Agenda packet — Murrieta City Council, June 2, 2026 (part 3 of 5)

infrastructure, and using cutting-edge technology, materials and practices, will have significant positive co-benefits statewide.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MURRIETA, CALIFORNIA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. The City Manager of the City of Murrieta or his/her designee, is hereby authorized to submit an application to the California Transportation Commission for any and all funds that may become available to the City from the RMRA; and Section 2. Exhibit A is a true and correct copy of the proposed project list that will be funded in-part or solely with fiscal year 2026/27 RMRA funds and previously proposed and adopted projects list which may utilize fiscal year 2025/26, fiscal year 2024/2025 and fiscal year 2023/2024 RMRA funds, and is approved by the City Council; and Section 3. The City Manager or his/her designee, is hereby authorized as Signature Authority to execute all documents necessary to implement and secure any and all funds that may become available to the City from the RMRA.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 2nd day of June, 2026.

_______________________
Jon Levell, Mayor
ATTEST:

_____________________________
Cristal McDonald, City Clerk

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

_____________________________
Tiffany Israel, City Attorney

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Resolution No. 26-4938

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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE )§

CITY OF MURRIETA )
I, Cristal McDonald, City Clerk of the City of Murrieta, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 26-4938 was duly passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Murrieta at the regular meeting thereof, held on the 2nd day of June, 2026, and was signed by the Mayor of the said City, and that the same was passed and adopted by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
_____________________________
Cristal McDonald, City Clerk

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Attachment A
City of Murrieta

FY 2026/27 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Fund Proposed Project List

Project Title: Pavement Resurfacing – Asphalt Overlay

Project Location:
• Whitewood Rd from Murrieta Hot Springs Rd to Los Alamos Rd

Description: This project will resurface 1.9 miles of Whitewood Road from Murrieta Hot Springs Road to Los Alamos Road. The proposed project will include resurfacing with hot mix asphalt.

FY 26/27 Appropriation $3,136,635
Amount:

Estimated Useful Life: 10 years

Proposed Schedule for
Completion: FY 2026/27

FY 2025/26 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Fund Previously Proposed and Adopted Project List

Project Title: Pavement Resurfacing – Asphalt Overlay

Project Location:
• Clinton Keith Road from 650’ West of Spinning Wheel Drive to Greer Road

Description: This project will resurface 1.6 miles of Clinton Keith Road from 650’ west of Spinning Wheel Drive to Greer Road. The proposed project will include resurfacing with hot mix asphalt.

FY 25/26 Appropriation $2,904,570
Amount:

Estimated Useful Life: 10 years

Proposed Schedule for
Completion: FY 2026/27

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([KLELW A
P
roject Title: Pavement Resurfacing – Asphalt Overlay

Project Location:
• Clinton Keith Road from Greer Road to Whitewood Road**

Description: This project will resurface 1.4 miles of Clinton Keith Road from Greer Road to Whitewood Road. The proposed project will include resurfacing with hot mix asphalt.

FY 24/25 Appropriation $2,833,125
Amount:

Estimated Useful Life: 10 years

Proposed Schedule for
Completion: FY 2026/27

** Project was previously identified as Clinton Keith Road from 650’ West of Spinning Wheel Drive to Whitewood Road, totaling 3.0 miles. Project was determined to be too large based on available funding sources. As a result, the project has been split into two projects covering the same limits of roadway. Pavement resurfacing for Clinton Keith Road from 650’ west of Spinning Wheel Drive to Greer Road shall be a standalone project.

Project Title: Pavement Resurfacing – Asphalt Overlay

Project Location:
• Jefferson Avenue from Murrieta Hot Springs Road to Lemon Street; and
• Jefferson Avenue from Lily Avenue to Nutmeg Street**

Description: This project will resurface 1.5 miles of Jefferson Avenue from Murrieta Hot Springs Road to Lemon Street and 0.5 miles of Jefferson Avenue from Lily Avenue to Nutmeg Street. The proposed projects will include resurfacing with hot mix asphalt.

FY 23/24 Appropriation $2,748,470
Amount:

Estimated Useful Life: 10 years

Proposed Schedule for
Completion: FY 2026/27

** A portion of this Project was previously identified as Jefferson Ave from Lily Ave to Ballestros Road, totaling 0.85 miles. Project was determined to be too large based on available funding sources. As a result, the project limits for this portion of roadway have changed to Jefferson Ave from Lily Ave to Nutmeg Street, totaling 0.50 miles.
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City Council Meeting Agenda
Report
6/2/2026
Agenda Item No. 13.

TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Bob Moehling, Public Works Director
PREPARED BY: Jeff Lyall, Senior Development Services Technician SUBJECT:

Quitclaim Deed to Reserve a Drainage Easement to Riverside County Flood and Water Conservation District

ABSTRACT
This item requests approval to accept a previously unaccepted offer of dedication for a drainage easement on a portion of Lot 31 of Tract Map 21151 and to execute a quitclaim deed reserving the easement to the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. The easement supports an existing storm drain facility and formalizes maintenance access consistent with prior development agreements following the City’s incorporation. The action clarifies property interests and involves no physical changes or fiscal impact.

RECOMMENDATION
Accept the offer of dedication and approve the Quitclaim Deed to reserve a drainage easement over a portion of Lot 31 granted to the County of Riverside on Tract Map 21151; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the Quitclaim Deed of Easement.

PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
None.

STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
This item aligns with the City Council to: planning, programming and creating infrastructure development relating to an administrative priority.

DISCUSSION
On February 6, 1990, the County of Riverside approved and filed Tract Map 21151, which included a dedication for public drainage easement purposes for a portion of Lot 31 (Map 21151 Dedication). This offer of dedication was not accepted by Riverside County on the map at the time of recordation.

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This pertains to a subdivision that was developed in the early 1990s by Robert H. Lintz, along Gibraltar Road off of Los Alamos Road between Vista Murrieta and Hancock Avenue.

The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (District) has a storm drain system that was constructed in association with Tract Map 21151. Per the conditions of development and terms in the Cooperative Agreement executed by and between the District, County of Riverside, and Robert H. Lintz, an easement for the maintenance of this facility was dedicated to the public within said map.

The above-referenced offer of dedication is on the northwest portion of Lot 31 (Dedication Area). The City of Murrieta (City) was incorporated in 1991, and accordingly, the subject Lot automatically transferred to the City pursuant to Government Code Section 57329. As a result of the City’sincorporation, the Dedication Area is within the City of Murrieta.

Staff recommends rescinding the above-referenced prior rejections of the offers of dedication and now accepting them.

Staff prepared a quitclaim deed, and the Department of Public Works has completed checking the legal descriptions for conformance with the Subdivision Map Act and the Murrieta Municipal and Development Codes. The legal descriptions conform substantially to the requirements therein.

