Murrieta City Council
September 19, 2023

ORDINANCE NO. 595-23

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MURRIETA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 16 OF THE MURRIETA MUNICIPAL CODE TO REVISE THE CITY’S DEVELOPMENT CODE, TO IMPLEMENT MUL TI-

FAMILY RESIDENTIAL AND MIXED -USE RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN

STANDARDS AND A M INISTERIAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN PERMT PROCESS

FOR CERTAIN QUALIFYING PROJECTS

WHEREAS, in 2017, the California Legislature approved and the Governor signed into law Senate Bill 35 (“SB 35”), effective January 1, 2018, which among other things, allowed for by right approval of housing developments only subject to objective standards; and WHEREAS, SB 35 allows local agencies to adopt objective design and development standards for Multi-Family Residential projects; and
WHEREAS, SB 35 took effect January 1, 2018, and preempted any conflicting city ordinance; and WHEREAS, in 2022, the California Legisla ture approved and the Governor signed into law Assembly Bill 2011 (“AB 2011”), effective July 1, 2023, which among other things, allows for by right approval of housing developments only subject to objective standards in zones that allow for office, retail and parking primary uses, such as in the City’s Commercial, Office and Innovation zones; and WHEREAS, AB 2011 allows local agencies to adopt objective design and development standards for Multi-Family Residential projects in zones that allow for office, retail, and parking uses; and WHEREAS, AB 2011 took effect July 1, 2023, and preempted any conflicting city ordinance; and WHEREAS, the City desires to amend its local regulatory scheme to comply with and implement the Governm ent Code, in part, specifically those regulations subject to SB 35 and AB 2011 , and to appropriately regulate projects under State law; and
WHEREAS, as part of the implementation of the City’s Housing Element Update the City prepared this Development Code Amendment to implement Multi-Family Residential and Mixed Use Residential Objective Design Standards consistent with the policy program for these standards; and WHEREAS, the implementation of the City’s Housing Element Policy Action 1 -8 states that the City will adopt Amendments to the Development Code to allow developments by right, pursuant to Government Code section 65583.2(i) when 20 percent or more of the residential units proposed are affordable to lower income households… in the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) consistent with the Objective Design Standards, which policy this ordinance amendment addresses with a ministerial Development Plan permit process; and
WHEREAS, on May 2, 2023 the City Council adopted an Interim Urgency Ordinance U -590-23 to implement Multi -Family Objective Design Standards which will expired December 31, 2023 if not repealed sooner; and
WHEREAS, on June 22, 2022, and April 12, 2023 the City of Murrieta Planning Commission held public workshops on the City’s initial approach to the Objective Design Standards , at which time the Standards were released for public review, such that the Planning Commission and public had the opportunity to provide suggested revisions and comments regarding the Standards; and WHEREAS, on July 26, 2023, the City of Murrieta Planning Commission held a duly noticed DRAFT
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public hearing on the final Objective Design Standards and implementation ordinance for a mini sterial Development Plan permit process, providing a recommendation to the City Council for adoption; and WHEREAS, on September 5, 2023 , the City Council of the City of Murrieta held a properly noticed public hearing on the proposed Development Code Amendment, was presented the staff report and evidence in the record to support the findings required by the Murrieta Development Code Section 16.13 , and heard from all members of the public desiring to provide input on this matter; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RE SOLVED that the City Council of the City of Mur rieta does ordain as follows:

SECTION 1. RECITALS
The recitals above are each incorporated by reference and adopted as findings by the City Council.

SECTION 2. FINDINGS
Based upon the substantial evidence presented at the public hearing on September 5, 2023, including written and oral staff reports and public and applicant written and oral testimony, and in accordance with Murrieta Development Code Chapter 16.58, the City Council of the City of Murrieta approves the Multi-Family Residential and Mixed -Use Residential Objective Design Standards Development Code Amendment in accordance with the following findings pursuant to Development Code Section 16.58.080:

Findings and Recommended Approval for Development Code Amendments:
a. The proposed amendment ensures and maintains internal consistency with all of the objectives, policies, general plan land uses, programs and actions of all elements of the general plan;

FACTS: The proposed project is the adoption of the City’s Objective Design Standards and a Development Code Amendment (MCA 2023 -00002) for ministerial Development Plan process. The Standards have been prepared to provide specific, detailed standards for Multi-Family projects and includes a ministerial permit process for certain qualifying projects. The Standards are consistent with the land use program approved as part of the General Plan Update in July 2020 and the adopted Housing Element from June 2023, and therefore by extension does not conflict with the goals and polices of the elements that have bearing on or are impacted by, residential land uses, such as the Circulation Element, Infrastructure Element, Healthy Community Element, Conservation E lement, Recreation and Open Space Element and the Safety Element. The proposed Standards and the associated ordinance amendment for multi-family residential development in the City have been drafted to ensure and maintain consistency with the General Plan.

b. The proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public convenience, health, safety or general welfare of the city;

FACTS: The Standards will promote the health, safety and welfare of the City through implementation of these standards with eac h project. There are no land use changes proposed as part of the project and therefore no potential environmental impacts associated with the project. New housing that is potentially developed in the future, consistent with the Standards, the City’s Genera l Plan and Development Code, is beneficial to the public convenience, health, safety and general welfare of the City as additional housing in the DRAFT
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City, County and State is much needed at all affordability levels and in all housing types.

Future housing co nsistent with the Standards will be appropriately designed pursuant to the City’s existing and proposed development standards.

c. The proposed amendment is internally consistent with other applicable provisions of the development code.

FACTS: The Standards include a code amendment to implement a ministerial permit process for certain qualifying Multi -Family residential projects. The Code Amendment has been drafted to be inserted into the existing Multi -Family and Development Plan sections of the D evelopment Code by adding the allowance for ministerial review within those sections. The Development Code Amendment has been drafted to integrate and implement these processes through the necessary sections of the Development Code and thereby, is internally consistent.
d. The proposed amendment is in compliance with the provision of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

FACTS: The project has been evaluated pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Objective Design Stand ards provide a uniform set of standards for the development of Multi-Family residential types of projects in the City. The proposed action is exempt from CEQA as this meets the required actions of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 Projects Consistent with a Community Plan or Zoning, because it involves direction to staff to adopt and implement Design Standards, which will not cause significant environmental impact and implements a uniformly applied development policy or standard that is consistent with the General Plan. Additionally, considering that no land use changes are proposed as part of the project and no increase or decrease of residential densities is proposed there are no potential environmental impacts that would result from the project.

Therefore the project is exempt under the CEQA Guidelines as the project would not cause a significant effect on the environment. Therefore a Notice of Exemption with supporting analysis has been prepared, to be recorded and filed.

SECTION 3. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT
The first paragraph of Section 16.08.040 of Title 16 of the Development Code of the Murrieta Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
“16.08.040 Multi-family Residential Design Standards.

The following standards and design features and the City’s Multi -Family Residential and Mixed -Use Objective Design Standards, as adopted by ordinance or resolution of the City Council and incorporated as part of this section by reference, are provided to ensure a level of quality that must be compl ied with or satisfied in all multi-family residential developments. Standards are mandatory requirements for all multi - family residential developments. A development shall utilize one or more of the adopted Architectural styles in the Standards. Design fea tures are provided to allow flexibility by providing options for implementing specific standards. In order to meet a certain standard, one or a combination of design features shall be incorporated in the project’s design. In some instances, there will be no design feature(s) identified for a particular standard and this will be noted. In the event of a conflict between a standard or feature set forth below and a standard or feature set forth in the City’s adopted Multi -Family Residential and Mixed- DRAFT
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Use Objective Design Standards, the most recently adopted revision shall control. Permitting of Multi - Family Residential development projects shall be consistent with Chapter 16.56 Development Plan Permits.”
Section 4. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT
“Sections 16.56.020 “Applicability” and 16.56.025 “Authority” in Chapter 16.56 “Development Plan Permits” of Title 16 of the Development Code of the Murrieta Municipal Code are hereby replaced to read as follows:
“16.56.020 Applicability.

A. Development plan permit required.

1. A development plan permit shall be required under the following conditions:
a. Development of vacant property;
b. Change in use that requires additional off-street parking; c. Expansion or modification of an existing entitled multi-family or non-residential structure or use not subject to Section 16.80.070; or,
d. As may otherwise be required by this chapter.

2. Projects meeting the conditions above and subject to Chapter 16.52 (conditional use permits) are not required to process a development plan permit. However, all requirements and findings associated with a development plan permit shall also apply to the conditional use permit.

3. Notwithstanding Section 16.56.020.A.1, a development plan permit shall not be required for any of the following:
a. Individual residential development such as a custom, speculative, or relocated single-family residence.
b. Accessory dwelling units, Refer to Section 16.44.160 for criteria. c. Single-family residential building additions or residential accessory structures that are less than 1,000 square feet in size.

16.56.025 Authority.

A. Development Plan Permit Decision - Administrative. A development plan permit for the following may be administratively approved by the Director without public notice or public hearing.

1. CEQA Exemptions. Development plan permits that are required pursuant to Section 16.56.020(A)(1)(b), (c) or (d) that are statutorily or categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);

2. Comprehensive Signs Programs. New or revised comprehensive sign programs pursuant to the standards in Chapter 16.38 (Sign Standards);

3. Dwelling Units. Residential construction projects of two (2) to four (4) dwelling units on one (1) parcel, unless otherwise specified in this development code, and in accordance with Chapter

16.08 (Residential Districts);
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4. Model Home Complex. Temporary model homes and real estate sales offices, to be used solely for the first sales of homes;

5. Parking Lots. New construction or expansion of parking lots pursuant to the standards in Chapter

16.34 (Off-Street Parking and Loading Standards);

6. Residential Development Site Plan. Site and design plans for development of greater than or equal to five single-family homes in the same single- family residential subdivision;

7. Tree Removal. Removal of existing protected trees pursuant to the standards in Chapter

16.42 (Tree Preservation);

8. Ministerial Multi-Family Residential. The ministerial review process of certain qualifying Multi-Family Residential projects, consistent with this Development Code and the applicable Objective Design Standards, under this sub-section shall not be subject to CEQA review for a Development Plan.

The following projects are subject to a ministerial administrative Development Plan review:
i. A Multi-Family Residential project proposing 20 percent or more affordable units to low- income households located in the Transit Oriented Development Overlay within an area that allows for residential development.
ii. A Multi-Family Residential project proposing 20 percent or more affordable units to low- income households located in the Downtown Murrieta Specific Plan within an area that allows for residential development.
iii. A Multi-Family Residential project proposed within an area pursuant to State law that allows for residential development under a ministerial objective review process, and that is able to qualify under the applicable State law such as, but not limited to Senate Bill 6, Senate Bill 35 or Assembly Bill 2011.
iv. Or any combination of the above.

All decisions of the director are subject to appeal to the commission in compliance with Chapter

16.78, except for projects that are Ministerial Multi-Family Residential, in which case a ministerial Development Plan decision of the Director is not discretionary and shall be final. For projects that may have special community impacts or other unique circumstances, the director may refer the application to the commission for consideration.

B. Development Plan Permit Decision - Director's Review and Processing. For projects subject to a development plan permit and not listed in section 16.56.025(A) (Development Plan Permit Decision - Administrative) the following process shall be implemented:

1. Authority to Approve Development Plan Permits.
a. The Planning Commission shall retain the authority to approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove a Development Plan Permit application if an application is referred for their review or if a public hearing is requested.
b. The director shall have the authority to approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove applications for a Development Plan Permit unless otherwise stated. c. The director shall serve as the environmental review officer and shall make decisions for implementing Development Plan Permits in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 16.01.040 (Relationship to California Environmental Quality Act). Noticing shall be provided pursuant to CEQA requirements. If the Development Plan Permit application is referred to the Planning Commission for further consideration, the commission would be designated as the environmental review decision body for CEQA.

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d. For Development Plan Permits that may have special community impacts or other unique circumstances, the director may refer the application on to the commission for a decision. Noticing for would be provided pursuant to Chapter 16.76 "Public Hearings".

2. Review. The director shall review each development permit application filed pursuant to this chapter. If required, the director shall prepare a written report for the commission describing the proposed project for which the commission makes the decision.

3. Director's Decision on Development Plan Permits.
a. Notice of Intent to Approve or Deny. For a Development Plan Permit application within the director's approval authority, the director shall make a decision to approve, conditionally approve or disapprove the Development Plan Permit and the corresponding CEQA determination pursuant to the following requirements:
i. The notice shall provide that any person notified may submit written comments on the application no later than 10 days after the date of the notice. ii. The notice shall specify that an individual can request a public hearing at the Planning Commission no later than 10 days after the date of the notice. iii. The applicant can request a public hearing at the Planning Commission for review of the decision, or if the decision is for denial, no later than 10 days after the date of the notice. iv. The director shall provide this notice pursuant Sections 16.76.020 (Notice of Public Hearing) through 16.76.040 (Evidence of Notice). Please Note: The public hearing component of the referred sections would not apply with a Notice of Intent to Approve or Deny. v. This notice shall also be provided to appropriate City Departments. vi. If the last day to file a request for a public hearing falls on a legal holiday recognized by the city or on a Saturday or Sunday, the following business day shall be deemed the last day to file the request.
b. Notice of Public Hearing. If the director receives a timely filed written request for a public hearing or review of the director's decision, the director shall schedule a public hearing with the Planning Commission and shall provide public notice pursuant to Chapter 16.76 (Public Hearings), notify the applicant and/or subdivider, any interested parties, and appropriate City departments and agencies of the date, time and location of the hearing.
c. Approval. If the action is to approve the permit, the director shall identify all the applicable findings and appropriate Conditions of Approval. This documentation shall be transmitted to the applicant.
d. Denial. If the director's decision is to disapprove the Development Plan permit application, the decision shall include the reasons for the disapproval and corresponding findings. Furthermore, the applicant can request a public hearing at the Planning Commission for review of the decision, or if the decision is for denial.
e. Notice of Decision. In the event no person makes a written request for review within the time prescribed in subsection (a), or files an appeal as prescribed under subsection (f) after the decision date, the decision shall become final. The director shall provide a final notice of approval or disapproval with the corresponding CEQA determination to the applicant, any interested parties, and appropriate City departments.

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f. Project and CEQA Appeal. Development Plan Permits as reviewed by the director or by the Planning Commission shall be subject to appeal provisions as described within Chapter 16.78 (Appeals). g. Conditions & Post Approval. The decision maker shall have the authority to impose reasonable and necessary conditions as described under Section 16.56.050 (Conditions) and application shall be subject to Section 16.56.060 (Post Approval Procedures).” SECTION 5. ADOPTION OF OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
The City hereby adopts the final revised Multi-Family Residential and Mixed -Use Residential Objective Design Standards, attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit A.

SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE; REPEAL OF U-590-23
This ordinance takes effect 30 days following the approval of its second reading by the City Council. Upon its effective date, Interim Urgency Ordinance U-590-23 is repealed and of no further force or effect.

SECTION 7. SEVERABILITY.

If any provision of th is ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are declared to be severable.

SECTION 8. NOTICE OF ADOPTION.

Within fifteen (15) days after adoption of the ordinance, the City Clerk shall publish a summary of the ordinance with the names of the council members voting for and against the ordinance.

SECTION 9. CEQA EXEMPTION.

The City Council hereby directs staff to prepare, execute, and file with the Riverside County Clerk a notice of exemption within five (5) working days of the adoption of this Ordinance.

ADOPTED by the City Council, signed by the Mayor, and attested by the City Clerk this ____ day of September, 2023.

_______________________________
Lisa DeForest, Mayor

ATTEST:

____________________________
Cristal McDonald, City Clerk

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APPROVED AS TO FORM:

____________________________
Tiffany J. Israel, City Attorney

I, Cristal McDonald, City Clerk of the City of Murrieta, California, hereby certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing Ordinance No. 595-23 was duly and regularly introduced at a meeting of the City Council on the xxth day of September, 2023, and that thereafter the said ordinance was duly and regularly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on the ____ day of ________, 2023, by the following vote, to-wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Murrieta, California, this _____ day of __________, 2023.

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MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL &

MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
CITY OF MURRIETA | CA
ADOPTED SEPTEMBER 5, 2023

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Prepared for:

Prepared by:

Adopted by Emergency Ordinance No. U-590-23: May 2, 2023 Amended: July 2023
Adopted by City Council: September 5, 2023

Chapter 1. Purpose ......................................................................................5

1.1 Introduction ..................................................................................... 7

1.2 Purpose
............................................................................................... 7

1.3 Who Is This Document For?

........................................................ 8

1.4 Where Do the Guidelines Apply?
.............................................. 8

1.5 How to use this Document?
......................................................14 Chapter 2. General S tandards ..................................................................9

2.1 Site Planning ...................................................................................18

2.2 P
arking
...............................................................................................21

2.4 Common Open Space

.................................................................26

2.5 Recreational Amenities

...............................................................28

2.6 Private Open Space
......................................................................29

2.7 Landscaping
....................................................................................30

2.8 Frontage Types

...............................................................................32

2.9 Exterior Lighting
............................................................................37

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2.10 Trash & Recycling Enclosure ...................................................38

2.11 Door Bells

......................................................................................39 Chapter 3. Building T ypes .........................................................................9

3.1 Low rise (2 or 3 stories) ...............................................................40

3.2 Mid-Rise (4-6 stories)

..................................................................47

3.3 High-Rise (7 stories or More)
...................................................51
Chapter 4. Ar chitectural Styles

4.1 Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival .........................................56

4.2 Craftsman

.........................................................................................62

4.3 American Mercantile ....................................................................68

4.4 Tuscan
................................................................................................74

4.5 Modern
..............................................................................................80

4.6 Farmhouse
.......................................................................................86

4.7 Definitions
........................................................................................92 Chapter 5. S tandards Compliance Checklists (to be provided later)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 PURPOSE

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Purpose

1.3 Who Is This Document For?

1.4 Where Do the Guidelines Apply?

1.5 How to Use This Document?

1.6 User Guide
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
6 1.1 INTRODUCTION
Development and design standards regulate development intensity, style, size, and orientation. Objective design standards are measurable, verifiable, and quantifiable. They provide for a predictable and equitable path to housing approvals in an effort to streamline and support consistent housing design in the community.

1.2 PURPOSE
The City developed objective design standards (ODS) to support and guide the development of housing and affordable housing in Murrieta. As the state continues to experience a housing crisis and the availability of housing is a key issue, transparency and objectivity are both tools that can streamline and support the development of new housing. Additionally, the city must comply with state legislation (Senate Bills 35 and 330), which requires jurisdictions to review new multifamily and mixed-use residential housing projects ministerially or “over-the-counter,” guided by objective design and development standards. These new laws prevent cities from denying approvals for certain multifamily housing projects based on discretionary design guidelines. Furthermore, ODS can improve the quality of design.

This document provides the required standards for housing development and complies with Senate Bill (SB) 35 and SB 330.

