Capitola approves two coastal permits for 2026 events, directs staff to consult businesses on event limits

The Capitola City Council on a unanimous vote approved coastal development permits for the 2026 Bridal Beach Festival and Junior Guard competition and asked staff to develop a plan to consult local businesses and community stakeholders on future event scheduling.

Staff told the council the city issued 11 major special-event permits, 20 minor event permits and 30 city-organized events in 2025, and briefed the council on new coastal-development-permit criteria in the city's coastal-zone code. The criteria require a CDP when an event meets one or more triggers including multi-day scheduling between Memorial Day and Labor Day, occupation of the beach/wharf/public areas with potential effects on sensitive coastal resources, or charging admission or preferred seating when less than 75% of seating is free.

The presentation noted that event-related costs for police and public works were billed to organizers under the revised fee schedule and that Esmeralda, a police department analyst, coordinates organizers and permitting. Council members pressed staff on how many events are appropriate in peak summer months and whether the city should limit new promoter-run events to reduce impacts on village businesses. One councilor said the city should have "some thoughtful discussion" with the BIA and other stakeholders before allowing the calendar to grow further.

During public comment, business and resident representatives emphasized both the economic benefits and the operational burdens of frequent events, and asked the city to measure economic impacts such as sales-tax lifts after events.

Council member Westman moved to adopt the staff resolution authorizing the two coastal permits and to direct staff to develop a plan to engage local businesses and the community about event scheduling; the motion was seconded and approved on a roll-call vote. The council did not impose an immediate cap on permits for the current year but asked staff to return with recommendations.

Council members said the engagement plan should include clear legal parameters (free-speech limits on permitting), vendor/licensing clarity and enforcement approaches for event parameters. Staff said some enforcement steps—such as using multi-service officers to check vendor counts—are planned for summer enforcement, and that coastal-permit items requiring no additional planning permits will be decided by council unless appealed to the California Coastal Commission.

The council’s direction sets a path for staff to return with an outreach plan and possible policy options later this year.