the state began pushing cities and counties toward building more housing, one location discussed as a possible Santa Cruz County housing location is Capitola Mall. A conceptual design including 637 residential units was presented to the city council in 2019, and the city is now making its first moves to allow housing there. 

The Capitola Planning Commission will hold a Special Meeting Wednesday, November 19 [2025] at 5:00 pm at City Council Chambers, 420 Capitola Avenue in Capitola. Click HERE for the agenda. Agenda items include:

Capitola Mall Properties - Amendments to Capitola Municipal Code Title 17: Zoning Code and the General Plan Land Use Element for Capitola Mall properties located between Clares Street, 41st Avenue and Capitola Road. The proposed amendments implement the 6th Cycle Housing Element of the General Plan to facilitate residential development on Capitola Mall. The Zoning Code is part of the City’s Local Coastal Program (LCP) and amendments require certification by the California Coastal Commission before taking effect in the Coastal Zone.

This will be worth watching over the next months and years.