The goal of this document is to provide clear and useful guidelines and standards for the design, construction, review, and approval of residential and mixed-use development in Murrieta. Through this document, applicants, developers, and City staff have a clear understanding of the City’s minimum design expectations. ODS are written as minimum standards for site and structure design but also offer various recommendations and guidelines for quality and character. Projects must also comply with all applicable building permit requirements, zoning code requirements, and development standards as outlined.

SB 35

y A s treamlined approval process for
housing projects with a specified
amount of affordable housing.
y A
pplies to jurisdictions that haven’t
made enough progress in meeting their
RHNA.
y A
pplications must be for infill sites
and comply with existing GP or zoning
provisions.
y C
an only apply objective zoning,
subdivision, or design review standards
to determine consistency.
y h
ttps://www.hcd.ca.gov/policy
-research/docs/sb-35-guidelines
-update-final.pdf
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
7 1.2.1 COMMUNITY INPUT
To inform and engage the public, the City released a survey regarding architectural styles and development preferences. The survey was available from November 2022 through February 2023 and garnered 56 responses. A mix of people from the community participated in the survey, including renters, homeowners, developers, and business owners.

Participants identified Spanish Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and Farmhouse as highly favorable architectural styles and noted that American Mercantile reflected historic properties of the community and best fits in the downtown and commercial areas. Participants also highlighted shared open space, trees, and bike and pedestrian pathways as priorities in development.

In addition to the online survey, the City hosted a pop-up booth at the Murrieta Market Nights. The pop-up connected residents to information about the ODS process and why the City developed the standards, and provided the draft document for review. During the pop-up, the City gathered more input using a survey. The survey asked questions regarding preference and compatibility for architectural styles, open space, and site planning. This survey garnered 35 responses. Of note, the participants thought Mission Spanish Colonial and Farmhouse architecture were most consistent with Murrieta. Additionally, participants prioritized parks, walking paths, and playgrounds regarding the provision of open space, and over half selected open space in a central location as the favorite options for site planning.

Community input shaped the understanding of design preference and priorities regarding multifamily housing. The feedback received from the survey and at Market Nights informed the development of these guidelines.

1.3 WHO IS THIS DOCUMENT FOR?
Developers
The document will provide clear direction for renovation and new construction. The required checklist will serve as a tool for the property owner, the designer/developer, and staff during the review process; it will also clarify the aspects of quality design.

Property Owners
The document will give property owners a clear understanding of the design elements that are required for development projects in Murrieta. This document will work in conjunction with the General Plan and Murrieta Development Code and will provide a clear set of expectations and responsibilities.

City Staff
City staff will use the standards to assist applicants and their representatives with project processing. The document and checklist will serve as the basis for evaluating proposals for quality of design.

Review Bodies and Decision Makers
The document will provide a basis for the City of Murrieta Planning Commission, City Council, Development Services Director, and other reviewing bodies to evaluate an application’s quality of design. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
8 city’s standards.

Transit Oriented Development Overlay
The TOD Overlay zone focuses on supporting more housing opportunity near economic centers and transportation. The Overlay has been applied to approximately 78 acres and encompasses land on either side of I-15. The area is bounded by Los Alamos Road to the north, Jefferson Avenue to the west, Vista Murrieta and Hancock to the east, and Guava and Murrieta Hot Springs Road to the south.

This area is also uniquely situated adjacent to the convergence of two freeways (I-15 and I-215) and along the route of the proposed High-Speed Rail.

The TOD zone creates more housing opportunity in a unique center of the city where existing commercial centers intersect with potential future transit. The overlay requires housing at a minimum of 30 dwelling units per acre with development standards for a variety of multifamily housing. Future residential in this area can create a lively center for people who live and work in Murrieta or live in Murrieta and commute to Temecula, San Diego, or Orange County for work. Guidelines and standards to direct development are a key component to creating a dynamic, beautiful, and functioning area.

Multifamily Residential
Multifamily residential housing provides ownership and rental opportunities to a variety of households. Single-family homes are unaffordable to some of the population; families, young couples, those looking to transition into the housing market, college students, and young professionals will rent or purchase smaller multifamily units. Additionally, affordable housing is commonly produced as multifamily housing.

Multifamily residential housing should be functional, accessible, and well designed. New state laws (SB 9, SB 6, AB 2011) expand housing access in California and allow multifamily housing in both residential zones and commercial zones (with the appropriate standards and conditions met). The ODS document will streamline and standardize

1.4 WHERE DO THE STANDARDS APPLY?
The ODS document provides guidance and standards for housing developments, which can be built in the following areas (as shown on Figure 1):
•
Multifamily R
esidential districts (MF-1, MF-2, MF-3, and MF-4)
•
Commercial, Office, and Innovation districts through SB 6 and AB 2011 (given all criteria are met)
•
The Downtown Murrieta Specific Plan
•
The T
ransit Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay zone
A housing development project includes (1) a multifamily residential project with two or more units, or (2) a mixed-use development that includes housing. These standards apply citywide but shall not apply to a project if it is otherwise prohibited by State law.

Downtown Specific Plan
The City of Murrieta Downtown Specific Plan (DTSP) was adopted in March 2017. The specific plan focuses on creating a vibrant cultural center to serve the community’s housing and economic needs. The Specific Plan area is one-half mile west of Interstate 15 (I-15) and is bordered by Kalmia Street to the north, Ivy Street to the south, Hayes Avenue to the west, and Jefferson Avenue to the east. The area covers approximately 320 gross acres.

The DTSP considers existing architecture in the city, historical precedence, and future growth to create a plan that both respects Murrieta’s heritage and engages new opportunities. The specific plan provides guidance for future development and land use decisions in the downtown area and improves the area’s physical and economic environment. The vision for the downtown area is a place where the community can gather, live, and work and that can be a place of community pride. The ODS guide will work in collaboration with the DTSP to provide guidance and standards to achieve such goals and create housing that is consistent with community character and the & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
9 the approach to housing in Murrieta to ensure quality design and development while meeting the requirements of state laws.

Innovation, Commercial and Office
AB 2011, the Affordable Housing and High Road Jobs Act of 2022, and SB 6, the Middle-Class Housing Act of 2022, are intended to permit residential development on sites currently zoned and designated for commercial or retail uses. Both bills were signed into law in 2022, effective July 2023.
•
AB 2011: This bill creates a CEQ
A-exempt, ministerial approval
process for multifamily housing developments on sites
within a zone where office, retail, or parking is the principally permitted use. The law provides different qualifying criteria for 100 percent affordable projects and mixed-income
projects in “commercial corridors.” AB 2011 also requires projects to pay prevailing wages to construction workers, among other labor standards.
•
SB 6: A project proposed under SB 6 may be either a
100

percent residential project or a mixed-use project where at least 50 percent of the square footage is dedicated to residential uses. SB 6 projects are not exempt from CEQA but need not provide any affordable housing. SB 6 also requires projects to pay prevailing wages and utilize a “skilled and trained workforce.”
- GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 65913.4 AND 66300 (A)(7)
Objective Design Standards “involve no
personal or subjective judgment by a
public official and are uniformly verifiable
by reference to an external and uniform
benchmark or criterion available and
knowable by both the development
applicant or proponent and the public
official before submittal.”
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
10 Figure 1. OBJ eCTiVe De S ig N STANDA r DS: APPL i CABL e AreA S Multi-Family 3/4, Residential
Office Research Park
Neighborhood Commercial
Innovation
Office
Regional Commercial
Community Commercial
Multi-Family 1, Residential
Multi-Family 2, Residential
Downtown Murrieta SP
Specific Plans
Zoning
TOD Overlay
Overlay
Legend
City of Murrieta
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
11 The MF-1 zoning district is applied to parcels
appropriate for low density multifamily
subdivisions, which may include stacked flats or
townhouse development, with ample amounts
of open space, including required commonly
maintained recreational and open space facilities.

Air space or postage stamp subdivisions providing
individual ownership are allowed. The allowable
density range is from 10.1 to 15 units per acre.

Clustering of units to provide aggregate open
space is encouraged, with commonly maintained
open space and on-site recreation facilities.

The MF-2 zoning district is applied to parcels
appropriate for high density multifamily
development, in which attached or detached
dwelling units may be air-space condominiums
or rented as apartments under single ownership.

Senior housing, congregate care, or group
facilities are allowed, with commonly maintained
recreational facilities and open space required.

The allowable density range is from 15.1 to 18
units per acre.

The MF-3 zoning district is applied to parcels
appropriate for medium-high density multifamily
development, in which attached dwelling units,
senior housing, and assisted living facilities are
allowed, with commonly maintained recreational
facilities and open space required. The allowable
density range is 18.1 to 29 units per acre.

The MF-4 zoning district is applied to parcels
appropriate for higher density multifamily
development, in which attached dwelling units,
senior housing, and assisted living facilities are
allowed, with commonly maintained recreational
facilities and open space required. The allowable
density range is a minimum of 30 units per acre.

The Downtown Murrieta Specific Plan provides
guidance for future development of the Downtown
area. The Specific Plan is the primary document
to guide land use decisions, improve the area’s
physical and economic environment, and establish
the City’s goals and expectations for Downtown
development. The allowable density range for
multifamily development is 18 to 30 units per acre
and up to 24 for mixed use.

The TOD Overlay District allows a mixture of
residential and nonresidential development in close
proximity to transit to encourage mixed land uses
for enhanced transit and pedestrian activity. This
designation is applied to parcels in the designated
TOD area, shown on the map. The overlay
intends to stimulate economic development and
reinvestment; create a pedestrian-oriented mix
of uses; facilitate well-designed, new, mixed-use
development; and encourage the development of
a unique zone character through a streetscape that
provides attractive features. Residential projects
may be developed at a minimum of 30 dwelling
units per acre.

Multi-Family Residential 1 District (MF-1)
Multi-Family Residential 4 District (MF-4)
Downtown Specific Plan (SP-8)
Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
Overlay
Multi-Family Residential 2 District (MF-2)
Multi-Family Residential 3 District (MF-3)
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
12 The Innovation District is applied to areas primarily for business and medical offices, corporate
headquarters, medical services, business campuses
with associated research and development
facilities, education, technological advancement,
makers labs such as people using digital tools
to design new products, and craftsman products
such as furniture and window design/construction.

A limited amount of commercial uses are allowed
within the Innovation Zoning District.

The Office zoning district is applied to areas
appropriate primarily for office uses with
commercial uses (financial, hotel, personal
services, restaurant, etc.) oriented to serve the
customers and employees of the office uses, and
limited community services to serve the residents
of the city.

The ORP zoning district is applied to areas
appropriate primarily for office, medical, and
business campuses with associated research and
development facilities. Commercial uses (financial,
hotel, retail, personal service, and restaurant, etc.)
are intended as accessory or support uses for the
employees and customers of the office, business,
and medical uses with their associated research
and development operations.

Innovation District (I)
Office District (O)
Office Research Park District (ORP)
The NC zone is applied to areas appropriate
for convenience shopping, including individual
retail and service uses and small destination
centers on sites generally three to ten acres in
size. Appropriate buffering between adjacent
residential designations is required.

The CC zone is applied to areas appropriate to
serve the daily shopping needs of the community,
including destination centers, supermarkets,
and smaller, single-lot, commercial activities.

Financial, office, and restaurant activities are also
allowed. Appropriate buffering between adjacent
residential designations is required.

The RC zone is applied to areas appropriate for
major regional centers containing several major
anchor tenants, including but not limited to
financial, hotel, motel, restaurant, smaller retail,
theater, and accessory uses, with landscaping,
parking access, and signs designed and provided
in common.

Neighborhood Commercial District (NC)
Community Commercial District (CC)
Regional Commercial District (RC)
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
13 1.5 HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT?
The document includes the following:
•
General S
tandards: These apply to all residential and mixed-
use projects regardless of density, location, or style. •
S
tandards by Building Types: These apply based on project height and building types. For example, if, a new mixed-use podium project is proposed at five stories, standards from page 35 to 39 will apply.
•
Ar
chitectural Styles: These apply based on chosen
architectural style for the proposed project. This section includes both minimum design standards as well as
recommended and optional designs.
•
Checklist: The checklist is a summary of all applicable standards based on location, project intensity, and
architectural style. The checklist shall
be used prior to
submittal to ensure all required standards are met and
understood by the applicant.

1.6 USER GUIDE
Step 1: Review the General Design Standards (Chapter 2, Parts A and B)
For new development to be appropriate and consistent with the surrounding environment, mass and scale shall respect adjacent building context and uses. The General Building Design Standards establish requirements on these issues. Chapter 2 also provides standards and guidance for site planning and appropriate project layout. Standards related to mixed-use development and entries and doorbells are also established here. These standards apply to all projects, regardless of the architectural style that is utilized for project design.

Step 2: Review the Design Standards by Building Types (Chapter 3)
While most multifamily
residential development falls within the
two- to four-story range in Murrieta, the development code allows residential development up to 100 feet in multifamily zones and up to 150 feet in the TOD zone. To create variety of scale and design, different building types shall adhere to the supplemental standards in this chapter.

Step 3: Review the Architectural Style Standards (Chapter 4) The design and detailing of buildings are paramount to a quality environment, and the City of Murrieta is committed to authentic expressions of architectural style. Architectural design elements and materials shall be consistent throughout the project, recognizing that a building is three dimensional and must be well designed on all sides. Detailing, choice of materials, and window and door choices shall reinforce the overall project design. To provide guidance on architectural styles, the standards offer a menu of architectural traditions:
•
Mission - Spanish Colonial R
evival
•
Craftsman
•
American Mercantile
•
Tuscan
• Modern
•
F
armhouse
Within each style description, various elements related to roof forms, windows, decorative details, and other topics are enumerated. The Architectural Style Standards require certain elements, while other, decorative elements may be selected from a menu of options. To encourage variety in design, proposed projects with more than 15 buildings must utilize more than one architectural style. However, styles may not be mixed within a single building.

Though architectural styles provide design and visual diversity in many & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
14 areas of the city, they can also emphasize the historic and cultural significance of areas. For this reason, architectural styles are required or limited to the specific zones, detailed in Table 1.1.

Step 4: Review the Murrieta Development Code and Complete the ODS Checklist (Chapter 5)
All developments must comply with the standards of the Murrieta Municipal Code Title 16, Zoning, and any applicable specific plan.

To summarize requirements, this document includes a checklist of the standards as they relate to product type and location. The checklist should be reviewed and completed prior to project submittal to ensure all requirements are met and all guidelines have been considered.

Step 5: Consult with the Community Development Department (Planning)
It is highly recommended for prospective applicants to meet with Planning staff and obtain and become familiar with the application and submittal requirements for a project prior to a formal submittal.

Additionally, the Development Services Department requires a pre- application service for all projects. A pre-application allows applicants to receive staff review from various departments prior to a formal application submittal. Formal submittal will also include the signed checklist to be reviewed by Planning staff; approval will not be given or determined without a signed checklist.

Applicants shall follow application procedures as directed by staff.

The City of Murrieta Municipal Code (MMC) establishes required procedures for submitting and reviewing development applications. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
15 TABLe 1.1 ArCH i T e CT ur AL STYL e S P er M i TT e D BY ZON e ZONE
MAX

PERMITTED
HEIGHT 1

BUILDING TYPES PERMITTED ARCHITECTURAL STYLE NOTES
Downtown Murrieta
Specific Plan (DTSP) -
Including all properties
abutting the DTSP on
Ivy, Kalmia, Jefferson,
and Hayes.
100 Feet See Specific Plan
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» Craf
tsman (Max 4 stories)
» American Mer
cantile (Max 8 stories)
The following styles may be built up
to 4 stories, provided the 4th story
is less than 70 percent of the ground floor
footprint:
» Craf
tsman
Multi-Family 1 (MF-1) 50 Feet T ownhome, Multiplex,
Garden
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» Craf
tsman (Max 3 stories)
» T
uscan (Max 4 stories)
» F
armhouse (Max 3 stories)
The following styles may be built up
to 4 stories, provided the 4th story
is less than 70 percent of the ground floor
footprint:
» Craf
tsman
» F
armhouse
Multi-Family 2 (MF-2) 50 Feet T ownhome, Multiplex,
Garden
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» Craf
tsman (Max 3 stories)
» T
uscan (Max 4 stories)
» F
armhouse (Max 3 stories)
See above, same as MF-1.

Multi-Family 3 (MF-3) 100 Feet T ownhome, Multiplex,
Garden, Wrap, Podium
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» Craf
tsman (Max 3 stories)
» T
uscan (Max 4 stories)
» F
armhouse (Max 3 stories)
See above, same as MF-1.

Multi-Family 4 (MF-4) 100 Feet T ownhome, Multiplex,
Garden, Wrap, Podium
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» T
uscan (Max 4 stories)
See above, same as MF-1.

T ransit Oriented
Development
(TOD) Overlay
150 Feet Garden, Wrap, Podium,
T ower
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» American Mer
cantile (Max 8 stories)
» Moder
n (No limit)
» F
armhouse (Max 4 stories)
The following styles may be built up
to 4 stories, provided the 4th story
is less than 70 percent of the ground floor
footprint:
» F
armhouse
Commercial, Office
and Innovation
(per SB 6 and 2011)
Varies by location T ownhome, Multiplex,
Garden, Wrap, Podium
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 4 stories)
» Moder
n (Office, Innovation and TOD only, see
notes)
» F
armhouse (Varies by location)
» Moder
n is allowed in the Office,
Innovation, and TOD districts only.
» Office zoned ar
eas south or west of
Jefferson Avenue or abutting the DTSP are
limited to the 3 DTSP styles or Farmhouse.

NOTES: 1. BUILDING HEIGHT AS DEFINED BY THE APPLICABLE ZONE IN THE MURRIETA DEVELOPMENT CODE OR SPECIFIC PLAN.

2.0 GENERAL

STANDARDS

2.1 Site Planning

2.2 Standard Parking

2.3 Common Open Space

2.4 Recreational Amenities

2.5 Private Open Space

2.6 Landscaping

2.7 Frontage Types

2.8 Exterior Lighting

2.9 Trash & Recycling Enclosure

2.10 Door Bells
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
17 2.1 SITE PLANNING
a. Site design requirements (including density, building height, site coverage, setbacks, parking ratio, and open space requirement) shall be that specified for the zoning district in which the project is located.
b.

R
esidential complex developments with 8 to 14 buildings1 shall provide a minimum of two distinct color schemes. A single color scheme shall be dedicated to no less than 30 percent of all residential buildings.
c.

R
esidential complex developments with 15 to 29 buildings1 shall provide the following. The number of buildings in a single style shall be no less than 30 percent.
i.

T
wo architectural styles from Chapter 4 and
ii.

T
wo distinct different color schemes.
d.

R
esidential complex developments with 30 or more buildings1 shall provide the following. The number of buildings in a single style shall be no less than 30 percent.
i.

