A stark, restrictive and unwelcoming force has recently taken over our beautiful seaside escape, Capitola Village! On June 5, 2017, the City of Capitola arbitrarily started enforcing an old ordinance in which no signs nor merchandise can be displayed anywhere outside of any business in the Capitola Village without a permit, even if they are located on private property and out of the public right of way. This is threatening the unique charm of Capitola Village and the survival of local businesses! We must stop this attack on Capitola Village and small businesses!
Please sign this petition to demand that the City Council of Capitola revoke their oppressive new enforcement protocol!
Capitola Village is full of unique small businesses who rely heavily on attracting walk-in traffic to survive. Many shops are already experiencing an alarming decrease in sales. Permits for outdoor displays are elusive, with an exorbitant $3000 application fee and very little hope for approval. Business owners who went to the city to apply for a permit were discouraged by city employees, who told them it would be a waste of their money because it would not be approved. To make matters worse, the Planning Commission and the City Council have drafted a new zoning code, that if accepted, will acknowledge any existing permit for outdoor display but will not allow any new applications.
People enjoy seeing paintings outside, dresses fluttering in the wind, and a surfboard outside the surf shop. It creates the fun, safe and lively, quaint, beach town atmosphere of Capitola Village that people know and love! Many locals do their shopping as they pass by, stopping immediately if possible or coming back in a few days, a few weeks, and even months later to purchase the item that caught their attention.
Capitola Village is not Santana Row or a strip mall, nor do we want it to be! Allow local businesses to thrive and let Capitola Village come to life again, with art, flags, clothing and surfboards, proudly displaying the eclectic charm of Capitola Village!
Sign this petition! Demand that the Capitola City Council revoke the new enforcement protocol that is threatening local businesses and the vivacious and engaging spirit of Capitola!
****The draft code was published on June 1st 2017 for 60 day public review. If it is accepted, no new applications for outdoor merchandise display permits will be allowed in the Capitola Village. You may review the Draft Zoning Code and submit comments using this link: http://www.cityofcapitola.org/communitydevelopment/page/draft-zoning-code-public-comment-period-now-open.
****You can also call the City Council at 831 475-7300 ext. 2018 and demand that they revoke the new enforcement protocol and amend the draft zoning code to permit new outdoor merchandise displays.
****To send your demand to the entire City Council by email using the email address citycouncil@ci.capitola.ca.us.