PUBLIC NOTICING
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at which the City Council considers the item).

CEQA AND REGULATORY OVERVIEW
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.

ATTACHMENTS
ATT 1 - Quitclaim Deed
ATT 2 - Tract Map 21151
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RECORDING REQUESTED BY:

CITY OF MURRIETA

AND WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO:
┌─ ─┐
City of Murrieta
Attn: City Clerk
1 Town Square
24601 Jefferson Ave.

Murrieta, CA 92562
└─ ─┘

MAIL TAX STATEMENTS TO
┌─ ─┐
EXEMPT per GC6103
└─ ─┘
(THIS SPACE FOR RECORDER’S USE ONLY)

QUIT CLAIM DEED

FILE NO: ______________________ ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NO: 392-290-051

Recording Fee: Exempt
(Government Code Section 27383)
Documentary Transfer Tax: Exempt
(Revenue and Taxation Code Section 11922)

The undersigned grantor(s) declare(s):

Documentary transfer tax is $ 0.00 [exempt]
( ) computed on full value of property conveyed, or
( ) computed on full value less value of liens and encumbrances remaining at time of sale ( ) Unincorporated area: (X) City of Murrieta, and

FOR A VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged,

CITY OF MURRIETA, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION

Hereby remise, release and forever quitclaim to

RIVERSIDE COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT, a body corporate and politic

The following described property in the City of Murrieta, County of Riverside, State of California;

See legal description attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, and made part hereof, to be referenced hereafter as RCFC Parcel No. 7170- 500.

Date: ___________________________________ CITY OF MURRIETA, a Municipal Corporation

By: ___________________________________
Justin Clifton, City Manager

ATTEST:

By: ___________________________________
Cristal McDonald, CMC, City Clerk

NOTE: NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENTS FOR ALL SIGNATURES MUST BE ATTACHED, PER CIVIL CODE SEC. 1180 ET. SEQ. 504
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CITY OF MURRIETA
City Council Meeting Agenda
Report
6/2/2026
Agenda Item No. 14.

TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: David Chantarangsu, AICP, Development Services Director PREPARED BY: Dennis Watts, Senior Planner
SUBJECT:

Residential Objective Design Standards Update (MCA-2026-00013)

ABSTRACT
The Planning Division is initiating its first update to the City’sResidential Objective Design Standards (ODS) previously adopted in September 2023, to also include Single Family, Accessory Dwelling Unit, and Duplex design standards, and to amend various existing Multi-Family design standards. The update is in response to annual changes in State legislation to facilitate residential housing, identification of current gaps in the ODS, and input from the development community. The City is utilizing a State-funded grant program (REAP 2.0) to have a professional design consultant, Placeworks, assist with the update at no cost to the City. The major changes involve designating architectural styles for single-family homes that could be built in a tract housing format and exempting custom homes from the ODS requirements in the RR and ER-1 zones.

RECOMMENDATION
Conduct the public hearing;
Find that the proposed amendment is in compliance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, Section 15183, and file a Notice Exemption finding that the project is exempt from CEQA; and
Introduce and conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 635-26 entitled: 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 (Planning Case No. MCA-2026-00013) Chapters 16.08 and 16.16 and to Amend the Multi- Family Residential and Mixed-Use Residential Objective Design Standards.

PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On May 2, 2023, the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance U-590-23 to begin implementation of the Objective Design Standards (ODS) immediately (Vote: 5-0).

On September 5, 2023, the City Council adopted Ordinance 595-23, which adopted the ODS (Vote 5-0).

On May 13, 2026, the Planning Commission recommended that City Council adopt an Ordinance amending the Development Code Chapters 16.08 and 16.16 and amending the City’s Residential ODS (Vote: 3-0-2).

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Agenda Item No. 14.

STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
This item aligns with the City Council goal of: maintaining a high performing organization that values fiscal sustainability, transparency, accountability and organizational efficiency relating to an administrative priority.

Updating the Residential ODS continues to ensure the City requires the highest standard of residential development and reduces vulnerabilities created by state housing laws, particularly to local control of the design of residential projects.

DISCUSSION
The State legislature continues to amend its housing laws to accelerate residential development and remove local discretion by requiring objective design standards for housing and eliminating city discretion over projects. To assist cities with the creation of objective standards, the State has provided funding for local agencies to amend their subjective standards and create objective design standards. In 2023, the City of Murrieta (City) benefited from a grant (LEAP Grant) to hire a consultant, Placeworks, to assist the City in amending the Development Code and adopting the Multi-Family Residential and Mixed-Use Residential Objective Design Standards (ODS). The City is receiving assistance through the Western Riverside Council of Government (WRCOG), which has prearranged agreements with consultants to help cities amend their regulations to facilitate housing development.

Development Code Amendment and ODS Update
Currently, the ODS applies only to multi-family and mixed-use residential development throughout the City.

The amendment proposes applying the ODS to all residential projects in the City by creating standards for single-family and duplex housing types, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and updating various standards.

Since the ODS will contain standards for single-family housing types, it will be renamed the Residential ODS and will apply citywide wherever housing is allowed.

The addition of objective standards for single-family, duplex, and ADUs helps remove a gap in the City’s current ODS by applying standards for these types of developments/projects. Additionally, the City has been experiencing more projects proposing single-family and duplex structures in high-density areas, and the development community and staff have experienced design challenges in applying the current ODS. Based on community and staff feedback, minor modifications to the current ODS are also proposed. Examples of the proposed amendments include changes to the distance separation requirement between buildings on the same lot and reducing the parking lot landscape planter width requirement to allow greater design flexibility.

The proposed amendments to the Development Code (Murrieta Municipal Code Title 16) are intended to incorporate the ODS into the newly relevant sections of the code, which consist of Development Code Chapters 16.08 and 16.16. The changed language is contained in Ordinance No. 635-26, and a strikeout/underline version is provided in Attachment 2. See Attachment 3, for a strikeout (deleted text)/underline (added text) version of the updated ODS. For more details and information on the state laws, state funding assistance, and ODS amendments, see the Planning Commission staff report included as Attachment 4. The ODS and Development Code amendments meet the necessary findings required by the Development Code and are contained in the Ordinance.

May 13, 2026, Planning Commission Hearing
Staff provided a presentation to the Planning Commission on May 13, 2026, with an amended recommendation to remove Chapter 5 (Standards Compliance Checklist) as the checklists will still be utilized by staff but are not necessary to be included in the ordinance. Two speakers raised concerns at the public hearing. One mentioned concern over a reduced setback between buildings to assist developers in meeting CITY OF MURRIETA Printed on 5/28/2026Page 2 of 4
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hearing. One mentioned concern over a reduced setback between buildings to assist developers in meeting site plan constraints. Another speaker raised concerns about the limited architectural styles available for single -family custom homes. After consideration, the Planning Commission recommended approval with the following modifications:

1. Amend Section 2.1.1.d to maintain the current ten (10) foot setback between buildings rather than the staff's proposed five (5) feet.