Three architectural styles from Chapter 4 and
ii.

Three distinct different color schemes.
e.

Architectural styles capped at three stories (i.e., Craftsman and F
armhouse) may be allowed to build an additional story if the fourth story footprint is less than 70 percent of the ground-level footprint.
f.

Larger projects (greater than 150 units) shall contain at least two of the following to reduce the appearance of bulk:
•
V
ary roof heights
1 EX CLUDING NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS SUCH AS COMMONS BUILDINGS, CARPORTS, SERVICE STRUCTURES, ETC.

Buildings along streets shall provide visual interest by using different layouts or architectural features.

Large residential complex developments shall provide diversity through different architectural styles or colors.

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
18 • V ertical planes
•
Different materials and colors
g.

R
oof forms and roof lines shall be broken into a series of smaller building components when viewed from the street. Long, linear, unbroken roof lines shall not exceed 50 feet.
h.

Visual interest shall be provided through architectural variety, especially where several new buildings face streets, such as by using different layouts and/or architectural features. Abutting buildings shall have complementary architectural styles. i.

Proposed cut-and-fill slopes shall be rounded off both
horizontally and vertically.
j.

Where pedestrian circulation crosses vehicular routes, a change in grade materials, textures, or colors shall be provided to emphasize the conflict point and improve its visibility and safety. k.

P
edestrian linkages to nearby neighborhoods, schools, parks, commercial projects, and parking areas shall be provided. l.

Orient buildings toward public (and private) streets to positively define street edges. Buildings adjacent to both public streets and public open space amenities, such as parks, shall be designed with a dual orientation.
m.

A minimum of 60 percent of the street frontage shall be devoted to buildings. The remaining 40 percent may be devoted to parking, landscaping, and driveways. Except for urban area or area with slope restrictions.
n.

Except for garage entrances, structured parking shall not be visible from the primary streets or any public open space.

Arrange buildings to create open space
Min. 60% shall be buildings
Building shall be designed with a dual orientation when it is adjacent to both street and open space.

STREET
PARK
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
19 o. Loading docks and service areas on a corner lot must be accessed from the side street.
p.

Gates that control vehicular and pedestrian access to a residential site are considered privacy gates and shall be subject to review and approval of the Development Services Department and Fire Department.
q.

Arrange buildings to provide functional common outdoors spaces (such as courtyards, paseos, or parks) for the use of residents. r.

If adjacent to a single-family residential zone, buildings shall be designed so as not to have a direct line-of-sight into adjacent units or onto private patios or backyards adjoining the property line. This can be accomplished through:
i.

S
tepbacks of upper stories (setback and stepback distance see Table 16.08-4 in MMC 16.08.020).
ii.

Placement of windows or balconies.
iii.

Use of clerestory windows, glass block, or opaque glass. iv.

Mature landscaping in the rear or side setback areas.
s.

R
esidential structures on the same lot (not attached) shall maintain a minimum separation of at least 10 feet for one-story structures, 15 feet for two-story structures, and 20 feet for three-story structures. (MMC 16.18.130)
t.

Mixed-use building orientation shall comply with all the standards mentioned above and the following standards.
i.

Commercial/Office Units. Commercial/Office unit entrances shall face the street, a parking area, or an interior common space. ii.

Entrances to residential units shall be physically separated from the entrance to the permitted commercial uses and clearly marked with a physical feature.

Large plants create a living privacy wall that blocks the direct line-of- sight and protects the privacy of the adjacent single-family property.

Commercial/Office unit entrances shall face the street, a parking area, or an interior common space.

MULTIFAMILY SINGLE FAMILY
(TWO STORY )
MIN 15’

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
20 2.2 PARKING

2.2.1 SURF ACE PARKING
a. P arking lots shall be placed to the side or rear of buildings.

There shall be no vehicular parking between townhouse fronts and the public right-of-way.
b.

P
arking lots shall be connected to all building entrances by means of internal pedestrian walkways. Pedestrian walkways shall be not less than six feet wide.
c.

Landscaped planters shall be not less than nine (9) feet in width in all interior dimensions.
d.

Adjacent to Side or R
ear Property Lines: Parking areas shall
provide a perimeter landscaped strip at least five (5) feet wide. e.

Adjacent to S
treets: Parking areas shall provide a perimeter
landscaped strip at least 15 feet wide between the street right- of-way and parking area.
f.

Lighting standards shall comply with MMC 16.18.110.
g.

Access
drives shall be at least 200 feet apart and at least 100 feet from property lines and street intersections unless an approved shared drive is provided or the driveway location does not create a traffic hazard to adjacent property. (MMC 16.08.040) h.

Maximum number of driveways:
•
One driveway for lot frontage up to 150 feet.
•
T
wo driveways for lot frontage 150 feet to 299 feet.
•
One driveway for each additional 300 feet.

MIN. 9’X18’ MIN. 9’
Min. 5’
A landscaped island shall be at least nine feet in all interior dimensions.

Parking areas adjacent to a side or rear property line shall provide a minimum of 5-foot-wide landscape buffer. Parking area adjacent to public rights-of-way shall provide a minimum of 15-foot-wide landscape buffer.

MAX. INTERVAL: 10 SPACES
5’ MIN
PL
Parking standards shall comply with the standards stated in MMC

16.08.040 and MMC 16.34, as well as the following.
15’ MIN

PL/ ROW
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
21 i. Bicycle parking requirement shall comply with the standards in MMC 16.34.090.
j.

Numbers of required vehicle parking spaces shall be consistent with MMC 16.34.040, T
able 3.7.
k.

Disabled/handicapped parking requirements shall comply with the standards in MMC 16.34.060.
l.

Electric vehicle parking spaces shall be implemented consistent with MMC 16.44.115, Electric V
ehicle Parking Requirements, and
California Vehicle Code Section 22511.2.
m.

Open parking areas shall be screened from view of adjacent properties and streets using walls, berms, and/or evergreen landscaping.
n.

P
arking lot landscaping shall be located so as to discourage pedestrians from having to cross any landscaped areas to reach building entrances from parked cars.

2.2.2 RESIDENTIAL GARA GE
If garage parking is provided, the following standards shall apply:
a.

Garage doors may occupy no more than 40 percent of a
building’s street frontage and shall be recessed a minimum of 18 inches from a street-facing wall plane.
b.

S
treet-facing garage doors serving individual units that are attached to the structure must incorporate one or more of the following so that the garage doors are visually subservient and complementary to other building elements:
i.

Garage door windows or architectural detailing consistent with the main dwelling.

Surface parking shall be located to the side or rear of the building. 1-Car Garage
10’x20’
2-Car Garage
20’x20’
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
22 ii. Arbor or other similar projecting feature above the garage doors.
iii.

Landscaping occupying 50 percent or more of driveway area serving the garage (e.g., “ribbon” driveway with landscaping between two parallel strips of pavement for vehicle tires) c.

Minimum Interior Dimensions for R
esidential Enclosed Garages.
i.

A single-car garage shall be at least 10 feet wide and 20 feet long.
ii.

A standard double-car garage shall be at least 20 feet wide and 20 feet long.
iii.

Each garage space shall be equipped with an automatic door opener and a roll-up sectional or similar garage door that does not extend onto the apron. On multifamily dwellings, a security gate on a multispace garage is permitted.
d.

Numbers of required off-street parking spaces and bicycle parking slots are listed under MMC 1107.0304.
e.

For attached private garage, the design shall include adequate space for waste/solid storage and a water heater unit.

2.2.3 P ARKING STRUCTURE AND LOADING
a. Any driveway providing access to a parking structure shall have a minimum width of 28 feet.
b.

P
arked vehicles at each level in the structure shall be shielded from view of adjoining streets.
c.

The exterior elevations of parking structures shall be designed to minimize the use of blank concrete facades. This can be accomplished through the use of textured concrete, planters or trellises, or other architectural treatments.

Any driveway providing access to a parking structure shall have a minimum width of 28 feet.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
23 d. If a toll or fee booth is in the driveway area, the driveways on either side of the booth shall have a minimum width of 14 feet. e.

The maximum length of a parking aisle without being
intersected by another parking aisle or driveway shall be 300 feet.
f.

The parking areas of sloped-floor parking structures shall not exceed a grade of 5 percent as measured across the width of a 90 degree parking stall. The grade of a straight internal ramp shall not exceed 15 percent. The grade of a circular ramp shall not exceed 12 percent as measured at the outside ramp wall. g.

A straight, one-way ramp shall be at least 14 feet in width. A two-way ramp shall be at least 24 feet in width. The minimum outside wall radius of a circular ramp shall be 36 feet. h.

All ramps shall be provided with transition zones at the top and bottom of the ramp. Ramps with a grade of 10 percent or less shall have a transition zone at least 8 feet in length. Ramps with a grade of greater than 10 percent shall have transition zones at least 12 feet in length. The grade of a transition zone shall not exceed one-half the grade of the ramp it serves.
i.

Minimum lighting requirement at entrances and exits is 50 foot-candles. Minimum lighting requirement of parking areas is 5 foot-candles.
j.

The minimum distance of entry/exit from a corner intersection is 150 feet.
k.

Large illuminated signs with architectural features, such as an arch or canopy, shall be used at the entrance to emphasize the facility entry and attract patrons.
l.

Off-S
treet Loading Space Requirements:

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
24 i. One loading space is required in any parking lot with 15 or more spaces serving any nonresidential or mixed use.
ii.

Loading docks and service areas are prohibited on the
primary street building frontage.
iii.

Loading requirements are listed under MMC 16.34.100.

2.2.4 T ANDEM PARKING
a. T andem parking may be permitted to satisfy the off-street parking requirement for a residential unit in accordance with the following:
i.

No more than two vehicles shall be placed one behind the other.
ii.

Both spaces shall be assigned to a single dwelling unit. iii.

The tandem parking bay shall be a minimum 39 feet by 9 feet in interior dimensions.
iv.

T
andem parking to meet required parking for multiunit
development shall not exceed 50 percent of the total
provided number of spaces.
v.

T
andem parking shall not be used to satisfy the parking
requirement for guest parking.
vi.

The minimum vertical clearance shall be eight feet (per MMC

16.34.070).
2-Car Tandem Parking
9’x39’

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
25 a. In projects with fewer that 10 units, the common open space shall have a minimum width and depth of 10 feet.
b.

In projects with 10 or more units, where the required common area is less than 3,000 square feet, the common outdoor space shall be concentrated in one area. The common recreation area shall be at least 25 feet in width.
c.

Where the required common area is 3,000 square feet or more, the space may be divided among multiple areas, provided that at least one recreation area is a minimum of 2,000 square feet with a minimum width of 25 feet. All other areas shall be at least 1,000 square feet with a minimum width of 10 feet.
d.

Primary common open space shall not be located at an extreme edge of the property or dispersed as smaller areas throughout the site.
e.

R
esidential units shall be within a 1/4 mile (1,320 feet) walking distance of common open space.
f.

Minimum Open Space R
equirement:

2.3 COMMON OPEN SPACE
Common open space shall include common amenities (such as community gardens and tot lot) and landscaping.

Common open space shall be centrally located and accessible to all the residents. At least one side of the common open space shall border residential buildings.

FUTURE

BEYER BLVD

CALIENTE AVE

SAN YSIDRO

HIGH SCHOOL
OTAY M

ESA ROAD

UNITED STATES
MEXICO
N
0’
1”=300’ Scale May 29, 2018
300’ 600’ 1200’

SOUTH OTAY MESA SPECIFIC PLAN
Illustrative Site Plan
Common
Open Space
Paseos

ZONE COMMON

OPEN SPACE

PRIVATE OPEN
SPACE

RECREATIONAL

AMENITIES
MF-1 200 sq. ft. 60 sq. ft./upper floor
100 sq. ft./ground floor
MF-3 and MF4:

For projects
with 25 or more
dwelling units,
provide one
recreational
amenity for every
30 dwelling units
or fraction thereof.

MF-2 200 sq. ft. 60 sq. ft./upper floor
100 sq. ft./ground floor
MF-3 150 sq. ft. All units 50 sq. ft.

MF-4 150 sq. ft. All units 50 sq. ft.

DTSP 150 sq. ft. See Specific Plan
TOD 150 sq. ft. All units 50 sq. ft.

Others 150 sq. ft. All units 50 sq. ft.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
26 g. P edestrian walkways shall connect the common open space to a public right-of-way or building entrance.
h.

Open space areas shall not be directly adjacent to arterial streets, service areas, or commercial development to ensure that they are sheltered from the noise and traffic of streets and incompatible uses. Alternatively, a minimum of 10-foot-wide, dense landscaping shall be provided as screening.
i.

An area of usable common open space shall not exceed an average grade of 10 percent. The area may include landscaping, walks, recreational facilities, and small decorative objects such as artwork and fountains.
j.

All common open spaces shall include seatings and lights. Site furniture shall use graffiti-resistant materials and/or coatings and skateboard deterrents to retain the site furniture’s attractiveness. k.

Forecourt must be enclosed on at least three sides by buildings.

The minimum dimension of any side is 40 feet.
l.

Multifamily developments exceeding 150 units shall have at least two common open space areas and shall incorporate activities for different age groups.

Ground Level Open Space
Min. 10’
Common Open Space
Min. 20’
Balcony
Min. 5’
Public Walkway
Min. 5’ wide
Parking, loading,
driveways, and
service areas shall
not be counted as
usable open space
Balcony
Min. 5’
Min. 10’
Children’s play areas shall be protected from any adjacent streets or parking lots with a fence or other barrier at least 4 feet in height.

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
27 2.4 RECREATIONAL AMENITIES
a. The required front yard area shall not be counted toward the common recreation area requirement.
b.

Projects shall include at least one children’s play area with a minimum dimension of 150 square feet.
c.

Developments that include 30 or more dwelling units shall include at least one play area for children (unless age restricted to senior citizens or within 300 feet of a public park). Such play areas shall:
i.

Have a minimum dimension of 20 feet in any direction and a minimum area of 600 square feet.
ii.

Contain play equipment, including equipment designed for children age five years and younger.
iii.

Be visible from multiple dwelling units within the project. iv.

Be protected from adjacent streets or parking lots with a fence or other barrier at least 4 feet in height.
d.

Unless otherwise approved by the Planning, Building and Public W
orks Director, required play spaces for children shall be accessible from all on-site dwellings by pedestrian paths and separate from vehicular areas.
e.

All play areas shall be located away from high automobile traffic and shall be situated for maximum visibility from the dwelling units.
f.

A play area for children under age five shall be provided within direct visibility of common spaces.

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
28 g. Senior housing and/or HOP A housing shall be exempt from the requirement to provide play areas, but shall provide areas of congregation that encourage physical activity.
h.

One common recreational amenity shall be provided for every 30 units or fraction thereof. Facilities that serve more people could be counted as two amenities. The following listed amenities satisfy the recreational requirements.
i.

Clubhouse at a minimum of 750 square feet (counts as two) ii.

S
wimming pool at a minimum of 15x30 feet or equal surface area (counts as two)
iii.

T
ennis, basketball, or racquetball court
iv.

W
eightlifting facility
v.

Children’s playground at a minimum of 600 square feet
vi.

Sauna or jacuzzi
vii.

Day care facility (counts as two)
viii.

Other recreational amenities deemed adequate by the
director
ix.

Community garden

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
29 a. Private usable open space shall be accessible to only one living unit by a doorway or doorways to a habitable room or hallway of the unit.
b.

Private usable open space on the ground level (e.g., yards, decks, patios) shall have no horizontal dimension less than 5
feet.

Private open space above ground level (e.g., porches, balconies) shall have no horizontal dimension less than 5 feet.
c.

Above-ground-level space shall have at least one exterior side open and unobstructed for at least 8 feet above floor level except for incidental railings and balustrades.
d.

Guardrails on open-sided surfaces (stairs, balconies, decks, porches, etc.) must be at least 36 inches in height.
e.

Balconies and decks shall have walls or railings that are at least 50 percent open.
f.

Private open spaces shall be contiguous to the units they serve and screened to a minimum height of 4 feet by use of plant materials, solid walls, or building surface.

2.5 PRIVATE OPEN SPACE
Min. 5’
Min. 8’
Min. 5’
Standards 2.5.b and 2.5.c: Private open space minimum
dimensions requirements.

Private open space at ground level Private open space at upper level

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
30 a. Landscaping materials shall consist of:
i.

Shrubs, of at least one-gallon size.
ii.

Ground cover instead of grass/turf.
iii.

And/or decorative nonliving landscaping materials, including but not limited to sand, stone, gravel, wood, or water, may be used to satisfy a maximum of 25 percent of the required landscaped area.
b.

T
rees shall be planted to maximize the shading of paved areas, outdoor seating, and south- and west-facing windows.
c.

The tree palette shall provide a balanced use of evergreen and deciduous trees.
d.

Landscaping that is a minimum of 5 feet wide shall be
incorporated around the base of buildings (except for walkways and driveways) to soften the edges between parking, drive aisles, and sidewalks.
e.

Development on sloped properties shall follow the natural contours of the land by use of design features listed in MMC

16.08.040.
f.

The applicant shall choose and group plant species with similar water demands to facilitate efficient irrigation. (MMC 16.28.060) g.

High-water-use plants with a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0, can only be used in the common open space.
h.

Turf is not allowed on slopes greater that 25 percent where the toe of the slope is adjacent to impermeable hardscape (MMC

16.28.060).

2.6 LANDSCAPING
Landscaping shall comply with the standards in MMC 16.28.040, MMC

16.28.070, and MMC 16.28.080 as well as the following:

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
31 i. All setbacks and nonwork areas shall be landscaped in the development area.
j.

Hardscape shall not be used to meet minimum site landscaping requirements in MMC 16.28.070.
k.

P
edestrian access to sidewalks and structures shall be
considered in the design of all landscaped areas.
l.

A mix of plant materials shall be provided in compliance with T
able 3-5, MMC 16.28.080
m.

Primary street trees, shade trees, and parking lot trees shall be 15-gallon trees.
n.

Sidewalks and pedestrian walkways shall be a minimum of 5 feet in width.

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
32 2.7 FRONTAGE TYPES
Storefronts
A frontage that reinforces the commercial character and use of the ground floor of the building. The elevation of the ground floor is at or near the grade of sidewalk to provide direct public access into the building.

Live-work/office fronts
A frontage that reinforces that both residential and work activities can occur in the building. The elevation of the ground floor is at or near the grade of sidewalk to provide direct public access to the building.

Residential fronts
A frontage that reinforces the residential character and use of the building. The ground floor is elevated above the grade of the lot to provide privacy for residences by preventing direct views into the home from the sidewalk.

MIN.15’
MIN.12’
MIN.10’
6’

GROUND FLOOR RESIDENTIAL

GROUND FLOOR LIVE -WORK / OFFICE

GROUND FLOOR COMMERCIAL
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
33 2.7.1 STOREFRONTS
Storefronts and landscaping shall comply with the standards in MMC

16.44.100.
a.

