Capitola · Land use · Apartment building
Where is an apartment building (multifamily housing) allowed in Capitola?
In Capitola, an apartment building (multifamily housing) is allowed in 1 base zone (RM), needs a conditional use permit in 3 (MU-N, C-C and C-R, 2 with a condition) and not allowed in 3 (Capitola use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RM
- Needs a permit: MU-N, C-C and C-R
- Not allowed: R-1, MH and I
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Capitola Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where an apartment building (multifamily housing) can go
Capitola's code calls this use “Multifamily Dwellings”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| RM Multifamily Residential | Allowed | § 17.16.020 |
| MU-N Mixed Use, Neighborhood | Needs a conditional use permit | § 17.20.020 |
| C-C Community Commercial | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 9: Allowed only as a part of a mixed use project integrated with commercial structures located on the same development site, except on Capitola Mall housing element sites where residential-only projects are allowed. See Section 17.24.035 (Capitola Mall redevelopment) for additional requirements on the Capitola Mall property. | § 17.24.020 |
| C-R Regional Commercial | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note 9: Allowed only as a part of a mixed use project integrated with commercial structures located on the same development site, except on Capitola Mall housing element sites where residential-only projects are allowed. See Section 17.24.035 (Capitola Mall redevelopment) for additional requirements on the Capitola Mall property. | § 17.24.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- State law: State laws such as AB 2011, SB 6 and the density bonus law can allow homes on some commercial sites, or more units than this table shows.
- Not covered here: Visitor Serving (-VS) overlay subzones and the -VR overlay have their own use tables and are not base zones. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Capitola
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the MU-N zone in Capitola?
Only with a conditional use permit. Capitola's use table lists it that way in MU-N (Mixed Use, Neighborhood) (§ 17.20.020).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the R-1 zone in Capitola?
No. Capitola's use table does not allow it in R-1 (Single-Family Residential) (§ 17.16.020).
Can I have an apartment building (multifamily housing) in the RM zone in Capitola?
Yes. Capitola's use table lists it as allowed in RM (Multifamily Residential) (§ 17.16.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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