2. Exempt the Rural Residential (RR) and Estate Residential-1 (ER-1) zones from the architectural styles requirements (Table 1.1 Architectural Styles by Zone) for projects with one house on one lot.

3. Remove Chapter 5 - Standards Compliance Checklist from the ODS, as it may be utilized by staff and updated as necessary, but is not required to be included in the ordinance.

In recommending item one (1) above, staff explained that a reduced setback assists developers design for sale duplex projects that meet the minimum density requirements in high-fire hazard severity zones, instead of building rental housing. Developers working in those areas indicate insurance for multi-unit, for-rent buildings is too expensive, or hard to obtain in high fire hazard severity zones.

The ODS in the staff report contains the changes recommended by the Planning Commission.

PUBLIC NOTICING
A public hearing notice was published in the Press Enterprise on May 22, 2026. The agenda item has been noticed in accordance with the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at which the City Council considers the item).

CEQA AND REGULATORY OVERVIEW
The project has been evaluated pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The proposed action is exempt from CEQA because it meets the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183, Projects Consistent with a Community Plan or Zoning. The project involves directing staff to adopt and implement Design Standards that will not cause a significant environmental impact, and to implement a uniformly applied development policy or standard that is consistent with the General Plan Housing Element policy to further regulate residential development. This determination is predicated on CEQA Guidelines Section 15004, which provides direction to lead agencies on the appropriate timing for environmental review. The project(s) for which the Design Guidelines are utilized or are intended for may require preparation of an environmental document as part of their project(s) review in accordance with the CEQA Guidelines. A Notice of Exemption (NOE) has been prepared (Attachment 5). Staff recommends that the City Council find that the project is exempt from CEQA, accept the NOE (Attachment 5), and direct staff to file the document.

FISCAL IMPACT
Approving the Development Code Amendment and the amendment to the ODS has no fiscal impact. The City received assistance from a State grant administered by WRCOG to utilize a consultant, Placeworks, to prepare the ODS update. Therefore, the preparation of the ODS has been at no cost to the City.

ATTACHMENTS
ATT 1 - Proposed Ordinance No. 635-26
ATT 2 - Municipal Code Amendments-Title 16 (strikeout/underline version) ATT 3 - Updated Residential Objective Design Standards (strikeout/underline version) CITY OF MURRIETA Printed on 5/28/2026Page 3 of 4
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ATT 4 - PC Staff Report with Attachment 1 Only
ATT 5 - CEQA Notice of Exemption
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ORDINANCE NO. 635-26

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 (PLANNING CASE NO. MCA-2026-00013) CHAPTERS 16.08 AND 16.16 AND TO AMEND THE

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL AND MIXED -USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

Summary: This ordinance amends the current Multi -Family Residential and Mixed -Use Residential Objective Design Standards to include standards for Single -Family development, duplexes, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s), and includes amendments to the Multi-Family and Mixed Use standards. This ordinance also amends Development Code Chapters 16.08 and 16.16 to incorporate the Objective Design Standards (ODS) by reference. The document will change the name to “Residential Objective Design Standards”.

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 Legislature 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 zone s 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, on May 2, 2023 , the City adopted Urgency Ordinance U -590-23 to begin implementation of Multi -Family Residential and Mixed -Use Residential Objective Design Standards; and

WHEREAS, on September 5, 2023, the City of Murrieta City Council held a duly noticed hearing and adopted Ordinance 595-23, which adopted the Multi -Family Residential and Mixed- Use Residential Objective Design Standards (ODS); and

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WHEREAS, the City received a REAP 2.0 grant from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) via the State Department of Housing and Community Development to update the Standards; and

WHEREAS, as part of the Standards the City has prepared a Development Code Amendment (MCA -2026-00013) to provide the necessary references to the Standards within Development Code Chapters 16.08 and 16.16; and

WHEREAS, the project has been evaluated pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and 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 impacts and implements a uniformly applied development policy or standard that is consistent with the General Plan and therefore the City has prepared a Notice of Exemption, to be recorded as the project is exempt from CEQA, to be included as part of the environmental record for the project; and

WHEREAS, on April 22, 2026, the City of Murrieta Planning Commission held a duly noticed public workshop on the proposed project, at which a staff report as well as an overview of the project was presented; and

WHEREAS, on May 13, 2026, the Planning Commission of the City of Murrieta held a duly noticed public hearing on the amended Objective Design Standards and Development Code Amendment, providing a recommendation to the City Council for adoption; and

WHEREAS, on June 2, 2026, the City Council of the City of Murrieta held a duly noticed public hearing on the proposed Development Code Amendment, at which was presented the staff report and evidence in the record to support the findings required by the Murrieta Development Code Chapter 16.13; and

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MURRIETA, CALIFORNIA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The recitals above are true and correct and incorporated herein by this reference.

SECTION 2. Based upon the substantial evidence presented at the public hearing on June 2, 2026, 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 Residential Objective Design Standards Development Code Amendment in accordance with the following findings pursuant to Development Code Chapter 16.58.080:

Findings and Recommended Approval for Development Code Amendments:

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1. The proposed amendments ensure and maintain internal consistency with all of the objectives, policies, general plan land uses, programs, and actions of all elements of the general plan.

The amendment also includes limited changes to the existing requirements to clarify standards and provide adjus tments based on feedback from the development community. 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 o r are impacted by, residential land uses, such as the Circulation Element, Infrastructure Element, Healthy Community Element, Conservation Element, Recreation and Open Space Element and the Safety Element.

The proposed standards and the associated ordinance amendment for single -family residential development in the City have been drafted to ensure and maintain consistency with the General Plan.

2. The proposed Objective Design Standards and Code Amendments 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 the implementation of ODS with each 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 General Plan and Development Code, is beneficial to the public convenience, health, safety, and general welfare of the City as additional housing in the City, county, and state is much needed at all affordability levels and in all housing types.

Future housing that is consistent with the requirements will be appropriately designed in accordance with the City’s existing and proposed development standards.

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

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.

4. The proposed amendments are in compliance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
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FACTS: The project has been evaluated pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Objective Design Standards provide a uniform set of standards for the development of 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 env ironmental impact , and implements a uniformly applied development policy or standard that is consistent with the General Plan. Additionally, as no land-use changes are proposed as part of the project and no increase or decrease in residential density is proposed, there are no potential environmental impacts from the project. Therefore, the project is exempt under the CEQA Guidelines because it would not have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, a Notice of Exemption with supporting analysis has been prepared for recording and filing.