The ground-floor elevation shall be near the elevation of the sidewalk to minimize the need for external steps and external AD
A ramps at public entrances.
b.

All ground-floor tenant spaces that have street frontage shall have storefront entrances on the façade fronting a street. c.

Entrance shall be emphasized and clearly recognizable from the street using one or more of the following methods:
i.

Projecting nonfabric awnings or canopies above an entry (covered entry).
ii.

V
aried building mass above an entry, such as a tower that protrudes from the rest of the building surface.
iii.

Special corner building entrance treatments, such as a
rounded or angled facets on the corner or an embedded
corner tower above the entry.
iv.

Special architectural elements, such as columns, porticos, overhanging roofs, and ornamental light fixtures.
v.

Projecting or recessed entries or bays in the facade.
vi.

R
ecessed entries must feature design elements that
call attention to the entrance, such as ridged canopies, contrasting materials, crown molding, decorative trim, or a 45-degree cut-away entry.
vii.

Changes in roofline or articulation in the surface of the subject wall.

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
34 MIN.15’

WEATHER

PROTECTION
8’ TO 12’
d. Lobby entrances to upper floor uses shall be on a façade fronting a street.
e.

A minimum 10-feet shall be provided from the back of curb to the building.
f.

The ground between the curb and the building face shall be paved with hard surfaces to maximize the walkable area and provide flexible spaces to accommodate commercial uses. g.

Windows and/or glass doors shall cover not less than 50 percent of the first-floor elevation along street frontages.
h.

At least 25 percent of the surface area of each upper-floor façade shall be occupied by windows.
i.

Projecting elements on upper floors may project 5 feet from the façade and into the setback.
j.

Development with retail, commercial, community, or public uses on the ground floor shall have a clear floor-to-ceiling height of at least 15 feet.
k.

The minimum height for awnings or marquees is 8 feet above finished grade, and the maximum height for awnings or
marquees is 12 feet above finished grade, except as otherwise required in the Building Code approved by the City.
l.

If the front façade is set back from the public sidewalk, the setback shall be improved as an extension of the public sidewalk.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
35 2.7.2 LIVE-WORK/OFFICE FRONTS
a. The ground-floor elevation shall be near the elevation of the sidewalk to minimize the need for external steps and external AD
A ramps at public entrances.
b.

All ground-floor tenant spaces that have street frontage shall have entrances on a façade fronting a street. All other ground- floor uses may have a common lobby entrance along the front façade or private entrances along other facades.
c.

Entrances to upper-floor units may be provided through a common lobby entrance and/or by a common entrance along a façade fronting a street.
d.

At least 40 percent of the surface area of the ground-floor façade shall be occupied by display windows or translucent panels.
e.

At least 25 percent of the surface area of each upper-floor façade shall be occupied by windows.
f.

Projecting elements on upper floors may project 3 feet from the façade and into the setback.
g.

The ground floor shall have a clear floor-to-ceiling height of at least 12 feet.
h.

The minimum height for awnings or marquees is 8 feet above finished grade, and the maximum height for awnings or
marquees is 12 feet above finished grade, except as otherwise required in the Building Code approved by the City.
i.

If the front façade is set back from the public sidewalk, the setback shall be landscaped and/or improved as an extension of the public sidewalk.

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
36 2.7.3 RESIDENTIAL FRONTS
a. Garages shall not exceed 40 percent of the length of the building facade.
b.

The ground-floor elevation shall be within 6 feet of the ground surface of the adjacent sidewalk or walkway.
c.

Entrances to ground-floor units that have street frontage may be provided through a common lobby entrance and/or by
private entrances from the adjacent sidewalk.
d.

Entrances to upper-floor units may be provided through a common lobby entrance and/or by a common entrance along a façade fronting a street.
e.

At least 25 percent of the surface area of the ground- and upper-floor façades shall be occupied by windows.
f.

The ground floor shall have a clear floor-to-ceiling height of at least 10 feet.
g.

S
toops and front porches may be provided in front of building and unit entrances. Stoops and front porches may project up to 5 feet from the façade and into the setback.
h.

Projecting elements on upper floors may project 3 feet from the façade and project into the setback.
i.

The public sidewalk shall be improved with street trees in compliance with MMC 16.28.080.
j.

If the front façade is set back from the public sidewalk, the setback shall be landscaped (excluding stoops/front porches and paved paths to building entrances).

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
37 A lighting plan shall be prepared and shall demonstrate the dispersal of light on the ground surface and compliance with MMC 16.18.100. a.

Lighting shall be shielded and directed downward, and the location of lights coordinated with the approved landscape plan. b.

Exterior lamps shall be low wattage, LED, and except for outdoor Christmas lights, shall not be colored.
c.

All exterior lighting shall be dark-sky compliant and designed, located, and lamped to prevent overlighting, energy waste, glare, and light trespass.
d.

Bollard lighting may be used to light walkways and other landscape features, but shall cast light downward.
e.

All parking lot lights shall be full-cutoff luminaires, as certified by the manufacturer, with the light source directed downward and away from adjacent residences.
f.

S
treet lights shall use decorative lighting poles that match the community theme.
g.

Outside and parking-lot lighting shall not exceed 0.1 foot- candle at residential property lines.
h.

Lighting shall be placed so as to minimize its impact on adjacent buildings and properties, especially residential uses. Any lighting source, including illuminated signs, shall be positioned so that light does not shine directly into residential windows. (D TSP
Section 4.8)

2.8 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
38 2.9 TRASH AND RECYCLING ENCLOSURE
a. S torage areas shall be conveniently accessible for trash removal by standard refuse disposal vehicles.
b.

Enclosures shall be finished using materials compatible with the surrounding architecture.
c.

T
rash storage areas that are visible from the upper stories of adjacent structures shall have an opaque or semi-opaque horizontal cover/screen to mitigate unsightly views.
d.

Provide a concrete pad within the fenced or walled area(s) and a concrete apron that facilitates the handling of the individual bins or containers.
e.

Loading areas and refuse storage facilities shall be as far as possible from residential units and shall be completely screened from view of adjacent residential portions of the project. The location and design of trash enclosures shall account for potential nuisances from odors.
f.

For sites having 2 to 6 units, a minimum 12-square-foot waste and 12-square-foot recycling enclosure shall be provided. g.

For sites having 7 to 15 units, a minimum 24-square-foot waste and 24-square-foot recycling enclosure shall be provided. h.

For sites having 16 to 25 units, a minimum 48-square-foot waste and 48-square-foot recycling enclosure shall be provided. i.

For sites having more than 25, every additional 25 dwellings or fraction thereof shall require an additional 48 square feet for solid waste and 48 square feet for recyclables.
j.

All recycling areas in multifamily residential developments shall be within 250 feet of any residential unit.
k.

S
torage areas shall not be closer than 20 feet from doors or operable windows of adjacent structures.
l. For an individual unit, a minimum of 3 cubic feet shall be provided for the storage of refuse, and a minimum of 3 cubic feet shall be provided for the storage of recyclable material.

MIN. 5’ WIDE LANDSCAPING
MIN. 20’ FROM DOORS / WINDOWS

HEDGES / VINES FOR SCREENING

OPAQUE COVERS

MATERIALS MATCH

BUILDING

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS WITH GATE

TRUCK ACCESS GATE
Solid waste and/or recycling enclosures
shall have reasonable access for both
pedestrians and collection trucks.

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
39 2.10 DOORBELLS
a. Every building consisting of more than 5 dwelling units shall be equipped with doorbells, intercoms, or other signaling device attached to the front exterior of the dwelling and accessible to all visitors to the dwelling.
b.

Doorbell locations shall meet the AD
A requirement.
c.

If a gate is provided between the front door and the street, the gate shall be clearly marked as the main entrance to the business and include a doorbell, directory, call box, or other means of communication for patients and patrons to be
allowed access to the business.

3.0 BUILDING

STANDARDS

BY TYPES

3.1 Low-Rise (3 Stories or Less)

3.2 Mid-Rise (4 to 6 Stories)

3.3 High-Rise (7 Stories or More)
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
41 3.1 LOW RISE (2 OR 3 STORIES)
Low-rise multifamily are buildings two or three stories with a maximum building height of 40 feet. The housing products include townhomes, duplex, triplex, fourplex, and courtyard. Low-rise multifamily is the major multifamily housing group in Murrieta. It is allowed in all areas where objective design standards apply. All the architectural styles in Chapter 4 could be applied to low-rise projects.

Townhome Triplex Courtyard

3.1.1 Site Design for Low Rise
Each unit shall have an individual entry facing a street or a common open space.
a.

Maximum building coverage: 40 percent.
b.

R
esident and guest parking may be surface parking (covered or uncovered) or provided in a garage. Parking requirements and standards shall be in accordance with MMC 16.34.040 and Chapter 2.2, Parking, in this book.
c.

Open space requirements shall be in accordance with MMC

16.34.040 and Chapter 2.3, Common Open Space; Chapter 2.4, R
ecreational Amenities; and Chapter 2.5, Private Open Space, in this book.
d.

The area between a building and the street must be landscaped. e.

Site development standards and required setbacks shall be in accordance with T
able 16.08-4 in MMC 16.08.020.
f.

A street-facing primary entrance must feature a porch, covered entry, or recessed entry clearly visible from the street that gives the entrance visual prominence. Entrances must be connected to the adjacent sidewalk with a pedestrian walkway.
g.

A minimum of 10 percent of the site shall be landscaped with a mix of vegetative ground cover, shrubbery, and trees.
h.

All landscaping shall be irrigated with a permanent irrigation system unless a licensed landscape architect submits written verification that the proposed plant materials do not require irrigation. The property owner shall maintain all landscaping. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
42 A . Townhome

3.1.2 Product Types
A building type constructed in a group of three or more attached units, in which each unit extends from the foundation to roof. Each unit shall have its own driveway and garage and take access from an alley. Each unit shares one to two walls with adjacent properties but have their own entrances. Townhomes are typically two stories, sometimes with a reduced footprint for the third floor.

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
43 Townhome Building Massing Standards
a. The minimum unit of a townhome shall be three units. The maximum building length shall be 150 feet or six units, whichever is less.
b.

Entrance frequency: At least one every 50 feet.
c.

Maximum elevation of the front entrance shall be 30 inches above adjacent sidewalk. If the elevation exceeds 30 inches, projects are subject to accessibility design review.
d.

P
arking (garage) may be front loaded or rear loaded, but must be entered from alley.
e.

Architectural articulation and projection shall follow the requirement in MMC 16.08.040.
f.

Primary elevations (facades) shall incorporate design features such as offsets, balconies, projections, window reveals, or similar elements to preclude large expanses of uninterrupted building.

Along the vertical face of a structure, such features shall occur at a minimum of every 35 feet, and each floor shall have at least two of the following features:
i.

R
ecess (e.g., deck, patio, courtyard, balcony, garage, entrance, or similar feature) that has a minimum depth of 4 feet. ii.

Extension (e.g., floor area, deck, porch, bay window, patio, entrance, or similar feature) that projects a minimum of 2 feet and runs horizontally for a minimum length of 4 feet.
iii.

Offsets of facade or roof elevation of 2 feet or greater. iv.

The vertical massing of buildings shall be articulated to express each individual unit.
g.

A
void having primary entry directly facing another unit’s garage door.
h.

A covered porch or covered recess entry is required for each townhouse, with a minimum depth of 5 feet and a minimum area of 40 square feet.
i.

R
ooflines shall be vertically articulated at least every 50 feet along the street frontage, through the use of architectural elements such as parapets, varying cornices, reveals, clerestory windows, or varying roof height and/or form.

Roof line shall be vertically
articulated every 50 feet
Max. Length is 150 ft or 6 units
Facade articulation
Max. front elevation: 30 in
Building Entrance: Porch or
covered recess 5 feet deep and a
minimum of 40 square feet.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
44 B. Duplex, Triplex, and Fourplex
Building that consists of two to four side-by-side and/or stacked units, typically with individual entries along the front. Each unit has its own driveway and garage. It fits in low- to moderate-intensity neighborhoods.

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
45 Multiplex Building Massing Standards
a. The maximum building length shall be 150 feet.
b.

Alley or courtyard provides access to units and garages. c.

Entrance frequency: At least one every 50 feet.
d.

Maximum elevation of first inhabited level: 30 inches above adjacent sidewalk.
e.

P
arking (garage) shall be rear-loaded or detached.
f.

Architectural articulation and projection shall follow the requirement in MMC 16.08.040.
g.

Primary elevations (facades) shall incorporate design features such as offsets, balconies, projections, window reveals, or similar elements to preclude large expanses of uninterrupted building. Along the vertical face of a structure, such features shall occur at a minimum of every 35 feet, and each floor shall contain at least two of the following features:
i.

R
ecess (e.g., deck, patio, courtyard, balcony, garage, entrance, or similar feature) that has a minimum depth of 4 feet.
ii.

Extension (e.g., floor area, deck, porch, bay window, patio, entrance, or similar feature) that projects a minimum of 2 feet and runs horizontally for a minimum length of 4 feet.
iii.

Offsets of facade or roof elevation of 2 feet or greater. h.

The vertical massing of buildings shall look like large residences.

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
46 C. Courtyard
Building that consists of up to 16 attached and/or stacked units, accessed from a shared courtyard. The shared court could be common open space (known as garden-court) or shared driveway (known as motor-court). The type is typically integrated as a small proportion of lower-intensity neighborhoods or, more consistently, into moderate-intensity neighborhoods.

Garden-Court
Garden-Court
Motor-Court
Motor-Court
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
47 Courtyard Building Massing Standards
a. The maximum building length shall be 150 feet at any side. b.

Courtyard(s) shall be accessible from the residential street. c.

If courtyard is common open space, the front facade shall face the open space.
d.

Alley or courtyard provides access to units and garages. e.

Entrance frequency: At least one every 50 feet
f.

Maximum elevation of first inhabited level: 30 inches above adjacent sidewalk.
g.

The courtyard shall be easily accessed from the street. h.

R
ecessed entries with arches or canopies, stoops, low privacy walls. i.

P
arking (garage) shall be rear-loaded or detached.
j.

Architectural articulation and projection shall follow the requirement in MMC 16.08.040
k.

Primary elevations (facades) shall incorporate design features such as offsets, balconies, projections, window reveals, or similar elements to preclude large expanses of uninterrupted building. Along the vertical face of a structure, such features shall occur at a minimum of every 35 feet, and each floor shall have at least two of the following features:
i.

R
ecess (e.g., deck, patio, courtyard, balcony, garage, entrance, or similar feature) that has a minimum depth of 4 feet.
ii.

Extension (e.g., floor area, deck, porch, bay window, patio, entrance, or similar feature) that projects a minimum of 2 feet and runs horizontally for a minimum length of 4 feet.
iii.

Offsets of facade or roof elevation of 2 feet or greater.

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
48 3.2 MID-RISE (4 TO 6 STORIES)
Mid-rise multifamily consists of buildings with four to six stories and a maximum building height of 80 feet. Four-story products include apartment flats with surface parking or wrap around a parking structure. Five- and six-story housing products include wrap and wood structure podiums. In a podium building type, the parking is underground or in an enclosed structure. Four- story buildings are allowed in all areas where the objective design standards apply. The applicable architectural styles are Spanish Colonial, American Mercantile, Tuscan, and Modern. Craftsman and Farmhouse may also have a
four-story addition if the addition
doesn’t exceed 70 percent of the building footprint. Five- and six- story buildings are allowed in the MF-3, MF-4, and TOD zones.

The applicable architectural styles are Spanish Colonial, American Mercantile, and Modern.

Wrap building
Garden building Podium building
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
49 3.2.1 Site Layout for Mid-Rise
a. Upper-floor units shall be accessed by a common entry along the front street.
b.

For mixed-use, ground-floor shops or office shall have individual entries along the adjacent street.
c.

P
arking may be covered, uncovered, or in a garage. Standards shall be in accordance with MMC 16.34.040 and Chapter 2.3, Parking, in this book.
d.

Open space requirements shall be in accordance with MMC

16.34.040 and Chapter 2.3, Common Open Space; Chapter 2.4, R
ecreational Amenities; and Chapter 2.5, Private Open Space, in this book.
e.

Site development standards and required setbacks shall be in accordance with T
able 16.08-4 in MMC 16.08.020.

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
50 3.2.2 Building Massing
Structures with heights greater than three stories shall set back upper portions of the structure a minimum of 10 feet for each additional two stories. (MMC 16.44.100)
a.

Buildings over three stories shall have major massing breaks at least every 100 feet along any street frontage, adjacent public park, publicly accessible outdoor space, or designated open space, through the use of varying setbacks and/or building entries.
b.

Major breaks shall be a minimum of 5 feet deep and 25 feet wide and shall extend at least two-thirds of the height of the building. Exceptions include for buildings with upper stories (above first floor) stepped back at least 5 feet, in which case the major break need only extend two-thirds of the height of the portion of the front façade that is not stepped back.
c.

Buildings shall have minor massing breaks at least every 50 feet along the street frontage. Minor breaks shall be a minimum of 1 foot deep and 4 feet wide and extend the full height of the building.
d.

Where parking structures are planned, the street side shall consist of pedestrian-active uses (such as stores, lobby) on the ground level to screen parking structures.
e.

R
esidential ground-floor uses in multi-family buildings, other than accessible units, shall be no more than 4 feet above the public sidewalk grade if setback is 15 feet or less.
f.

At least one elevator shall be provided in each multifamily building containing 21 or more units where some of those units have primary accesses only to the third or higher stories.

Multiunits building shall have major and minor massing breaks to reduce bulkiness.

Max. 50’
Min. 1’ deep
and 4’ wide
Min. 10 ft
Min. 5’ deep
and 25’ wide
Max. 100’

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
51 g. The ground-floor elevation shall consist of at least one of the following:
i.

A line of awnings or canopies over ground-floor storefronts, or amenity space windows extending at least 75 percent of the elevation width.
ii.

Unobstructed transparent glass storefronts for at least 75 percent of the elevation width.
iii.

A different exterior cladding material than the middle/body which is separated from the middle/body above by either an overhang or recess of 2 feet or more, or a horizontal belt course with a dimension of at least 12 inches, consisting of a different color and material separating the base from the middle section.
iv.

A series of individual residential entries with recessed entryways.
v.

A series of individual residential entries with porches with roofs.
h.

The cap is at the top of the building and shall include at least one of the following:
i.

If the building has a parapet wall, add a cornice feature in a different material and a depth of at least 12 inches over the wall below.
ii.

If a building has a pitched roof, an eave overhang of at least 2 feet.
iii.

A building stepback of at least 3 feet from the main wall plane of the story below.
iv.

A change in exterior cladding material at the top story that is different than the story below, effectively using the top story as a wall cap.

& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
52 3.3 HIGH-RISE (7 STORIES OR MORE)
High-rise multifamily are buildings seven stories or higher with a maximum building height of 150 feet. They have a steel or concrete frame. Common open space is provided on the rooftop and/or indoor room. The applicable architectural styles are American Mercantile and Modern. High-rise is only allowed in the TOD zone.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
53 3.3.1 Building Massing for High-Rise
a. The minimum height of the base shall be two stories. b.

The maximum height of the base of a proposed high-rise building shall be equal to the width of the right-of-way to provide sufficient enclosure for the street without overwhelming the street.
c.

Additional height may be appropriate through the provision of stepbacks and architectural articulation, particularly on wider streets and deeper lots.
d.

For sites where the adjacent context is lower scale and not anticipated to change:
i.

The height of the base or the portion of the base immediately adjacent to the neighboring lower-scale buildings should match the height of the neighboring buildings.
ii.

Provide a transition in height on the base through setbacks. e.

Use bird-friendly best management practices in accordance with the City’s guidelines. In particular, apply visual markers or use low-reflectance materials on all exterior glazing within the first 65 feet of the building above grade.
f.

Eighty percent of the ground floor shall be highly transparent. g.

The maximum tower floor plate for a high-rise residential building shall be 8,000 square feet to minimize shadow and wind impacts. h.

The tower, including the balconies, shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the base.
i.

Up to one-third of a tower frontage along a street or a public space may extend straight down to the ground.
j.

Orient and shape the tower to improve building energy
performance, natural ventilation, and daylighting.

Min 10 feet
Min 10 feet including
the balconies
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
54 3.3.2 Open Space (Rooftop)
Any rooftop uses shall require a full plan review, permits, and inspections for occupants and structural safety based on how the building roof is to be used.
a.

The rooftop garden shall be located on the third or higher story. b.

The rooftop garden shall be accessible to all residents of dwelling units on the parcel, but not to commercial tenants of a residential mixed-use development.
c.

Minimum dimensions of a rooftop garden are 15 feet in either direction.
d.

P
ermanent fixtures associated with the usable open space, such as trellises; shade structures; furniture; and furnishings such as planters, lighting, and heaters may exceed the height limit by up to 12 feet.
e.

At least 15 percent but no more than 25 percent of the rooftop shall be landscaped with raised beds for gardening, stormwater planters, or other landscaping. All required landscaped areas should be equipped with automatic irrigation systems and be properly drained.
f.

R
ooftop equipment shall be screened by a parapet or enclosure. g.

Where rooftops are visible from off-site, they should be treated to minimize aesthetic impacts.

4.0 ARCHITECTURAL
STYLES

4.1 Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max. 6 Story)

4.2 Craftsman (Max. 3 Story)

4.3 American Mercantile (Max 8 Story)

4.4 Tuscan (Max. 4 story)

4.5 Modern (No Limit on Height)

4.6 Farmhouse (Max. 3 Story)

4.1 MISSION - SPANISH COLONIAL REVIVAL
Derived from Spanish/Mediterranean and early Californian influences, this style emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It projects a visually rich environment with allusions to regional history. Generally, Spanish Colonial Revival buildings are asymmetrically arranged. The style features low-pitched roofs with little or no overhang covered with S-type clay red roofing tiles.

These houses were almost always wood frame with stucco siding. The use of the arch was common, especially above doors, porch entries, and main windows.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
56 SMALL PORCH

RECESSED ENTRANCES DECORATIVE LIGHT FIXTURES

ARCHED ENTRIES

BALCONY

LOW PITCHED GABLE ROOF

ARCHED WINDOWS

RED CLAY TILE ROOFS
TALL, DOUBLE –HUNG WINDOWS

DECORATIVE IRON GRILLES

OVERHANGING EAVES WITH

EXPOSED RAFTER TAILS
a. Asymmetrical façade/elevations.
b.

Three or more roof planes.
c.

At least 50 percent of the units shall have
balconies or window treatments (such as
shutters or awnings).
d.

Entrances are recessed at least 12 inches.

Additional details for
projects four stories and
taller, mixed use, or with more than 15 buildings
(required two details):
e.

Include two add-on projections such as
verandas,
arcades, balconies, and exterior
stairs.
f.

The ends of building massings shall
be stepped down to create a more
pedestrian scale.
g.

One focal point, such as courtyard,
tower, or fountain.
h.

Wingwall or columns on the ground
level.

4.1.1 FORM AND MASSING
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
57 4.1.2 ROOF
a. Low-pitched (4:12 maximum) cross- or
side-gabled roofs. The pitch shall remain
constant except for a veranda or arcade.
b.

R
ed, fired, clay tile roofs. Common tile
types include both Spanish (S-shaped) and
Mission (half-cylinder).
c.

The gable has little or no overhang on the
rake.
d.

Thirty percent of the primary facade length
shall have a six- to 12-inch eave overhang,
and 20 percent shall have a 24-inch
overhang with exposed rafter tails.
e.

Hipped roofs shall only be used in
combination with gables or on a tower
element.
f.

Shed roofs are only used in conjunction
with verandas.
g.

When a flat roof is used, it shall be
screened by a parapet that is an extension
of the wall plane or by a modified Mansard
roof.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
58 4.1.3 MATERIALS AND COLORS
a. R oof tiles shall use terracotta, brown
earth tones, or rustic red color palettes.
b.

White, cream, or tan stucco wall with
smooth or lightly textured finish (i.e.,
hand troweled or smaller particles).
c.

R
esawn wood shall be used as secondary
wall material for the following and similar
elements:
1) Posts and exposed beams
2) Railing, spindles, and grille work
3) Shutters, window frames, and doors
d.

If windows have shutters, the shutters’
color shall match the accent color that is
use for doors or decorative trim.
e.

At least one wrought-iron element (such
as railings, hardwares, and gates) shall be
used.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
59 4.1.4 DOORS AND WINDOWS
a. Accent windows shall be less than 20
percent of the total windows.
b.

The primary facade shall include at least
one arched element.
c.

At least 50 percent of the windows shall
be casement windows.
d.

All entrance-door surrounds shall be
banded with ceramic tile, molded plaster,
or painted accents.
e.

All casement windows and double-hung
windows shall have wooden frames.
f.

At least two types/shapes of windows
shall be used.

g.

A minimum 3-inch-wide flat casting shall
be used on all nonrecessed casement
windows.
h.

Eighty percent of the primary windows
shall have window muntins.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023 60

4.1.5 DECORATIVE DETAILS
All residential projects shall provide at least four
of the following. Residential projects four stories
and taller, mixed-use projects, or projects with
more than 15 buildings shall provide at least six
of the following.
a.

Entry/front porch or patio
b.

Decorative tiles
c.

Clay tile vents
d.

Wrought-iron balcony railings or support
brackets
e.

Dark-metal light fixture and hardwares
f.

P
aired wood (or wood simulated) garage
doors with iron hardware
g.

S
tone- or brick-accented elements
h.

V
erandas, pergolas, or arcades
i.

Exterior stairs
j.

F
abric awnings with metal spear supports
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
61 4.2 CRAFTSMAN
The Craftsman or California Bungalow style is derived from the influential residential style that emerged in the early 20th century out of the Arts and Crafts movement. In Murrieta, this style is used to create a visually rich residential environment with allusions to regional history. As indicated in the accompanying images and illustrative diagram, recognizable elements include the artful use of wood and natural materials, low-pitched gabled or hipped roofs, horizontal orientation, and earth-toned colors. Common design elements also include exposed rafters and beams under eaves, decorative brackets and fasteners, full- or partial-width porches, and large columns or piers. Though this style exhibits a horizontal emphasis, vertical architectural elements are often used to accentuate corners and entrances. Period Craftsman residences often featured exterior cladding of wood shingles or clapboard siding and details such as extended lintels and decorative lighting with geometric detailing.

CONTINUOUS MOLDING EMPHASIZES HORIZONTALITY

OVERHANGING EAVES WITH

EXPOSED RAFTER TAILS

WINDOW WITH MULLION

AND DIVIDED LITES

DECORATIVE LIGHT FIXTURE

PARTIAL-WIDTH PORCH
WOOD 4-POST COLUMN

WITH STONE PIER

WOOD SHINGLES

LOW PITCHED GABLE ROOF

WINDOW BOX

BALCONY

TRELLIS

INCORPORATE BUILDING BASE

WITH NATURAL MATERIAL
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
62 4.2.1 FORM AND MASSING
a. Asymmetrical façade/elevations.
b.

Three or more roof planes on the primary
facade.
c.

Front-facing gable roofs.
d.

At least 30 percent
of the street-facing units
shall have balconies or porches.
e.

Primary walls shall have two to three
materials/colors, with no more than 90
percent of the total wall surface in one
material / color.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
63 4.2.2 ROOF
a. Low- to moderate-pitched gable or hipped
roofs (typically from 6:12 to 8:12).
b.

Overhanging eaves (minimum 24 inches
along primary elevation) with exposed
rafter tails or beams.
c.

Brackets or knee braces at gabled ends.
d.

Use of wood or asphalt shingles (or fiber
cement imitation or imitation synthetic
asphalt shingles).
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023 64

4.2.3 MATERIALS AND COLORS
a. Brick, stone, and concrete blocks are the
most common materials used in the base.
b.

Primary walls shall show no more than two
materials along any vertical section of the
building, with no more than 90 percent of
the total wall surface in one material.
c.

Primary wall materials shall include dark-
color wood shingles, clapboard siding, or
fiber cement siding and natural materials
such as arroyo stone or bricks.
d.

Use of dark, neutral, earth-toned color
palette, such as browns and greens.
e.

Lighter paint palettes may also be
appropriate, particularly for details
(columns, rafter tails).
f.

The primary facade shall have at least three
paint colors: one for the cladding, one for
trim, and one or two for accents such as
windows and decorative details.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
65 4.2.4 DOORS AND WINDOWS
a. At least 50 percent of the windows shall
be casement windows.
b.

Eighty percent of the primary windows
shall have grilles.
c.

At least two types/shapes of windows
shall be used.

d.

Utilize flat wood trims (typically 4½
inches or 5½ inches wide) around the
primary windows and entry doors.
e.

Window and door trim color shall
contrast with color of walls.
f.

Entry doors and garage doors have glass
panels.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
66 4.2.5 DECORATIVE DETAILS
All residential projects shall provide at least four of the following. Residential projects four stories and
taller, mixed-use projects, or projects more with
than 15 buildings shall provide at least six of the
following.
a.

S
tone pier and battered wood support
b.

Exposed rafter tails and knee-brace
brackets
c.

Dormers on the front façade
d.

Second-story balcony
e.

Decorative attic/gable vent
f.

Light fixtures shall be box-shaped, with
metal frame and geometric pattern
g.

Chimneys are visible at the exterior and
arranged on a side elevation
h.

S
tained-glass or transom windows
i.

Covered front porches with tapered pillars
j.

Ground-level windows have muntins
k.

Decorative joinery
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
67 4.3 AMERICAN MERCANTILE
This building type began in the late 19th century when, in the process of identifying towns and cities, housing and offices were built over retail stores.

This mixed-use strategy is still relevant today as the reurbanization of existing city centers becomes an established pattern.

FLAT ROOF WITH CORNICE AND

DETAILS

RECESS WINDOWS FROM

WALL PLANE

SIGN BOARD

GABLE ROOF WITH

DORMERS

TRANSOM WINDOW

WINDOW LINTEL

WINDOW SILL

DOUBLE -HUNG

WINDOWS

AWNING/CANOPY WIDTH MATCHES

WINDOW AND DOOR OPENINGS
COLUMN

SIMPLE RECTANGULAR

AND SYMMETRIC FORM

RECESSED STOREFRONT

ENTRANCE

BULKHEAD
FINIAL
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
68 4.3.1 FORM AND MASSING
a. Simple, rectangular form.
b.

Rhythmic placement of piers, columns,
ground-floor storefronts, and openings on
upper levels.
c.

T
ransparent windows and doorways shall
be no less than 80 percent of the street
frontage at the ground level.
d.

Multistory facades are divided into base,
body, and top, with the ground floor taller
than the upper floors.
e.

Engaged columns or lintels over openings.
f.

Bases are articulated by changes in material
or changes in wall plane.
g.

Minimal projections or recessions on wall
plane.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
69 4.3.2 ROOF
a. Flat roof
b.

A projecting cornice or a receding, stepped
parapet
c.

Cornice and details mimic and reference
historical detailing.
d.

R
oofs may be accessible and used as
balconies or terraces.
e.

S
treet-facing gable roof with roof pitches
at least 5:12 unless concealed behind a
parapet.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
70 4.3.3 MATERIALS AND COLORS
a. The primary walls shall be composed of
brick, comprising the main body of the
building’s tripartite facade structure. The
masonry work can be very plain or highly
decorative.
b.

Decorative moldings, cornices, or an
applied ornament of stone or cast concrete
may be used to express the vertical division
between the base, the body, and the top.
c.

No more than three colors shall be used on
any given facade.
d.

S
tucco and clapboard shall be avoided.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
71 4.3.4 DOORS AND WINDOWS
a. Ground-floor windows and doors shall
be large and expansive, typically with a
transom.
b.

Upper-floor windows shall be double-
hung (two lites) vertically and grouped
with a rhythm consistent with the major
storefront openings below.
c.

Entrance shall be visually distinct with
higher bays, recessed entries by a
minimum of 3 feet, or different color/
materials.
d.

Upper-floor windows typically have
window lintel and sill.
e.

T
ransom windows above the doors and
windows on the ground level.
f.

Fifty percent of windows shall have
muntins.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
72 4.3.5 DECORATIVE DETAILS
All residential projects shall provide at least four of the following. Residential projects four stories and
taller, mixed-use projects, or projects with more
than 15 buildings shall provide at least six of the
following.
a.

A
wnings, canopies, and second-floor
balconies may extend into the public right-
of-way. Such attachments provide shelter to
passing pedestrians, emphasize the ground
floor uses, and add interest to the box-like
massing inherent to the style.
b.

P
edimented windows
c.

Wide window trim with a keystone
d.

Double-bracketed cornice
e.

Gable roof
f.

R
oof finial
g.

T
ransom above door and windows on the
ground level
h.

Metal stair and balcony railing
i.

Canopy or awning
j.

R
ecessed entries
k.

Cast-iron columns
l.

Shopfront millwork
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
73 4.4 TUSCAN
A interpretation of traditional Mediterranean architectural style based on the Spanish Revival style joined by rural Italian elements. As indicated in the accompanying images and illustrative diagram, recognizable elements include the use of stone and stucco, light earth tones, and red- tiled roofs. Classical elements such as columns and arches and decorative iron work add visual complexity. Squared towers and projections speak to Italianate references. Porches and porticoes are common, as are vertically oriented, recessed windows.

OVERHANGING EAVES

RED CLAY TILES

WINDOW WITH FLAT LINTEL AND DIVIDED LITES

VARIATION OF ROOF PLANES

EXPOSED RAFTER TAILS

VERTICALLY ORIENTED

RECESSED WINDOWS

DECORATIVE METAL

LIGHT FIXTURE

USE OF STONE AND SMOOTH

STUCCO WITH LIGHT EARTH
TONES

RECESSED ENTRY
ARCHED

OPENINGS
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
74 4.4.1 FORM AND MASSING
a. Asymmetrical arrangement of windows
and design elements along primary
elevation.
b.

P
orches, porticoes and/or Juliet balconies.
c.

R
ecessed entries (at least 3 feet).
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
75 4.4.2 ROOF
a. Flat or low-pitched hip or gable roof
(maximum 6:12 slope).
b.

R
ed-toned clay tiles.
c.

Multiple roof levels (at least three).
d.

Large overhanging eaves (minimum 12
inches) along primary elevation.
e.

Shaped timber tiles at eaves.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
76 4.4.3 MATERIALS AND COLORS
a. Incorporate rough-hewn stone as accent
feature.
b.

Flat stucco walls in light earth tones.
c.

Earthy tone color palette.
d.

Brown or beige window frames.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
77 4.4.4 DOORS AND WINDOWS
a. Single- or double-hung windows shall be
more horizontal in proportion, with six-
over-six muntin patterns and 5½-inch-
wide trim.
b.

Casement windows shall be paired with
four-pane patterns for narrow windows
and eight-pane patterns for wider
windows.
c.

V
ertically oriented rectangular or arched
windows arranged in asymmetrical
patterns.
d.

Casement or double-hung sash with flat
or arched lintels.
e.

Windows shall be recessed 3 to 12 inches
from outer wall on primary facade.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
78 4.4.5 DECORATIVE DETAILS
All residential projects shall provide at least four
of the following. Residential projects four stories
and taller, mixed-use projects, or projects with
more than 15 buildings shall provide at least six
of the following.
a.

Shallo
w Juliet balconies
b.

Rafter extensions and brackets
c.

S
tone or stucco window/door trim
d.

R
ectangular or arched wooden door
e.

Arcade or porch at entry
f.

Decorative ironwork (window grilles,
railings, light fixtures, decorative planters)
g.

Arched windows
h.

P
aired decorative wood shutters. Shutters
shall be equal to half the width of the
window. Shutter styles can be paneled or
louvered.
i.

Use of brick, stone, or w
ood columns
j.

S
tucco or stone chimneys or tower
k.

Dark-color wood trellis
l.

Arched openings and d
oorways at the
ground level
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
79 4.5 MODERN
Modern architecture exhibits clean lines and geometric shapes. It uses unconventional or industrial building materials, rejecting designs that are ornate, that use resources that are expensive to produce, or that damage the environment. Glass, metal, concrete, steel, and reclaimed materials are common building materials. Lots of large windows are characteristic of contemporary architecture, with large panels of glass that create opportunities for natural light, passive solar heating, and the feel of openness.

CLEAN AESTHETIC WITH

MINIMAL ORNAMENT AND

MOULDINGS

USE OF MODERN

MATERIALS, LIKE

REINFORCED CONCRETE

AND STEEL

GLASS FROM FLOOR TO

CEILING

FLAT ROOFS, EMPHASIS ON

HORIZONTAL PLANES AND

BROAD ROOF OVERHANGS

LARGE WINDOWS AND OPENING

IN HORIZONTAL BANDS

RECTANGULAR SHAPE

EMPHASIS ON HORIZONTAL

AND VERTICAL LINES
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
80 4.5.1 FORM AND MASSING
a. An irregular, asymmetrical facade
b.

S
trong emphasis on geometry
c.

R
ectangular structure
d.

Horizontal massing
e.

Lack of ornament or mouldings
f.

S
traight and continuous lines
g.

Multifaceted appearance
h.

R
epeating lines and elements
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
81 4.5.2 ROOF
a. Flat or low-pitched shed roofs (4:12 slope
max)
b.

Slope roofs shall have a minimum 2-foot-
deep overhang at the lower end.
c.

Tile roof shall be prohibited.
d.