SECTION 2. The first paragraph of Section 16.08.030 of Title 16 of the Development Code of the Murrieta Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

“16.08.030 Single-family Residential Design Standards and Design Features.

The following standards and design features, and the City's 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 complied with or s atisfied in all new single -family residential subdivisions. Standards are mandatory requirements for all new single - family residential subdivisions. Design features 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, no design feature(s) will be identified for a particular standard. 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 Residential Objective Design Standards, the most recently adopted revision shall control.”

SECTION 3. 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 Residential 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 complied with or satisfied in all multi -family residential developments. Standards are mandatory requirements for all multi -family residential developments. Design features provide flexibility by offering options for implementing specific standards. In order to meet a certain standard, one or a combination of design features shall be incorporated into the project's design. In 516
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some instances, no design feature(s) will be 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 Residential Objective Design Standards, the most recently adopted revision shall control.”

SECTION 4. The first paragraph of Section 16.16.030 of Title 16 of the Development Code of the Murrieta Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

“16.16.030 Planned Residential Development Design Standards and Parameters.

In some instances, there will be no parameter(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 Residential Objective Design Standards, the most recently adopted revision shall control.”

SECTION 5.

Section D of Section 16.16.040 of Title 16 of the Development Code of the Murrieta Municipal Code, “Transit Development Oriented Overlay”, is hereby amended to read as follows:

“D. General Development Standards. New land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures within the TOD Overlay District, shall be designated, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements of the base zones and the City's Residential Objec tive Design Standards, as adopted by ordinance or resolution of the City Council and incorporated as part of this section by reference, with the following exceptions.

In the event of a conflict between a standard or feat ure set forth below and a standard or feature set forth in the City's adopted Residential Objective Design Standards, the most recently adopted revision shall control:”

SECTION 6. The City her eby adopts the amended Residential Objective Design Standards, attached hereto as Exhibit A, to replace the previously adopted Objective Design Standards approved at the September 5, 2023, City Council Meeting.

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SECTION 7. City Council authorizes staff to develop and amend, as necessary, user guides, checklists, and other policy documents to clarify these standards.

SECTION 8. The project has been evaluated pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Objective Design Standards provide a uniform set of standards for the development of 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 e nvironmental impact , and implements a uniformly applied development policy or standard that is consistent with the General Plan.

Additionally, as no land-use changes are proposed as part of the project and no increase or decrease in residential density is proposed, there are no potential environmental impacts from the project.

Therefore, the project is exempt under the CEQA Guidelines as the project would not cause a significant effect on the environment.

SECTION 9. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of any competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.

The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this ordinance, and each and every section, subsection, sentence, clause , and phrase thereof not declared invalid or unconstitutional without regard to whether any portion of the ordinance would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 10. This Ordinance shall become effective on the thirty-first (31st) day after its passage and adoption, and within fifteen (15) days after its final passage and the City Clerk shall cause it to be posted and published in a newspaper of general circulation, printed, published and circulated in the City in the manner required by law and shall cause a copy of this Ordinance and its certification, to be entered in the Book of Ordinances of the City.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this ___ day of ________, 2026.

Jon Levell, Mayor

ATTEST:

Cristal McDonald, City Clerk

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Tiffany J. Israel, City Attorney
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE )§

CITY OF MURRIETA )

I, Cristal McDonald, City Clerk of the City of Murrieta, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 635-26 was duly passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Murrieta at the regular meeting thereof, held on the ___th day of _______, 2026, and was signed by the Mayor of the said City, and that the same was passed and adopted by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Cristal McDonald, City Clerk

I, Cristal McDonald, City Clerk of the City of Murrieta, California, further certify that Ordinance No. 635-26 was duly published according to law and the order of the City Council of said City, and the same was so published in Press Enterprise, a newspaper of general circulation, on the following date(s):

Introduced Ordinance:

Adopted Ordinance:

In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this __ day of ______________, 2026.

Cristal McDonald, City Clerk
519

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
CITY OF MURRIETA | CA
ADOPTED SEPTEMBER 5, 2023
REVISED JUNE 2, 2026
520
Prepared for:

Funded by:

Prepared by:

Adopted by Emergency Ordinance No. U-590-23: May 2, 2023 Amended: July 2023
Adopted by City Council: September 5, 2023
Amended: June 2, 2026

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
521
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

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

2.11 Door Bells

......................................................................................39

TABLE OF CONTENTS
522
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

3.4 Single-Family Detached and Duplexes
.................................66

3.5 Accessory Dwelling Units
...........................................................73 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

TABLE OF CONTENTS
523

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
524

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
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
525

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
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. 526

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
8 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 the approach to housing in Murrieta to ensure quality design and development while meeting the requirements of state laws.

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:
•
Rural R
esidential district (RR)
•
Estate R
esidential districts (ER-1, ER-2, and ER-3)
•
Single F
amily Residential districts (SF-1 and SF-2)
•
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 all residential developments, including mixed-use developments and the creation of accessory dwelling units. 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 city’s standards.
527

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
9 Single-Family Detached and Duplex
Single-family detached homes and duplexes offer private outdoor space and a sense of individual ownership. While detached homes provide maximum privacy, duplexes offer a critical option that allows for increased density while maintaining a scale compatible with traditional neighborhoods. These housing types are essential for growing families and households seeking a transition between high- density living and large-lot estates
The design of single-family homes and duplexes should prioritize neighborhood cohesion, high-quality materials, and a clear transition between public and private realms. Recent legislative updates, such as SB 9, have expanded the potential for duplexes and lot splits in traditionally single-family zones. These Objective Design Standards ensure that as Murrieta’s neighborhoods evolve, new infill development respects the existing character and provides a high level of craftsmanship and functional site planning.

Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as “granny flats” or “casitas,” are independent living units located on the same lot as a primary residence. They serve as a versatile housing solution that can accommodate multi-generational living, provide a source of supplemental income for homeowners, or offer lower-cost rental options within established residential areas. Because they utilize existing infrastructure and land, ADUs are a highly efficient tool for addressing the regional housing shortage.

California state law has significantly streamlined the approval process for ADUs, limiting the ability of local jurisdictions to impose certain discretionary hurdles. By establishing objective standards for ADUs, Murrieta provides homeowners with clear, predictable guidelines that ensure these units are integrated thoughtfully into the community fabric while remaining compliant with state mandates.

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.”
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RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
10 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.

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 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 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
All developments must comply with the standards of the Murrieta Municipal Code Title 16, Zoning, and any applicable specific plan. 529

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
11 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 a signed checklist to be reviewed by Planning staff. This checklist provides an overview of the requirements for multifamily development projects in the City of Murrieta. Applications not containing the necessary information on this checklist will not be accepted for review. 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. - 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.”
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RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
12 TABLE 1.1 ARCHITECTURAL STYLES PERMITTED BY ZONE
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.

Varies based on
zone
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
Rural Residential (RR)
Estate Residential (ER-1,
ER-2, ER-3)
Single-Family 1 (SF-1)
Varies, may be up
to 35 feet
Single Family, ADU
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» Craf
tsman (Max 3 stories)
» T
uscan (Max 4 stories)
» F
armhouse (Max 3 stories)
Within the RR and ER-1 zones a single
residence on a single lot is exempt from the
architectural styles requirement.

Single-Family 2 (SF-2) 35 Feet Single Family, Duplex,
T ownhome, Multiplex,
Garden, ADU
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» Craf
tsman (Max 3 stories)
» T
uscan (Max 4 stories)
» F
armhouse (Max 3 stories)
Multi-Family 1 (MF-1) 50 Feet T ownhome, Multiplex,
Garden, ADU
» 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
Multi-Family 2 (MF-2) 50 Feet T ownhome, Multiplex,
Garden, ADU
» 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) 60 Feet T ownhome, Multiplex,
Garden, Wrap, Podium,
ADU
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» Craf
tsman (Max 3 stories)
» T
uscan (Max 4 stories)
» F
armhouse (Max 3 stories)
» Moder
n
See above, same as MF-1.

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

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
13 TABLE 1.1 ARCHITECTURAL STYLES PERMITTED BY ZONE
ZONE
MAX

PERMITTED
HEIGHT 1

BUILDING TYPES PERMITTED ARCHITECTURAL STYLE NOTES
T ransit Oriented
Development
(TOD) Overlay
150 Feet Garden, Wrap, Podium,
T ower, ADU
» 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
» F
armhouse (Varies by location)
» 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. 532

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
533

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
15 2.1 SITE PLANNING

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

For low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise residential, a minimum of 60 percent
of the street frontage shall be devoted to buildings, except for areas with slope restrictions. Other portions of the street frontage may be devoted to parking, landscaping, and driveways. d.

R
esidential structures on the same lot (not attached) shall maintain a minimum separation of at least 10 feet, subject to building and fire code separation requirements
e.

When multiple color schemes are provided, a single color scheme shall be dedicated to no less than 30 percent of all residential buildings.
f.

R
esidential developments with 21 to 40 single-family/duplex units, or 6 to 10 multifamily buildings shall provide a minimum of two distinct color schemes.
g.

R
esidential developments with 41 to 80 single-family/duplex units, or 11 to 20 multifamily buildings shall provide two architectural styles from Chapter 4, each with at least two distinct color scheme. h.

R
esidential developments with 81 or more single-family/duplex units, or 21 or more multifamily buildings shall shall provide three architectural styles from Chapter 4, each with at least three distinct color schemes.

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

Arrange buildings to create open space
Min. 60% shall be buildings
534

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
16 i. Multifamily and mixed-use buildings shall be designed so as not to have a direct line-of-sight into adjacent detached single- family units or onto private patios or backyards adjoining the property line. This can be accomplished through:
i.

S
tepbacks of upper stories.
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.
j.

Mixed-use buildings shall also comply with 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.

These pedestrian walkways shall be paved.
ii.

These pedestrian walkways shall be at least 4 feet wide. b.

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.

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

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

Multi-family building Single-family building
535

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
17 c. P edestrian walkways shall not terminate at streets, but shall either:
i.

Merge with a sidewalk running parallel with the street. ii.

T
raverse the street via crosswalks demarcated with paint or decorative paving, provided that this crosswalk connects to:

1. A sidewalk on the other side of the street

2. Another pedestrian walkway

3. Common open space

4. R
ecreational amenities
d.

Common Open Space areas and/or pedestrian walkways that provide access to the pedestrian frontages of 10 or more residential units (such as auto court homes, townhomes, triplexes, fourplexes, or courtyard apartments) shall align with other such Common Open Space areas and/or walkways if more than one such space is provided on a site.
i.

The associated pedestrian walkway of this space shall connect to the associated pedestrian pathway of another common open space via a crosswalk perpendicular to the street.
e.

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

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

Building shall be designed with a dual orientation when it is adjacent to both street and open space.

STREET
PARK
536

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
18 2.1.3 VEHICULAR NETWORK
a. P aved areas dedicated to vehicular travel and vehicular parking shall not exceed 25% of a site’s area.
i.

Enclosed garages, tuck-under parking, and the top level of parking garages shall not count toward this limit
ii.

Spaces designed to provide both vehicular access and
pedestrian space, such as lane courts and residential lanes, or driveways that serve no more than 2 residential units, shall not count toward this limit
b.

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, Fire Department and Engineering Department. c.

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

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

2.1.4 STREET TYPOLOGIES
a. R esidential developments shall feature a circulation system with a clear hierarchy of streets, either public or private, that allows for efficient ingress and egress of vehicles, safe and convenient pedestrian connections throughout the development, and other associated infrastructure.
b.

S
treet types shall not be combined with another street type.

TABLE 2-1: STREET TYPOLOGY AND PRODUCT TYPE

COMPATIBILITY

PRODUCT TYPE
Neighborhood Entry
Residential Drive
Residential Alley
Residential Lane
Lane Court
Pedestrian Passage/Paseo
Low-Rise (3 Stories or less)
Townhome P V P/V P/V P
Triplex and Fourplex P V P/V P/V P
Courtyard P V P
Mid-Rise (4 to 6 Stories)
Garden Apartment, Wrap
Building, Podium Building P/V P/V V P
High-Rise (7 Stories or More)
High-Rise Building P/V P/V V P
Single Family and Duplex
Attached Garage P/V P/V
Detached/Semi-Detached
Garage P/V
Alley-Loaded Units P V P/V P
Duplexes P/V P/V
P: PEDESTRIAN FRONTAGE PERMITTED ALONG STREET TYPE
V: VEHICULAR FRONTAGE PERMITTED ALONG STREET TYPE
537

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OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
19 Residential drives are the primary street
typology for residential neighborhoods,
connecting various dwelling units
with other portions of the community
through features such as front doors,
pedestrian walkways, and landscaping.

Lane courts provide both vehicular and
pedestrian access to multiple residences.

Front doors open onto the lane court,
which features distinct paving to
demarcate the court’s dual functions.

Pedestrian Passages (Paseos) provide
access to various residential units via
distinct, landscaped spaces that are
separated from the vehicular network.

Residential lanes provide vehicular and
pedestrian access to multiple residences
in the form of a shared street. This street
type features distinct entry paving and
landscaping to demarcate the lane’s
dual functions.