Mid- and high-rise may have decks or roof
gardens.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
82 4.5.3 MATERIALS AND COLORS
a. Use of raw and natural materials like wood,
concrete, metal, and glass.
b.

T
raditional materials (such as stucco, wood,
brick, and stone) may be used as an accent.
c.

Minimum two materials on the building
facade.
d.

Use of bold color blocks to emphasize
geometric forms and break up massing
elements.
e.

Building facade shall incorporate at least
one of the following as an accent: decorative
shutters, popouts, trellis or arbor structures,
or balconies.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
83 4.5.4 DOORS AND WINDOWS
a. Large glass doors and/or window openings
b.

Window wrapping around a corner of the
building
c.

Narrow aluminum window frames with square
sticking
d.

V
alence grids sometimes are applied on
windows
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
84 4.5.5 DECORATIVE DETAILS
All residential projects shall provide at least four of the following. Residential projects four stories and
taller, mixed-use projects, or projects with more
than 15 buildings shall provide at least six of the
following.
a.

Metal
balcony railings
b.

Picture windows
c.

Clerestory windows
d.

Floor-to-ceiling glass door
e.

Usable outdoor roof decks
f.

T
rellis shade structures
g.

Bright colors to provide contrasting
elements
h.

Metal awning
i.

Bold branding
j.

Floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the
ground level
k.

Broad roof overhang with exposed wood or
steel frame
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
85 HIGH-PITCHED ROOF ACCENTUATED VERTICAL

ORIENTATION

DORMERS

MONOCHROME COLOR WITH

CONTRASTING ACCENTS

HORIZONTAL AND

VERTICAL WOOD

BOARD AND BATTEN
SIDING

MULTIPLE ROOF
PLANES

FIXED AWNING

WITHOUT SIDES

CASEMENT

WINDOWS WITH

MUNTINS

4.6 FARMHOUSE
Farmhouse is a interpretation of traditional rural residential forms and materials. This style reflects Murrieta’s agricultural and ranching history and regional context. As indicated in the accompanying images and illustrative diagram, the style uses elements such as vertical or horizontal wood siding, monochrome colors with contrasting accents, and sparse or simple ornamentation. Roofs are typically medium to high pitched. Minimal detailing often includes awnings, porches, and wall-mounted gooseneck lights.

This styles shall be applied to building no taller than three stories. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
86 4.6.1 FORM AND MASSING
a. Clean and straight exterior lines,
geometric form.
b.

Asymmetrical massing with a gable at
the front of the house.
c.

R
epeating shapes and lines.
d.

Gable roof creating a triangular wall on
the ends.
e.

Incorporate farm and ranch forms
inspired by barns, silos, sheds, tank
houses, and granary towers.
f.

Multiple gable and shed roof planes.
g.

Geometric forms, industrial materials,
limited palette, and repetition.
h.

Covered porches and awnings to break
up volumes between lower and upper
floors.
i.

Three or more wall planes with a
minimum 12-inch difference.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
87 4.6.2 ROOF
a. High-pitched gabled roof or shed roof
(minimum 6:12 slope)
b.

Intersecting gable roofs
c.

Dark asphalt shingle, metal roofs, or
synthetic slate shingles
d.

T
riangular rooflines emphasizing the
height of the unit
e.

Large overhangs (minimum 2 feet in
length) above the patio and garage
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
88 4.6.3 MATERIALS AND COLORS
a. Unadorned materials: metal, wood,
masonry.
b.

Utilize board-and-batten siding,
corrugated panels to give texture and
variation to exterior walls.
c.

Neutral or muted colors shall be
predominant.
d.

Monochrome accents of doors, windows,
or architectural features.
e.

Combine contemporary design with rustic
materials.
f.

S
tucco is prohibited.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
89 4.6.4 DOORS AND WINDOWS
a. At least 60 percent of windows shall be
tall and narrow double-hung windows
with a proportion of 2 or 2½ times taller
than wide.
b.

Groupings of two or three double-hung
units are occasionally used.
c.

Accent windows shall be no more than 20
percent.
d.

T
ypically have 4½ inches to 5½ inches flat
board trim on the sides and head.
e.

Sixty percent windows shall have grilles.
f.

Minimal moulding around window and
door openings.
g.

Double-hung or casement windows with
muntins.
h.

Contrast color of window sash with color
of the body of the building.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023 90

4.6.5 DECORATIVE DETAILS
All residential projects shall provide at least four
of the following. Residential projects four stories
and taller, mixed-use projects, or projects with
more than 15 buildings shall provide at least six
of the following.
a.

Wide front porch with simple columns
b.

Covered patio
c.

Shed or gabled dormers
d.

Carriage-style garage doors
e.

Dark shutters and window sashes
f.

Shed dormers
g.

Simple gable brackets, vents, and trim
h.

Iron-inspired barn-style lighting
i.

Metal awnings without
sides
j.

Gooseneck light fixture
s at the entrance
k.

Large doors and windows to maximize
natural light
l.

Grilles on the ground-le
vel windows and
doors
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
91 Accent Window. Accent windows are supplements. They provide aesthetic value and variance to the building. Window types include transom windows, dormer awning windows, picture windows, arch and circle windows, and art glass.

AWNING

4.7 DEFINITIONS
ACCENT
WINDOW
ACCENT
WINDOW
ACCENT

WINDOWACCENT
WINDOW
Arcade. A roofed passageway or lane. A series of arches supported by columns, piers, or pillars, either freestanding or attached to a wall to form a gallery.

Awning. An architectural fabric or metal projection that provides weather protection, building identity, or decoration, and is wholly supported by the building to which it is attached. An awning consists of a lightweight frame structure over which a cover is attached.

Bay. Any division of a building between vertical lines or planes. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
92 Board and Batten. A form of sheathing for wood frame buildings consisting of wide boards, usually placed vertically, whose joints are covered by narrow strips of wood over joints or cracks.

Bracket. A projection from a vertical surface providing structural or visual support under cornices, balconies, windows, or any other overhanging member.

BRACKET
BOARD
BATTEN

CORNICE
Building Mass (Massing). Mass refers to the general shape and form as well as size of a building.

Cornice. A horizontal moulding projecting along the top of a wall, building, etc.

Cladding. Building cladding is the application of one material over another to add an extra skin or layer to the building. Commonly used exterior wall cladding materials include brick, vinyl, wood, stone, fiber cements, metal, concrete, and stucco.

STUCCO STONE VINYL
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
93 CORNICE
RETURN
Decorative Gable Vents. A nonventing louver mounted in the top of the gable.

GABLE VENT
Divided Lite: Individual panes of glass held in place by wood or synthetic material to create a pattern.

DORMER

DIVIDED LITES
Dormer: A structure projecting from a sloping roof, usually housing a vertical window in a small gable or a ventilating louver.

Cornice Return. Also called an eave return, a cornice return is a graceful way to transition the eave and the main fascia board around the gable end of a house.

Corbel. A structural piece of stone, wood, or metal jutting from a wall to carry a super-incumbent weight; a type of bracket.

CORBEL
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
94 Front-Gabled Roof. A gabled roof that faces the road or main entrance.

Gable Roof. A roof having a gable at one or both ends; a roof sloping downward in two opposite directions from a central ridge, forming a gable at each end.

Hipped Roof. A roof that slopes upward from all four sides of a building, requiring a hip rafter at each corner.

SIDE-GABLED FRONT -GABLED

GABLE HIP
Joinery. It is a part of woodworking that involves joining pieces of wood, engineered lumber, or synthetic substitutes (such as laminate) to produce more complex items.

Juliet Balcony. A pseudo balcony; a low ornamental railing to a window, projecting only slightly beyond the plane of the window, threshold, or sill and having the appearance of a balcony when the window is fully open.

JULIET BALCONY

MISSION PARAPET
Mansard Roof. A type of roof with the two slopes on each side.

Mission Parapet. A low protective wall or railing along the edge of a roof, balcony, or similar structure; in an exterior wall, the part entirely above the roof.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
95 Mullion. A dividing piece between the lights of windows, usually taking on the characteristics of the style of the building.

Muntin. A secondary framing member to hold panes in a window, window wall, or glazed door; an intermediate vertical member that divides panels of a door.

CASEMENT WINDOW DOUBLE HUNG

BAY WINDOW

CIRCLE WINDOW

DORMER AWNING
WINDOW

TRANSOM

EXAMPLES OF PRIMARY WINDOWS

EXAMPLES OF ACCENT WINDOWS
Overhanging Eaves. The projecting overhang at the lower edge of a roof that sheds rainwater.

Pediment. A low-pitched, triangular gable above the doorway or above a window; a triangular gable end of the roof above the horizontal cornice, often with sculpture.

OVERHANGING EAVES
EAVE

OVERHANGING
RAKE

OVERHANGING

PARTS OF A WINDOW
Primary Window. Windows that are commonly used and have an independent function. Primary windows shall be able to open from inside. Window types include: casement windows, single-hung, double-hung, slider windows, and bay windows.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
96 4 Roof Planes
These are decorative
features not roof planes.

Roof Plane. The surface of the roof. It could be flat, pitched, or on an angle. It is also called the field of the roof.

Rafter Tails. The portion of the rafter that hangs over the wall.

RAFTER TAILS
Shingle. A small thin piece of building material often with one end thicker than the other for laying in overlapping rows as a covering for the roof or sides of a building.

Shutter. Each of a pair of hinged panels, often louvered, fixed inside or outside a window that can be closed for security or privacy or to keep out light.

Side-Gabled Roof. A gabled roof that faces either side of the main entrance.

Sill. The horizontal exterior member at the bottom of a window or door opening, usually sloped away from the bottom of the window or door for drainage of water and overhanging the wall below.

SILL
Transom Window. A transom window used above the entry door but can’t not open. They are usually as wide as the door (or as wide as the door and the sidelights). They can be square (rectangular), round top, or elliptical.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
97 Valance Grids. Valance grids are similar to the Standard grids but are only across the top of the window or door.

Veranda. A raised, covered, sometimes partly closed area, often made of wood, on the front or side of a building
Window Sash. The movable part of a window made of the vertical and horizontal frame that holds the glass.

Wingwall. A smaller wall attached or next to a larger wall or structure. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
98 STANDARDS

COMPLIANCE

CHECKLISTS

5.0 This checklist is intended as an overview of the requirements for multifamily development projects in the City of Murrieta. Additional information and plans may be required to evaluate your application following initial review by staff. A copy of this list will be used to check your application for completeness after it is submitted. Applications not containing the necessary information on this Checklist will not be accepted for review.

To use the checklist correctly, follow the steps below:
•
The general standards apply to all projects regardless of building height, architectural style(s), or zone. Complete the General S
tandards section first.
•
Next, identify the building type for the project based on the typologies in Chapter 3: Low-rise, Mid-rise, or High-rise. Use and complete only the checklist for the building type in your project.
•
Finally, identify the architectural styles for the project based on the definitions in Chapter 4. Whether the project utilizes one, two, or three of the architectural styles, use and complete
only the checklist(s) that applies to the styles in
your project.

As you go through the checklist, check each “Complete” box under “Applicant” to indicate that the information has been provided, and sign below once the checklist is complete. If you believe an item is not applicable to your application, check the “N/A” box under “Applicant” and provide justification why the standard does not apply.

If you have any questions regarding this form or are uncertain if a specific requirement applies to your project, please contact the Planning Division at (951) 461-6061.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
100

GENERAL

STANDARDS
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
101

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A

2.1 Site Planning
Site design requirements shall be that specified for the zoning district in which the project is located.

Residential complex developments with 8 to 14 buildings shall provide a minimum of two color schemes that complement each other. A single color scheme shall be dedicated to no less than 30 percent of all residential buildings.

Residential complex developments with 15 to 29 buildings shall provide the following. The number of buildings in a single style shall be no less than 30 percent. y Tw
o architectural styles from Chapter 4 and
y Tw
o distinct different color schemes.

Residential complex developments with more than 30 buildings shall provide the following. The number of buildings in a single style shall be no less than 30 percent. y Thr
ee architectural styles from Chapter 4 and
y Thr
ee building types with different color schemes.

Architectural styles capped at three stories may build an additional story if the fourth story footprint is less than 70 percent of the ground level and is part of the development incentives.

Larger projects (greater than 150 units) shall contain at least two of the following to reduce the appearance of bulk: Various roof heights, Vertical planes, Different materials and colors.

Roof forms and roof lines shall be broken into a series of smaller building components when viewed from the street. Long, linear, unbroken roof lines shall not exceed 50 feet. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
102

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Visual interest shall be provided through architectural variety, especially where several new buildings face streets, such as by using different layouts and/ or architectural features. Abutting buildings shall have complementary architectural styles.

Proposed cut-and-fill slopes shall be rounded off both horizontally and vertically.

Where pedestrian circulation crosses vehicular routes, a change in grade materials, textures, or colors shall be provided to emphasize the conflict point and improve its visibility and safety.

Pedestrian linkages to nearby neighborhoods, schools, parks, commercial projects, and parking areas shall be provided.

Orient buildings toward public (and private) streets to positively define street edges. Buildings adjacent to both public streets and public open space amenities, such as parks, shall be designed with a dual orientation.

Minimum of 60 percent of the street frontage shall be devoted to buildings. The remaining 40 percent may be devoted to parking, landscaping, and driveways; except for urban areas or areas with slope restrictions.

Except for garage entrances, structured parking shall not be visible from the primary streets or any public open space.

Loading docks and service areas on a corner lot must be accessed from the side street.

Gates that control vehicular and pedestrian access to a residential site are considered privacy gates and shall be subject to review and approval of the Development Services Department and Fire Department. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
103

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Arrange buildings to provide functional common outdoor spaces. If adjacent to a single-family residential zone, buildings shall be designed so as not to have a direct line-of-sight into adjacent units or onto private patios or backyards adjoining the property line. This can be accomplished through:
y S
tepbacks of upper stories (for setback and stepback distances see Table 16.08-4 in MMC 16.08.020) y Windows or balconies placement
y Use
of clerestory windows, glass block, or opaque glass
y Matur
e landscaping within the rear or side setback areas (such as courtyards, paseos, or parks) for the use of residents.

Residential structures on the same lot (not attached) shall maintain a minimum separation of at least 10 feet for one-story structures, 15 feet for two-story structures, and 20 feet for three-story structures (MMC

16.18.130).

Mixed-use building orientation shall comply with all the standards mentioned above and the following standards.
y Commer
cial/Office Units. Commercial/Office unit entrances shall face the street, a parking area, or an interior common space.
y Entrances
to residential units shall be physically separated from the entrance to the permitted commercial uses and clearly marked with a physical feature.

2.2.1 Surface Parking
Parking lots shall be placed to the side or rear of buildings. There shall be no vehicular parking between townhouse fronts and the public right-of-way.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
104

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Parking lots shall be connected to all building entrances by means of internal pedestrian walkways.

Pedestrian walkways shall be no less than 6 feet in width.

Landscaped planters shall be not less than nine (9) feet in width in all interior dimensions.

Adjacent to side or rear property lines: Parking areas shall provide a perimeter landscaped strip at least five (5)

feet wide.

Adjacent to Streets: Parking areas shall provide a perimeter landscaped strip at least 15 feet wide between the street right-of-way and parking area.

Lighting standards shall comply with MMC 16.18.110.

Access drives shall be at least 200 feet apart and at least 100 feet from property lines and street intersections unless an approved shared drive is provided or the driveway location does not create a traffic hazard to adjacent property (MMC 16.08.040).

Maximum number of driveways:
y One
driveway for lot frontage up to 150 feet
y Tw
o driveways for lot frontage 150 feet to 299 feet
y One
driveway for each additional 300 feet
Bicycle parking requirement shall comply with the standards in MMC 16.34.090.

Number of required vehicle parking spaces shall be consistent with MMC 16.34.040, Table 3.7.

Disabled/Handicapped Parking requirements shall comply with the standards in MMC 16.34.060. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
105

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Electric vehicle parking spaces shall be implemented, consistent with MMC 16.44.115, Electric Vehicle Parking Requirements, and California Vehicle Code Section 22511.2.

Open parking areas shall be screened from view of adjacent properties and streets using walls, berms, and/ or evergreen landscaping.

Parking lot landscaping shall be located so as to discourage pedestrians from having to cross any landscaped areas to reach building entrances from parked cars.

2.2.2 Residential Garage (If provided, the standards below apply) Garage doors may occupy no more than 40 percent of a building’s street frontage and shall be recessed a minimum of 18 inches from a street-facing wall plane.

Street-facing garage doors serving individual units that are attached to the structure must incorporate one or more of the following so that the garage doors are visually subservient and complementary to other building elements:
y Garage
door windows or architectural detailing consistent with the main dwelling. Arbor or other similar projecting feature above the garage doors.
y Landscaping occupying 50 percent or more of driveway area serving the garage (e.g., “ribbon” driveway with landscaping between two parallel strips of pavement for vehicle tires).

Minimum Interior Dimensions for Residential Enclosed Garages (if provided). y A
single-car garage shall be at least 10 feet wide and 20 feet long. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
106

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
y A
standard double-car garage shall be at least 20 feet wide and 20 feet long. y Each garage space shall be equipped with an automatic door opener and a roll-up sectional or similar garage door that does not extend onto the apron. On multifamily dwellings, a security gate on a multispace garage is permitted.

Numbers of required off-street parking spaces and bicycle parking slots are listed under MMC 1107.0304.

For attached private garage, the design shall include adequate space for waste/solid storage and a water heater unit.

2.2.3 Parking Structure and Loading
Any driveway providing access to a parking structure shall have a minimum width of 28 feet.

Parked vehicles at each level within the structure shall be shielded from view of adjoining streets.

The exterior elevations of parking structures shall be designed to minimize the use of blank concrete facades. This can be accomplished through the use of textured concrete, planters or trellises, or other architectural treatments.

If a toll or fee booth is located in the driveway area, the driveways on either side of the booth shall have a minimum width of 14 feet.

The maximum length of a parking aisle without being intersected by another parking aisle or driveway shall be 300 feet.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
107

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
y The
parking areas of sloped-floor parking structures shall not exceed a grade of 5 percent as measured across the width of a 90 degree parking stall.
y The
grade of a straight internal ramp shall not exceed 15 percent. y The
grade of a circular ramp shall not exceed 12 percent as measured at the outside ramp wall.

A straight one-way ramp shall be at least 14 feet in width. A two-way ramp shall be at least 24 feet in width.

The minimum outside wall radius of a circular ramp shall be 36 feet.

All ramps shall be provided with transition zones at the top and bottom of the ramp. y Ramps
with a grade of 10 percent or less shall have a transition zone at least 8 feet in length. y Ramps
with a grade of greater than 10 percent shall have transition zones at least 12 feet in length. y The
grade of a transition zone shall not exceed one-half the grade of the ramp it serves.

Minimum lighting requirement of entrances and exits is 50 foot-candles. Minimum lighting requirement of parking areas is 5 foot-candles.