Neighborhood entries serve as the
primary access point(s) to residential
neighborhoods, and may feature gates,
special landscape treatments, and
monumentation.

Residential alleys provide dedicated
vehicle access to the garages of
individual residential units. Residential
alleys are the least pedestrian-oriented
street type.
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OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
20 Neighborhood Entries
Neighborhood Entries are used as the entrances for most residential neighborhoods. Neighborhood Entries may connect residential neighborhoods with the following street types:
•
Augmented Urban Arterial
•
Multi-Modal T
ransportation Corridors
•
Urban Arterial Highway
•
Arterial Highway
•
Major Highway
•
Secondary Highway
•
Collector S
treet
Standards
a. Garages for individual units are not permitted to be accessed from Neighborhood Entries.
b.

The maximum length of a Neighborhood Entry shall be 300 feet. c.

For private streets, pedestrian walkways are required on at least one side of a Neighborhood Entry. For public streets, pedestrian walkways are required on both sides.
d.

Crosswalks within or that delineate the Neighborhood Entry shall feature paving composed of brick, decorative colored concrete, or stamped concrete.
e.

A 5-foot wide landscaped area is required on at least one side of a Neighborhood Entry.
f.

Curbs shall be required on both sides of a Neighborhood Entry, pursuant to MMC 16.18.160.
g.

S
treet lighting is required.
h.

Guest/new resident parking may be provided within residential entries.
539

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
21 Residential Drives
Residential Drives serve as the primary street typology for residential neighborhoods, connecting various dwelling units with other portions of the community. All residential structures located along a Residential Drives shall adhere to Section 2.7.3. Residential Drives may connect residential neighborhoods with Collector Streets and Local Streets.

A 6-foot wide landscaped area is required on both sides of a R
esidential Drive. Street trees shall be installed within this landscaped area.
c.

Curbs shall be required on both sides of a R
esidential Drive,
pursuant to MMC 16.18.160.
d.

S
treet lighting is required.
e.

Curb cuts for driveway aprons shall not exceed 40% of the curb face on either side of the R
esidential Drive.
f.

P
arallel parking is permitted on Residential Drives provided minimum fire access width is not affected.
540

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
22 Residential Alleys
Residential Alleys are private streets that provide dedicated vehicular access to residential units. They are the least pedestrian oriented residential street type, as their primary function is to provide automobile access from individual garages onto Residential Drives and the wider street network.

Standards
a. P edestrian walkways are not required along Residential Alleys. b.

Maximum length of a R
esidential Alley is 500 feet.
c.

A maximum of 32 dwelling units may feature vehicular access from a single R
esidential Alley.
d.

Primary pedestrian entires to dwellings are not permitted on R
esidential Alleys.
e.

R
esidential Alleys shall feature through-access.
541

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
23 Residential Lanes
Residential lanes are private streets that provide both vehicular and pedestrian access to multiple residences. The pedestrian and vehicular frontage for single family dwellings and/or duplexes along a Residential Lane are part of the same façade. Front doors open onto the Residential Lane which features distinct paving to demarcate the lane’s dual use of providing both pedestrian and vehicular access. This house type is typically two or three stories, with the garage occupying much of the first floor.

Standards
a. A maximum of 48 dwelling units may feature vehicular access from a residential lane which connects to the wider street network on both ends.
b.

R
esidential lanes shall be raised at least 6 inches above the public or private street that it is connected to.
c.

The entrance of residential lanes shall feature enhanced paving, such as patterned and/or colored pavers in the form of a crosswalk, brick, decorative colored concrete, stamped concrete, or permeable materials.
d.

Buildings shall be set back at least 3 feet from the residential lane, with the exception of the garage. This setback area shall be landscaped.
e.

R
esidential Lanes shall provide at least one shade tree, 24” x 24” box at time of planting, for every 8 residences.
f.

R
esidential Lanes shall feature through-access.
g.

On-street parking is prohibited within R
esidential Lanes.
542

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
24 Lane Courts
Lane Courts are dead-end versions of Residential Lanes and likewise provide both vehicular and pedestrian access to multiple residences.

The pedestrian and vehicular frontage for single family dwellings and/or duplexes along a Lane Court are part of the same façade.

Front doors open onto the Lane Court which features distinct paving to demarcate the lane’s dual use of providing both pedestrian and vehicular access. This house type is typically two or three stories, with the garage occupying much of the first floor.

Standards
a. A maximum of 8 dwelling units may feature vehicular access from a single lane court, which features one point of vehicular access to the wider street network.
b.

Lane Courts shall be raised at least 6 inches above the public or private street that it is connected to.
c.

Lane Courts shall feature enhanced paving, such as patterned and/or colored pavers, brick, decorative colored concrete, stamped concrete, or permeable materials along their entire length.
d.

Buildings shall be set back at least 3 feet from the Lane Courts, with the exception of the garage. This setback area shall be landscaped.
e.

Lane Courts shall provide at least one shade tree, 24” x 24” box at time of planting, for every 8 residences.
f.

On-street parking is prohibited within Lane Courts.
543

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
25 Pedestrian Passages/Paseos
Pedestrian Passages (Paseos) provide access to various residential units in a residential neighborhood via distinct, landscaped spaces that are separated from the vehicular network. Paseos may connect internally to the various components of a residential development, and may also connect to public roads or other sites adjacent to a project site. Paseos are typically used in conjunction with Residential Alleys, serving as a space dedicated for pedestrian circulation.

Standards
a. P aseos shall feature a pedestrian walkway at least 5 feet wide. b.

P
aseos shall feature 3 feet of landscaping to either side of its associated pedestrian walkway
c.

If utilized as common open space, a paseo shall be at least 25 feet wide (R
efer to Section 2.3).
d.

If not utilized as common open space, a paseo shall be at least 15 feet wide.
544

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
26 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 five (5) 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 ten (10) 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. 5’
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
545

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
27 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.

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’
546

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
28 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 16.34.040.
e.

For attached private garages, if a water heater is proposed, the design shall include adequate space for a water heater unit, and shall not be within the required minimum interior dimensions for enclosed garages.

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.

Any driveway providing access to a parking structure shall have a minimum width of 28 feet.
547

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
29 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.
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.
548

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
30 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:
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 interior dimensions or open parking spaces and 39 feet by 10 feet for garage spaces or a space with a wall on one side. 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 or 10’x39’
549

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
31 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
b. When 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.

When 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.
d.

Common open space shall be at least 25 feet wide.
e.
common open space shall not be located at an extreme edge of the property or dispersed as smaller areas throughout the site. f.

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

Minimum Open Space R
equirements are found below and in
Table 16.08-4.
h.

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

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.