The minimum distance of entry/exit from corner intersections is 150 feet.

Large illuminated signs with architectural features, such as an arch or canopy, shall be used at the entrance to emphasize the facility entry and attract patrons.

Off-Street Loading Space Requirements:

One loading space is required in any parking lot with 15 or more spaces serving any nonresidential or mixed use.

Loading docks and service areas are prohibited on the primary street building frontage.

Loading requirement are listed under MMC 16.34.100.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
108

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A

2.2.4 Tandem Parking
Tandem parking may be permitted to satisfy the off-street parking requirement for a residential unit in accordance with the following.
y No more than two vehicles shall be placed one behind the other. y Both spaces shall be assigned to a single dwelling unit. y The tandem parking bay shall be a minimum 38 feet by 9 feet in interior dimension. y T andem parking to meet required parking for multiunit development shall not exceed 50 percent of the total provided number of spaces.
y T andem parking shall not be used to satisfy the parking requirement for guest parking. y The minimum vertical clearance for shall be 8 feet (per MMC 16.34.070).

2.3 Common Open Space
In projects with fewer that 10 units, the common open space shall have a minimum width and depth of 10 feet.
y In projects with 10 or more or units, where the required common area is less than 3,000 square feet, the common outdoor space shall be concentrated in one area. The common recreation area shall be at least 25 feet in width.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
109

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
y Wher
e the required common area is 3,000 square feet or more, the space may be divided among multiple areas, provided, that at least one recreation area is a minimum of 2,000 square feet with a minimum width of 25 feet.
y All
other areas shall be at least 1,000 square feet with a minimum width of 10 feet.

Primary common open space shall not be located at an extreme edge of the property or dispersed as smaller areas throughout the site.

Residential units shall be within a 1/4 mile (1,320 feet) walking distance of common open space.

Minimum open space requirements are met per the requirements on Page 25.

Pedestrian walkways shall connect the common open space to a public right-of-way or building entrance.

Open space areas shall not be located directly next to arterial streets, service areas, or adjacent commercial development to ensure they are sheltered from the noise and traffic of adjacent streets or other incompatible uses. Alternatively, a minimum of 10-foot-wide, dense landscaping shall be provided as screening.

An area of usable common open space shall not exceed an average grade of 10 percent. The area may include landscaping, walks, recreational facilities, and small decorative objects such as artwork and fountains.

All common open spaces shall include seatings and lights. Site furniture shall use graffiti-resistant materials and/or coatings and skateboard deterrents to retain the site furniture’s attractiveness.

Forecourt must be enclosed on at least three sides by buildings. The minimum dimension of any side is 40 feet.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
110

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Multifamily developments exceeding 150 units shall have at least two common open space areas and shall incorporate activities for different age groups.

2.4 Recreational Amenities
The required front yard area shall not be counted toward the common recreation area requirement.

Project shall include at least one children’s play area with a minimum area of 150 square feet.

Developments that include 30 or more dwelling units shall include at least one play area for children (unless age restricted to senior citizens or within 300 feet of a public park). Such play area shall:
y Hav
e a minimum dimension of 20 feet in any direction and a minimum area of 600 square feet. y Contain play equipment, including equipment designed for children aged five years and younger. y Be
visible from multiple dwelling units within the project. y Be
protected from any adjacent streets or parking lot with a fence or other barrier at least 4 feet in height.

Unless otherwise approved by the Planning, Building and Public Works Director, required play spaces for children shall be accessible from all on-site dwellings by pedestrian paths separate from vehicular areas.

All play areas shall be located away from high automobile traffic and shall be situated for maximum visibility from the dwelling units.

A play area for children under age five shall be provided within direct visibility of common spaces.

Senior housing and/or HOPA housing shall be exempt from the requirement to provide play areas, but shall provide areas of congregation that encourage physical activity. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
111

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
One common recreational amenity shall be provided for each 30 units or fraction thereof. Facilities that serve more people could be counted as two amenities. The following listed amenities satisfy the recreational requirements.
y Clubhouse
at a minimum of 750 square feet (two)
y S
wimming pool at a minimum of 15x30 feet or equal surface area (two) y T
ennis, basketball, or racquetball court
y W
eightlifting facility
y Childr
en’s playground at a minimum of 600 square feet
y Sauna
or jacuzzi
y Day
care facility (two)
y Other
recreational amenities deemed adequate by the director
y Community garden

2.5 Private Open Space
Private usable open space shall be accessible to only one living unit by a doorway or doorways to a habitable room or hallway of the unit.

Private usable open space on the ground level (e.g., yards, decks, patios) shall have no horizontal dimension less than 5 feet. Private open space above ground level (e.g., porches, balconies) shall have no horizontal dimension less than 5 feet.

Above-ground-level space shall have at least one exterior side open and unobstructed for at least 8 feet above floor level, except for incidental railings and balustrades. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
112

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Guardrails on open-sided surfaces (like stairs, balconies, decks, porches, etc.) must be at least 36 inches in height.

Balconies and decks shall have walls or railings that are at least 50 percent open.

Private open spaces shall be contiguous to the units they serve and screened to a minimum height of 4 feet by use of plant materials, solid walls, or building surface.

2.6 Landscaping
Landscaping materials shall comply with the following:
y Shr
ubs of at least one-gallon size
y Gr
ound cover instead of grass/turf
y Decorativ
e nonliving landscaping materials, including but not limited to sand, stone, gravel, wood, or water, may be used to satisfy a maximum of 25 percent of the required landscaping area.

Trees shall be planted in a manner that maximizes the shading of paved areas, outdoor seating, and both south- and west-facing windows.

The tree palette shall provide a balanced use of evergreen and deciduous trees.

A minimum of 5-foot-wide landscaping shall be incorporated around the base of buildings (except for walkways and driveways) to soften the edge between parking, drive aisles, and sidewalks.

Development on sloped properties shall follow the natural contours of the land by use of design features listed in the MMC 16.08.040.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
113

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
The applicant shall choose and group plant species with similar water demands to facilitate efficient irrigation (MMC 16.28.060).

High water use plants with a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0 can only be used in the common open space.

Turf is not allowed on slopes greater that 25 percent where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape (MMC 16.28.060).

All setbacks and nonwork areas shall be landscaped within the development area.

Hardscape shall not be used to meet minimum site landscaping requirements in MMC 16.28.070.

Pedestrian access to sidewalks and structures shall be considered in the design of all landscaped areas.

A mix of plant materials shall be provided in compliance with Table 3-5, MMC Section 16.28.080.

Primary street trees, shade trees, and parking lot trees shall be 15-gallon trees.

Sidewalks and pedestrian walkways shall be a minimum of 5 feet in width.

2.7.1 Store Fronts
The ground-floor elevation shall be near the elevation of the sidewalk to minimize the need for external steps and external ADA ramps at public entrances.

All ground-floor tenant spaces that have street frontage shall have storefront entrances on the façade fronting a street.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
114

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Entrance shall be emphasized and clearly recognizable from the street. One or more of the following methods shall be used to achieve this result:
y Pr
ojecting nonfabric awnings or canopies above an entry (covered entry); y V
aried building mass above an entry, such as a tower that protrudes from the rest of the building surface; y Special
corner building entrance treatments, such as a rounded or angled facets on the corner or an embedded corner tower above the entry;
y Special
architectural elements, such as columns, porticos, overhanging roofs, and ornamental light fixtures; y Pr
ojecting or recessed entries or bays in the facade;
y R
ecessed entries must feature design elements that call attention to the entrance such as ridged canopies, contrasting materials, crown moulding, decorative trim, or a 45-degree cut-away entry; y Changes
in roofline or articulation in the surface of the subject wall.

Lobby entrances to upper-floor uses shall be on a façade fronting a street.

A minimum 10-foot-wide frontage shall be provided from the back of the curb to the building.

The ground between the curb and the building face shall be paved with hard surfaces to maximize the walkable area and provide flexible spaces to accommodate commercial uses.

Windows and/or glass doors shall cover not less than 50 percent of the first-floor elevation along street frontages.

At least 25 percent of the surface area of each upper-floor façade shall be occupied by windows.

Projecting elements on upper floors may project 5 feet from the façade and into the setback. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
115

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Development with retail, commercial, community or public uses on the ground floor shall have a clear floor- to-ceiling height of at least 15 feet.

The minimum height for awnings or marquees is 8 feet above finished grade, and the maximum height for awnings or marquees is 12 feet above finished grade, except as otherwise required in the Building Code approved by the City.

If the front façade is set back from the public sidewalk, the setback shall be improved as an extension of the public sidewalk.

2.7.2 Live-Work/Office Fronts
The ground floor elevation shall be near the elevation of the sidewalk to minimize the need for external steps and external ADA ramps at public entrances.

All ground-floor tenant spaces that have street frontage shall have entrances on a façade fronting a street.

All other ground-floor uses may have a common lobby entrance along the front façade or private entrances along other facades.

Entrances to upper-floor units may be provided through a common lobby entrance and/or by a common entrance along a façade fronting a street.

At least 40 percent of the surface area of the ground-floor façade shall be occupied by display windows or translucent panels.

At least 25 percent of the surface area of each upper-floor façade shall be occupied by windows.

Projecting elements on upper floors may project 3 feet from the façade and into the setback. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
116

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
The ground floor shall have a clear floor-to-ceiling height of at least 12 feet.

The minimum height for awnings or marquees is 8 feet above finished grade, and the maximum height for awnings or marquees is 12 feet above finished grade, except as otherwise required in the Building Code approved by the City.

If the front façade is set back from the public sidewalk, the setback shall be landscaped and/or improved as an extension of the public sidewalk.

2.7.3 Residential Fronts
Garages shall not exceed 40 percent of the length of the building facade.

The ground-floor elevation shall be within 6 feet of the ground surface of the adjacent sidewalk or walkway.

Entrances to ground-floor units that have street frontage may be provided through a common lobby entrance and/or by private entrances from the adjacent sidewalk.

Entrances to upper-floor units may be provided through a common lobby entrance and/or by a common entrance along a façade fronting a street.

At least 25 percent of the surface area of the ground- and upper-floor façades shall be occupied by windows.

Stoops and front porches may be provided in front of building and unit entrances. Stoops and front porches may project up to 5 feet from the façade and into the setback.

Projecting elements on upper floors may project 3 feet from the façade and into the setback. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
117

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
The public sidewalk shall be improved with street trees per MMC 16.28.080.

If the front façade is set back from the public sidewalk, the setback shall be landscaped (excluding stoops/ front porches and paved paths to building entrances).

2.8 Exterior Lighting
Lighting plan shall be prepared and shall demonstrate the dispersal of light on the ground surface and compliance with the requirements in MMC 16.18.100.

Lighting shall be shielded and directed downward, with location of lights coordinated with the approved landscape plan.

Exterior lamps shall be low wattage, LED, and except for outdoor Christmas lights, shall not be colored.

All exterior lighting shall be dark-sky compliant and designed, located, and lamped in order to prevent overlighting, energy waste, glare, and light trespass.

Bollard lighting may be used to light walkways and other landscape features, but shall cast light downward.

All parking lot lights shall be full cut-off luminaires, as certified by the manufacturer, with the light source directed downward and away from adjacent residences.

Street lights shall use decorative lighting poles that match the community theme.

Outside and parking lot lighting shall not exceed 0.1 foot-candle at residential property lines. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
118

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Lighting shall be located so as to minimize its impact on adjacent buildings and properties, especially residential uses. Any lighting source, including illuminated signs, shall be positioned so that light does not shine directly into residential windows. (DTSP section 4.8)

2.9 Trash and Recycling Enclosures
Storage areas shall be conveniently accessible for trash removal by standard refuse disposal vehicles.

Enclosures shall be finished using materials compatible with the surrounding architecture.

Trash storage areas that are visible from the upper stories of adjacent structures shall have an opaque or semi-opaque horizontal cover/screen to mitigate unsightly views.

Provide a concrete pad within the fenced or walled area(s) and a concrete apron that facilitates the handling of the individual bins or containers.

Loading areas and refuse storage facilities shall be located as far as possible from residential units and shall be completely screened from view of adjacent residential portions of the project. The location and design of trash enclosures shall account for potential nuisances from odors.

For sites having 2 to 6 units, a minimum of 12 square feet for waste and 12 square feet for recycling enclosure shall be provided.

For sites having 7 to 15 units, a minimum of 24 square feet for waste and 24 square feet for recycling enclosure shall be provided.

For sites having 16 to 25 units, a minimum of 48 square feet for waste and 48 square feet for recycling enclosure shall be provided.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
119

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
For sites having 25 or more units, every additional 25 dwellings or fraction thereof shall require an additional 48 square feet for solid waste and 48 square feet for recyclables.

All recycling areas in multifamily residential developments shall be located within 250 feet of any residential unit.

Storage areas shall not be closer than 20 feet from doors or operable windows of adjacent structures.

For individual units, a minimum of 3 cubic feet shall be provided for the storage of refuse and a minimum of 3 cubic feet shall be provided for the storage of recyclable material.

2.10 Doorbells
Every building consisting of more than 5 dwelling units shall be equipped with doorbells, intercoms, or other signaling device attached to the front exterior of the dwelling and accessible to all visitors to the dwelling.

Doorbell locations shall meet the ADA requirement.

If a gate is provided between the front door and the street, the gate shall be clearly marked as the main entrance to the business and include a doorbell, directory, call box, or other means of communication for patients and patrons to be allowed access to the business. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
120

BUILDING

STANDARDS

BY TYPE
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
121

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

BUILDING STANDARDS BY TYPES - LOWRISE
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A

3.1.1 Site Design For Low Rise
Each unit shall have an individual entry facing a street or a common open space.

Maximum building coverage: 40 percent.

Resident and guests parking may be surface parking (covered or uncovered), or provided in a garage.

Parking requirement and standards shall be in accordance with MMC 16.34.040 and Chapter 2.2, Parking, in this book.

Open space requirement shall be in accordance with MMC 16.34.040 and Chapter 2.3, Common Open Space; Chapter 2.4, Recreational Amenities; and Chapter 2.5, Private Open Space, in this book.

The area between a building and the street must be landscaped.

Site development standards and required setbacks shall be in accordance with Table 16.08-4 in MMC

16.08.020.

A street-facing primary entrance must feature a porch, covered entry, or recessed entry clearly visible from the street that gives the entrance visual prominence. Entrances must be connected to the adjacent sidewalk with a pedestrian walkway.

A minimum of 10 percent of the site shall be landscaped with a mix of vegetative ground cover, shrubbery, and trees.

All landscaping shall be irrigated with a permanent irrigation system unless a licensed landscape architect submits written verification that the proposed plant materials do not require irrigation. The property owner shall maintain all landscaping.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
122

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

BUILDING STANDARDS BY TYPES - LOWRISE
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A

3.1.2.A Townhome Building Massing Standards
The minimum unit of a townhome shall be three units. The maximum building length shall be 150 feet or six units, whichever is less.

Entrance frequency: At least one every 50 feet.

Maximum elevation of the front entrance shall be 30 inches above adjacent sidewalk. If the elevation exceeds 30 inches, projects are subject to accessibility design reviews.

Parking (garage) may be front-loaded or rear-loaded, but must be entered from alley.

Architectural articulation and projection shall follow the requirement in MMC 16.08.040.

Primary elevations (facades) shall incorporate design features such as offsets, balconies, projections, window reveals, or similar elements to preclude large expanses of uninterrupted building. Along the vertical face of a structure, such features shall occur at a minimum of every 35 feet, and each floor shall contain at least two of the following features:
y R
ecess (e.g., deck, patio, courtyard, balcony, garage, entrance, or similar feature) that has a minimum depth of 4 feet;
y Ext
ension (e.g., floor area, deck, porch, bay window, patio, entrance, or similar feature) that projects a minimum of 2 feet and runs horizontally for a minimum length of 4 feet; and/or y Offsets
of facade or roof elevation of 2 feet or greater.

The vertical massing of buildings shall be articulated to express each individual unit.

Avoid having primary entry directly facing another unit’s garage door. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
123

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

BUILDING STANDARDS BY TYPES - LOWRISE
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
A covered porch or covered recess entry is required for each townhouse, with a minimum depth of 5 feet and a minimum area of 40 square feet.

Rooflines shall be vertically articulated at least every 50 feet along the street frontage, through the use of architectural elements such as parapets, varying cornices, reveals, clerestory windows, or varying roof height and/or form.

3.1.2.B Multiplex Building Massing Standards
The maximum building length shall be 150 feet.

Alley or courtyard provides access to units and garages.

Entrance frequency: At least one every 50 feet.

Maximum elevation of first inhabited level: 30 inches above adjacent sidewalk.

Parking (garage) shall be rear-loaded or detached.

Architectural articulation and projection shall follow the requirement in MMC 16.08.040. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
124

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

BUILDING STANDARDS BY TYPES - LOWRISE
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Primary elevations (facades) shall incorporate design features such as offsets, balconies, projections, window reveals, or similar elements to preclude large expanses of uninterrupted building. Along the vertical face of a structure, such features shall occur at a minimum of every 35 feet, and each floor shall contain at least two of the following features:
y R
ecess (e.g., deck, patio, courtyard, balcony, garage, entrance, or similar feature) that has a minimum depth of 4 feet;
y Ext
ension (e.g., floor area, deck, porch, bay window, patio, entrance, or similar feature) that projects a minimum of 2 feet and runs horizontally for a minimum length of 4 feet; and/or y Offsets
of facade or roof elevation of 2 feet or greater.

The vertical massing of buildings shall look like large residences.

3.1.2.C Courtyard Building Massing Standards
The maximum building length shall be 150 feet at any side.

Courtyard(s) shall be accessible from the street.

If courtyard is common open space, the front facade shall face the open space.

Alley or courtyard provides access to units and garages.

Entrance frequency: At least one every 50 feet.

Maximum elevation of first inhabited level: 30 inches above adjacent sidewalk.

The courtyard shall be easily accessed from the street. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
125

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

BUILDING STANDARDS BY TYPES - LOWRISE
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Recessed entries with arches or canopies, stoops, low privacy walls.

Parking (garage) shall be rear-loaded or detached.

Architectural articulation and projection shall follow the requirement in MMC 16.08.040.

Primary elevations (facades) shall incorporate design features such as offsets, balconies, projections, window reveals, or similar elements to preclude large expanses of uninterrupted building. Along the vertical face of a structure, such features shall occur at a minimum of every 35 feet, and each floor shall contain at least two of the following features:
y R
ecess (e.g., deck, patio, courtyard, balcony, garage, entrance, or similar feature) that has a minimum depth of f4 feet;
y Ext
ension (e.g., floor area, deck, porch, bay window, patio, entrance, or similar feature) that projects a minimum of 2 feet and runs horizontally for a minimum length of 4 feet; and/or y Offsets
of facade or roof elevation of 2 feet or greater.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
126

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

BUILDING STANDARDS BY TYPES - MID RISE
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A

3.2.1 Site Layout for Mid-Rise
Upper floor units shall be accessed by a common entry along the front street.

For mixed-use, ground floor shops, or office shall have individual entries along the adjacent street.

Parking may be covered, uncovered, or in a garage. Standards shall be in accordance with MMC 16.34.040 and Chapter 2.3, Parking, in this book.

Open Space requirement shall be in accordance with MMC 16.34.040 and Chapter 2.3, Common Open Space; Chapter 2.4, Recreational Amenities; and Chapter 2.5, Private Open Space, in this book.

Site development standards and required setbacks shall be in accordance with Table 16.08-4 in MMC

16.08.020.

3.2.2 Building Massing
Structures with heights greater than three stories shall set back upper portions of the structure a minimum of 10 feet for each additional two stories (MMC 16.44.100).

Buildings over three stories shall have major massing breaks at least every 100 feet along any street frontage, adjacent public park, publicly accessible outdoor space, or designated open space, through the use of varying setbacks and/or building entries.

Major breaks shall be a minimum of 5 feet deep and 25 feet wide and shall extend at least two-thirds of the height of the building. Exceptions include for buildings with upper stories (above first floor) stepped back at least 5 feet; the major break need only extend two-thirds of the height of the portion of the front façade that is not stepped back.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
127

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

BUILDING STANDARDS BY TYPES - MID RISE
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Buildings shall have minor massing breaks at least every 50 feet along the street frontage. Minor breaks shall be a minimum of 1 foot deep and 4 feet wide and extend the full height of the building.

Where parking structures are planned, the street side shall be composed of pedestrian-active uses (such as stores, lobby) on the ground level to screen parking structures.

Residential ground floor uses in multifamily buildings, other then accessible units, shall be no more than 4 feet above the public sidewalk grade, if setback is 15 feet or less.

At least one elevator shall be provided in each multifamily building containing 21 or more units, where some of those units have primary accesses only to the third or higher stories.

The ground floor elevation shall consist of at least one of the following:
y A
line of awnings or canopies over ground floor storefronts or amenity space windows extending at least 75 percent of the elevation width.
y Unobstr
ucted transparent glass storefronts for at least 75 percent of the elevation width. y A
different exterior cladding material than the middle/body which is separated from the middle/body above by either an overhang or recess of 2 feet or more, or a horizontal belt course with a dimension of at least 12 inches, consisting of a different color and material separating the base from the middle section. y A
series of individual residential entries with recessed entryways. y A
series of individual residential entries with porches with roofs. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
128

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

BUILDING STANDARDS BY TYPES - MID RISE
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
The cap is at the top of the building and shall include at least one of the following:
y If
the building has a parapet wall, add a cornice feature, consisting of a different material and a depth of at least 12 inches over the wall below.
y If
a building has a pitched roof, an eave overhang of at least 2 feet. y A
building stepback of at least 3 feet from the main wall plane of the story below. y A
change in exterior cladding material at the top story that is different than the story below, effectively using the top story as a wall cap.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
129

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

BUILDING STANDARDS BY TYPES - HIGH RISE
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A

3.3.1 Building Massing for High Rise
The minimum height of the base shall be two stories.

The maximum height of the base of a proposed high-rise building shall be equal to the width of the right- of-way to provide sufficient enclosure for the street without overwhelming the street.

Additional height may be appropriate through the provision of stepbacks and architectural articulation, particularly on wider streets and deeper lots.

For sites where the adjacent context is lower scale and not anticipated to change:
y The
height of the base or the portion of the base immediately adjacent to the neighboring lower-scale buildings should match the height of the neighboring buildings. y Pr ovide a transition in height on the base through setbacks.

Use bird-friendly best management practices in accordance with the City’s guidelines. In particular, apply visual markers or use low reflectance materials on all exterior glazing within the first 65 feet of the building above grade.

Eighty percent of the ground floor shall be highly transparent.

The maximum tower floor plate for a high-rise residential building shall be 8,000 square feet to minimize shadow and wind impacts.

The tower, including the balconies, shall be stepped back a minimum of 10 feet from the base.

Up to one-third of a tower frontage along a street or a public space may extend straight down to the ground.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
130

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

BUILDING STANDARDS BY TYPES - HIGH RISE
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Orient and shape the tower to improve building energy performance, natural ventilation, and daylighting.

3.3.2 Open Space (Rooftop)
Any rooftop uses shall require a full plan review, permits, and inspections for occupants and structural safety based on how the building roof is to be used.

The rooftop garden shall be located on the third or higher story.

The rooftop garden shall be accessible to all residents of dwelling units on the parcel, but not to commercial tenants of a residential mixed-use development.

Minimum dimensions of rooftop garden are 15 feet in either direction.

Permanent fixtures associated with the usable open space, such as trellises; shade structures; furniture; and furnishings such as planters, lighting and heaters, may exceed the height limit by up to 12 feet.

At least 15 percent but no more than 25 percent of the rooftop shall be landscaped with raised beds for gardening, stormwater planters, or other landscaping. All required landscaped areas should be equipped with automatic irrigation systems and be properly drained.

Rooftop equipment shall be screened by a parapet or enclosure.

Where rooftops are visible from off-site, they should be treated to minimize aesthetic impacts. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
131

ARCHITECTURAL
STYLES
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
132

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - MISSION SPANISH COLONIAL
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A

4.1.1 Form and Massing
Asymmetrical façade/elevations.
3 or more roof planes.

At least 50 percent of the units shall have balconies or window treatments (such as shutters or awnings).

Entrances are recessed at least 12 inches.

Additional details for projects four stories and taller, mixed-use, or for a project with more than 15 buildings (required two details)
y Include
two add-on projections such as verandas, arcades, balconies and exterior stairs. y The
ends of building massings shall be stepped down to create a more pedestrian scale. y One
focal point, such as courtyard, tower, or fountain
y Wingwall or columns on the ground level

4.2.1 Roof
Low-pitched (4:12 maximum) cross- or side-gable roofs. The pitch shall remain constant except for a veranda or arcade.

Red, fired, clay tile roofs. Common tile types include Spanish (S-shaped) and Mission (half-cylinder).

The gable has little or no overhang on the rake.

Thirty percent of the primary facade length shall have a 6- to 12-inch eave overhang, and 20 percent shall have a 24-inch overhang with exposed rafter tails.

Hipped roofs shall only be used in combination with gables or on a tower element. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
133

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - MISSION SPANISH COLONIAL
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Shed roofs are only used in conjunction with verandas.

When a flat roof is used it shall be screened by a parapet that is an extension of the wall plane or by a modified Mansard roof.

4.1.3 Materials and Colors
Roof tiles shall use terracotta, brown earth tones, or rustic red color palette.

White, cream, or tan stucco wall with smooth or lightly textured finish (i.e. hand troweled or smaller particles).

Re-sawn wood shall be used as secondary wall material for the following and similar elements:
1) Posts and exposed beams
2) Railing, spindles and grill work
3) Shutters, window frames and doors
If windows have shutters, the shutter’s color shall match the accent color that is use for doors or decorative trim.

At least one wrought-iron elements (such as railings, hardwares, and gates) shall be used.

4.1.4 Doors and Windows
Accent windows shall be less than 20 percent of the total windows.

The primary facade shall include at least one arched elements.

At least 50 percent of the windows shall be casement windows. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
134

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - MISSION SPANISH COLONIAL
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
All entrance door surrounds shall be banded with ceramic tile, molded plaster, or painted accents.

All the casement windows and double-hung windows shall have wooden frames.

At least two types/shapes of windows shall be used.

A minimum 3-inch-wide flat casting shall be used on all nonrecessed casement windows.

Eighty percent of the primary windows shall have window muntins.

4.1.5 Decorative Details
All residential projects shall provide at least four of the following. Residential projects four stories and taller, mixed-use projects, or projects more than 15 buildings shall provide at least six of the following:
y Entr
y/Front porch or patio
y Decorativ e tiles
y Clay tile vents
y Wr ought-iron balcony railings or support brackets
y Dark -metal light fixture and hardwares
y P aired wood (or wood simulated) garage doors with iron hardware y S tone- or brick-accented elements
y V erandas, pergolas, or arcades
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
135

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - MISSION SPANISH COLONIAL
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
y Wr
ought-iron balcony railings or support brackets
y Ext erior stairs
y F abric awnings with metal spear supports
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
136

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - CRAFTSMAN
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A

4.2.1 Form and Massing
Asymmetrical façade/elevations.

Three or more roof planes on the primary facade.

Front-facing gable roofs.

At least 30 percent of the street-facing units shall have balconies or porches.

Primary walls shall have two to three materials/colors, with no more than 90 percent of the total wall surface in one material / color.

4.2.2 Roof
Low- to moderate-pitched gable or hipped roofs (typically from 6:12 to 8:12).

Overhanging eaves (minimum 24 inches along primary elevation) with exposed rafter tails or beams.

Brackets or knee braces at gabled ends.

Use of wood or asphalt shingle (or fiber cement imitation or imitation synthetic asphalt shingles).

4.2.3 Materials and Colors
Brick, stone, and concrete blocks are the most common materials used in the base.

Primary walls shall show no more than two materials along any vertical section of the building, with no more than 90 percent of the total wall surface in one material. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
137

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - CRAFTSMAN
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Primary wall materials shall include dark color wood shingles, clapboard siding, or fiber cement siding and natural materials such as arroyo stone or bricks.

Use of dark, neutral, earth-toned color palette, such as browns and greens.

Lighter paint palettes may also be appropriate, particularly for details (columns, rafter tails).

The primary facade shall have at least three paint colors: one for the cladding, one for trim, and one or two for accents such as windows and decorative details.

4.2.4 Doors and Windows
At least 50 percent of the windows shall be casement windows.

Eighty percent of the primary windows shall have grilles.

At least two types/shapes of windows shall be used.

Utilize flat wood trims (typically 4½ inches or 5½ inches wide) around the primary windows and entry doors.

Window and door trim color shall contrast with color of walls.

Entry doors and garage doors have glass panels.

4.2.5 Decorative Details
All residential projects shall provide at least four of the following. Residential projects four stories and taller, mixed-use projects, or projects more than 15 buildings shall provide at least six of the following. y S
tone pier and battered wood support
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
138

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - CRAFTSMAN
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
y Exposed rafter tails and knee-brace brackets
y Dor mers on the front façade
y Second-st ory balcony
y Decorativ e attic/gable vent
y Light fixtures shall be box-shaped, with metal frame and geometric pattern. y Chimneys are visible at the exterior and arranged on a side elevation y S tained glass windows or transom windows
y Cov ered front porches with tapered pillars
y Gr ound level windows have muntins
y Decorativ e joinery
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
139

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - AMERICAN MERCANTILE
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A

4.3.1 Form and Massing
Simple, rectangular form.

Rhythmic placement of piers, columns, ground-floor storefronts, and openings on upper levels.

Transparent windows and doorways shall be no less than 80 percent of the street frontage at the ground level.

Multistory facades are divided into base, body, and top, with the ground floor taller than the upper floors.

Engaged columns or lintels over openings.

Bases are articulated by changes in material or changes in wall plane.

Minimal projections or recessions on wall plane.

4.3.2 Roof
Flat roof.

A projecting cornice or a receding, stepped parapet.

Cornice and details mimic and reference historical detailing.

Roofs may be accessible and be used as balconies or terraces.

Street-facing gable roof with roof pitches at least 5:12 unless concealed behind a parapet. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
140

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - AMERICAN MERCANTILE
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A

4.3.3 Materials and Colors
The primary walls, composed of brick, comprise the main body of the building’s tripartite facade structure.

The masonry work can be very plain or highly decorative.

Decorative moldings, cornices, or an applied ornament of stone or cast concrete may be used to express the vertical division between the base, the body, and the top.

No more than three colors shall be used on any given facade.

Stucco and clapboard shall be avoided.

4.3.4 Doors and Windows
Ground floor windows and doors shall be large and expansive, typically with a transom.

Upper floor windows shall be double-hung (two lites) vertically and grouped with a rhythm consistent with the major storefront openings below.

Entrance shall be visually distinct by higher bays, entries recessed by a minimum of 3 feet, or different color/ materials.

Upper floor windows typically have window lintel and sill.

Transom windows above the doors and windows on the ground level.

Fifty percent windows shall have muntins.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
141

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - AMERICAN MERCANTILE
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A

4.3.5 Decorative Details
All residential projects shall provide at least four of the following. Residential projects four stories and taller, mixed-use projects, or projects more than 15 buildings shall provide at least six of the following. y A
wnings, canopies, and second floor balconies may extend into the public right-of-way. Such attachments provide shelter to passing pedestrians, emphasize the ground floor uses, and add interest to the box-like massing inherent to the style.
y P edimented windows
y Wide window trim with a keystone
y Double bracketed cornice
y Gable roof
y R oof finial
y T ransom above door and windows on the ground level
y Metal stair and balcony railing
y Canopy or awning
y R ecessed entries
y Cast -iron columns
y Shop front millwork
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
142

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - TUSCAN
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A

4.4.1 Form and Massing
Asymmetrical arrangement of windows and design elements along primary elevation.

Porches, porticoes, and/or Juliet balconies.

Recessed entries (at least 3 feet).

4.4.2 Roof
Flat or low pitched hip or gable roof (maximum 6:12 slope).

Red-toned clay tiles.

Multiple roof levels (at least three).

Large overhanging eaves (minimum 12 inches) along primary elevation.

Shaped timber tiles at eaves.

4.4.3 Materials and Colors
Incorporate rough-hewn stone as accent feature.

Flat stucco walls in light earth tones.

Earthy tone color palette.

Brown or beige window frames.

4.4.4 Doors and Windows
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
143

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - TUSCAN
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Single or double-hung windows shall be more horizontal in proportion with six-over-six muntin patterns and 5½-inch-wide trim.

Casement windows shall paired with four-pane patterns for narrow windows and eight-pane patterns for wider windows.

Vertically oriented rectangular or arched windows arranged in asymmetrical patterns.

Casement or double-hung sash with flat or arched lintels.

Windows shall be recessed 3 to 12 inches from outer wall on primary facade.

4.4.5 Decorative Details
All residential projects shall provide at least four of the following. Residential projects four stories and taller, mixed-use projects, or projects with more than 15 buildings shall provide at least six of the following. y Shallow Juliet balconies
y Raf ter extensions and brackets
y S tone or stucco window /door trim
y R ectangular or arched wooden door
y Ar cade or porch at entry
y Decorativ e ironwork (window grilles, railings, light fixtures, decorative planters). y Ar ched windows.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
144

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - TUSCAN
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
y P
aired decorative wood shutters. Shutters shall be equal to half the width of the window. Shutter styles can either be paneled or louvered.
y Use of brick, stone, or wood columns.
y S tucco or stone chimneys or tower.
y Dark color wood trellis.
y Ar ched openings and doorways at the ground level.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
145

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - MODERN
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A

4.5.1 Form and Massing
An irregular, asymmetrical facade.

Strong emphasis on geometry.

Rectangular shape structure.

Horizontal massing.

Lack of ornament or mouldings.

Straight and continuous lines.

Multifaceted appearance.

Repeating lines and elements.

4.5.2 Roof
Flat or low-pitched shed roofs (4:12 slope max).

Slope roofs shall have a minimum 2-foot-deep overhang at the lower end.

Tile roof shall be prohibited.

Mid- and high-rise may have decks or roof gardens.

4.5.3 Materials and Colors
Use of raw and natural materials like wood, concrete, metal, and glass . & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
146

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - MODERN
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Traditional materials (such as stucco, wood, brick and stone) may be used as an accent.

Minimum two materials on the building facade.

Use of bold color blocks to emphasize geometric forms and break up massing elements.

Building facade shall incorporate at least one of the following as an accent: decorative shutters, popouts, trellis or arbor structures, or balconies.

4.5.4 Doors and Windows
Large glass doors and/or window openings.

Window wrapping around a corner of the building.

Narrow aluminum window frames with square sticking.

Valence grids sometimes are applied on windows.

4.5.5 Decorative Details
All residential projects shall provide at least four of the following. Residential projects four stories and taller, mixed-use projects, or projects with more than 15 buildings shall provide at least six of the following. y Metal
balcony railings
y Pictur e windows
y Cler estory windows
y Floor -to-ceiling glass door
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
147

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - MODERN
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
y Usable
outdoor roof decks
y T rellis shade structures
y Br ight colors to provide contrasting elements
y Metal awning
y Bold branding
y Floor -to-ceiling glass windows on the ground level
y Br oad roof overhang with exposed wood or steel frame & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
148

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - FARMHOUSE
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A

4.6.1 Form and Massing
Clean and straight exterior lines, geometric form.

Asymmetrical massing with a gable at the front of the house.

Repeating shapes and lines.

Gable roof creates triangular walls on the ends.

Incorporate farm and ranch forms inspired by barns, silos, sheds, tank houses, and granary towers.

Multiple gable and shed roof planes.

Geometric forms, industrial materials, limited palette, and repetition.

Covered porches and awnings to break up volumes between lower and upper floors.

Three or more wall planes with a minimum 12-inch difference.

4.6.2 Roof
High-pitched gabled roof or shed roof (minimum 6:12 slope).

Intersecting gable roofs.

Dark asphalt shingle, metal roofs, or synthetic slate shingles.

Triangular rooflines emphasizing the height of the unit.

Large overhangs (minimum 2 feet in length) above the patio and garage. & MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
149

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - FARMHOUSE
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A

4.6.3 Materials and Colors
Unadorned materials: metal, wood, masonry.

Utilize board and batten siding, corrugated panels to give texture and variation to exterior walls.

Neutral or muted colors shall be predominant.

Monochrome accents of doors, windows or architectural features.

Combine contemporary design with rustic materials.

Stucco is prohibited.

4.6.4 Doors and Windows
At least 60 percent windows shall be tall and narrow double-hung windows with a proportion of 2 or 2½ times taller than wide.

Groupings of two or three double-hung units are occasionally used.

Accent windows shall be no more than 20 percent.

Typically have 4½-inch to 5½-inch flat board trim on the sides and head.

Sixty percent windows shall have grilles.

Minimal moulding around window and door openings.

Double hung or casement windows with muntins.
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
150

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - FARMHOUSE
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Contrast color of window sash with color of the body of the building.

4.6.5 Decorative Details
All residential projects shall provide at least four of the following. Residential projects four stories and taller, mixed-use projects, or projects more than 15 buildings shall provide at least six of the following. y Wide
front porch with simple columns
y Cov ered patio
y Shed or gabled dormers
y Carr iage-style garage doors
y Dark shutters and window sashes
y Shed dormers
y Simple gable brackets, vents, and trim
y Ir on-inspired barn-style lighting
y Metal awnings without sides
y Gooseneck light fixtures at the entrance
y Lar ge doors and windows to maximize natural light
y Gr illes on the ground level windows and doors
& MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted May 2, 2023
151