Common
Open Space
Paseos

ZONE COMMON

OPEN SPACE PRIVATE OPEN SPACE RECREATIONAL

AMENITIES
MF-1, MF-2 200 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-3, MF-4,
TOD, & Others
150 sq. ft. All units 50 sq. ft.

DTSP 150 sq. ft. See Specific Plan
SF-1, SF-2, RR
ER-1, ER-2, ER-3
Exempt Exempt Exempt
550

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
32 i. 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.
j.

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.
k.

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. l.

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

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

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. 551

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
33 2.4 RECREATIONAL AMENITIES
a. The required front yard area shall not be counted toward the common recreation area requirement.
b.

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.
c.

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.
d.

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

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

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.
552

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
34 g. 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.

Sauna or jacuzzi
vi.

Day care facility (counts as two)
vii.

Community garden
viii.

Other recreational amenities deemed adequate by the
director
h.

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.
553

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
35 i. 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.
j.

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.
k.

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

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

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 554

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
36 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.

2.6 LANDSCAPING
Landscaping shall comply with the standards in MMC 16.28.040, MMC 16.28.070, MMC 16.28.080, and MMC 16.34.070.H as well as the following:
555

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
37 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).
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.
556

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
38 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
557

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
39 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.
558

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
40 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 and shall be located outside of the public right-of- way.
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.
559

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
41 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.

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.
560

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
42 2.7.3 RESIDENTIAL FRONTS
a. For multifamily buildings with three of more units, garages shall not exceed 40 percent of the length of the building’s pedestrian frontage.
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).
561

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
43 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
562

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
44 2.9 TRASH AND RECYCLING ENCLOSURE
a. Common trash and recycling storage 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 individual units, a minimum 3’ x 7’ area shall be provided for placement of refuse/recycling containers. This area shall not be located in a garage, unless within a separately walled room (vented to exterior). If located outside, a walking path shall be provided, and must be behind a fenced/walled, not visible to the public. A pick up area (3’ x 7’) must also be designated/design for container pick up by the waste company. This area shall not block a garage entry or required parking space.

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.
563

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
45 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.
564

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)

3.4 Single-Family Detached and Duplexes

3.5 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
565

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
47 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, triplexes, fourplexes, and courtyard apartments.

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

16.08 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. 566

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
48 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. 567

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
49 Townhome Building Massing Standards
a. The minimum unit of a townhome shall be three units. The maximum building length shall be
200 feet or eight 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.

T
ownhomes shall feature separate pedestrian and vehicular frontages.
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.
568

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
50 B. Triplexes and Fourplexes
Building that consists of three 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.
569

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
51 Multiplex Building Massing Standards
a. The maximum building length shall be 150 feet.
b.

Alley
s, paseos or courtyards provide 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. 570

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
52 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
571

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
53 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
the courtyard is common open space, the pedestrian frontage 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. 572

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
54 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
573

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
55 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

16.08.020 and Chapter 2.3, Common Open Space; Chapter 2.4, R
ecreational Amenities; and Chapter 2.5, Private Open Space, in this book. For TOD projects, refer to MMC 16.16.
e.

Site development standards and required setbacks shall be in accordance with T
able 16.08-4 in MMC 16.08.020. For TOD
projects, refer to MMC 16.16.
574

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
56 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 buildings 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’
575

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
57 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.
576

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
58 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.
577

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
59 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
578

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
60 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.
579

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
61 3.4 SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED AND

DUPLEXES
Single family detached homes and duplexes are buildings between one to three stories with a maximum height of 40 feet. Single family detached homes are the primary for-sale housing type in Murrieta. Single family homes are allowed in most residential zones. The following architectural styles are appropriate for single family detached homes:
• Mission – Spanish Colonial R evival
•
Craftsman
•
Tuscan
•
F
armhouse
580

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
62 3.4.1 SITE DESIGN FOR SINGLE FAMILY AND DUPLEX
Single family detached homes and duplexes in Murrieta shall feature both a “pedestrian frontage,” and “vehicular frontage.” The pedestrian frontage is that frontage which features the primary pedestrian entrance into a single family detached home (front door). The vehicular frontage is that frontage which features the primary vehicular entrance to the single family detached home, or an accessory structure (garage door). For the purposes of this section, “street frontage,” where referred to elsewhere, shall mean the same as “pedestrian frontage.”
i.

In some cases, the pedestrian and vehicular frontages are the same frontage.
ii.

In other cases, these frontages may be set on opposite sides of the building.
a.

Maximum building coverage: 50 percent (single-family), 60 percent (duplex).
b.

R
esident parking shall be provided in a garage. Guest parking may be covered or uncovered. Parking requirements and
standards shall be in accordance with MMC 16.34.040, Section

2.2.2 - Residential Garage, and Section 2.2.4 - Tandem Parking, in this book.
c.

Open space requirements shall be in accordance with Chapter

2.3, Common Open Space; and Chapter 2.5, Private Open Space, in this book.
d.

The area between the primary frontage and the street must be landscaped.
e.

Site development standards and required setbacks shall be in accordance with T
able 16.08-3 in MMC 16.08.020.
f.

A primary frontage must feature an entrance featuring a porch, stoop, overhang, or recess.
g.

P
edestrian entrances must be connected to the nearest
pedestrian walkway with paving at least 3 feet wide. With the exception of Lane Courts, or Residential Lanes that provide vehicular access to 16 units or less, paved areas utilized for vehicular travel shall not count toward this requirement. h.

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

Alley-loaded conditionStreet-loaded condition
581

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
63 3.4.2 PRODUCT TYPES
Single Family, Attached Garage
The pedestrian and vehicular frontages of this single-family home type are located on the same façade. Front doors open onto a dedicated such as a courtyard, patio, porch, and connect to the public sidewalk or a pedestrian walkway. Garage doors are typically found alongside the pedestrian entry. These units are front loaded from the street with a driveway that extends to a garage that is attached to the main residence.

As a result, the garage door is often a significant presence on the street facade. Habitable space may be included above the garage.

Single Family Attached Garage Massing Standards
a. The pedestrian and vehicular frontage shall be considered the same façade.
b.

P
arking (garage) shall be front-loaded or side-loaded.
c.

Entrance frequency: At least one every 75 feet
d.

Architectural articulation and projection shall follow the requirement in MMC 16.08.030
e.

P
edestrian facades shall incorporate design features such as recesses, projections, porches, patios, stoops, or overhangs to preclude large expanses of uninterrupted building. All floors shall feature at least one of the following features:
i.

R
ecess with a minimum depth of 2 feet and a minimum length of 6 feet.
ii.

A balcony or roof terrace with a minimum depth of 5 feet and a minimum area of 40 square feet. (Only applicable to second or third floors.)
iii.

A covered porch with a minimum depth of 6 feet and a minimum area of 60 square feet. (Only applicable to the first floor) iv.

A covered stoop with a minimum depth of 3 feet and a minimum area of 12 square feet. (Only applicable to the first floor) 582

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
64 Single Family, Detached & Semi-Detached Garage
Single-family homes with detached garages are typically found on larger lots, and are most likely to be developed in rural residential or estate residential zones. They are typically one to two stories in height. These units are front loaded from the street by a driveway that extends to a garage which is typically located at the back of the lot.

Architectural articulation and projection shall follow the requirement in MMC 16.08.030
c.

R
ecess with a minimum depth of 2 feet and a minimum length of 6 feet.
ii.

A balcony or roof terrace with a minimum depth of 5 feet and a minimum area of 40 square feet. (Only applicable to second or third floors.)
iii.

A covered porch with a minimum depth of 6 feet and a
minimum area of 60 square feet. (Only applicable to the first floor)
iv.

A covered stoop with a minimum depth of 3 feet and a
minimum area of 12 square feet. (Only applicable to the first floor)
d.

Detached garages shall match the architectural style of the primary residence, and shall be connected to the primary residence by a paved walkway at least 3 feet in width. They must also feature at least two of the following features.
i.

Separate pedestrian door.
ii.

Garage door windows.
iii.

Arbor or overhang above the garage door.
iv.

Decorative garage door detailing, consistent with the chosen architectural style of the primary residence.
583

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
65 Single Family, Alley-Loaded
This single-family home type features separate pedestrian and vehicular frontages. Front doors open onto dedicated pedestrian space, such as a pedestrian passage or a sidewalk along a residential drive. Garage doors are typically found on the opposite side of the structure, facing a residential alley, which may take the form of an auto court. This house type is typically two or three stories, with the garage occupying much of the first floor.

Alley-Loaded Massing Standards
a. The garages of units are to be accessed from an alley or auto court.
b.

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

Entrance frequency: At least one every 50 feet
d.

Architectural articulation and projection shall follow the requirement in MMC 16.08.030
e. P edestrian facades shall incorporate design features such as recesses, projections, porches, patios, stoops, or overhangs to preclude large expanses of uninterrupted building. All floors of the primary and vehicular frontages shall feature at least one of the following features. i.

R
ecess with a minimum depth of 2 feet and a minimum length of 6 feet.
ii.

A balcony or roof terrace with a minimum depth of 5 feet and a minimum area of 40 square feet. (Only applicable to second or third floors.)
iii.

A covered porch with a minimum depth of 6 feet and a minimum area of 60 square feet. (Only applicable to the first floor of the pedestrian frontage)
iv.

A covered stoop with a minimum depth of 3 feet and a minimum area of 12 square feet. (Only applicable to the first floor of the pedestrian frontage)
584

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
66 Single Family, Lane Court
Lane courts provide both vehicular and pedestrian access to multiple residences. The pedestrian and vehicular frontage for a single family home along a common court are part of the same façade. Front doors open onto the lane court, which features distinct paving to demarcate the court’s dual use of providing both pedestrian and vehicular access. This house type is typically two or three stories, with the garage occupying much of the first floor.

Single Family Lane Court Standards
a. Lane Courts shall be designed in compliance with Section 2.1.4. a.

A maximum of 8 dwelling units may feature vehicular access from a single lane court, which features one point of vehicular access to the wider street network.
b.

The garages of units are to be accessed from the lane court. c.

Architectural articulation and projection shall follow the requirement in MMC 16.08.030
d. P edestrian facades shall incorporate design features such as recesses, projections, porches, patios, stoops, or overhangs to preclude large expanses of uninterrupted building. All floors shall feature at least one of the following features.
i.

R
ecess with a minimum depth of 2 feet and a minimum length of 6 feet.
ii.

A balcony or roof terrace with a minimum depth of 5 feet and a minimum area of 40 square feet. (Only applicable to second or third floors.)
iii.

A covered porch with a minimum depth of 6 feet and a minimum area of 60 square feet. (Only applicable to the first floor of the pedestrian frontage)
iv.

A covered stoop with a minimum depth of 3 feet and a minimum area of 12 square feet. (Only applicable to the first floor of the pedestrian frontage)
585

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
67 Duplexes
Duplexes consist of a single structure that contains two primary dwelling units, either side-by-side or stacked on top of each other.

Each unit has its own garage, which may also serve as the only point of connection. Duplexes may be configured in a variety of ways, and may be sited along residential lanes, auto courts, and common courts, and be subject to the standards of each.

Duplex Massing Standards
a. The maximum building length shall be 100 feet.
b.

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

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

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

Architectural articulation and projection shall follow the requirement in MMC 16.08.030.
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 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. 586

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
68 3.5 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADU)
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). An attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family or multifamily dwelling is, or will be, situated. An ADU also includes the following:
a. An efficiency unit.
b.

A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code.

Source: Government Code section 66313, subdivision (a)
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU). A unit that is no more than 500 square feet in interior livable space and contained entirely within a single-family residence. A JADU may include separate sanitation facilities or may share sanitation facilities with the existing structure.

Source: Government Code section 66313, subdivision (d)
Statewide Exemption ADU. No development standards shall be applied that would prohibit up to an 800 square foot ADU that is no more than 16 feet in height with 4 foot side and 4 foot rear setbacks to be constructed in compliance with all other local development standards.

Parking. ADUs shall provide one off-street parking space in addition to that required for the main dwelling unit, in compliance with Chapter 16.34 (Off-Street Parking and Loading Standards). No off-street parking is required for the ADU if it meets any of the following:

1. Is within a half mile walking dist
ance from public transit. Refer
to definition in Section 16.44.160.B.

2. Is
within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.

3. Is in an ar
ea where on-street parking permits are required, but
not offered to the occupant of the ADU.

4. Is locat
ed within one block of a car share area.

5. The
ADU is a part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure.

Is a JADU as defined under Government Code Section 65852.21.

Design. At single-family locations the exterior roofing, trim, walls, windows and the color palette of the ADU or JADU shall incorporate the same features as the main dwelling unit; At multi-family locations, the exterior roofing, trim, walls, windows and the color palette of the ADU addition shall incorporate the same features as the existing building that the ADU would be provided within. For detached ADUs, it shall be reflective of the nearest building as measured from the wall of the existing building to the nearest wall of the proposed unit.

The scenarios on the following pages illustrate the most common types of ADUs, and are not meant to be an exhaustive representation of all ADU configurations.
587

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
69 3.5.1 TYPES OF ADUS
Conversion of an Accessory Building
a. Size: Limited to the existing footprint (minimum 220 sq. ft. per CRC § 1208.4). Up to 150 sq. ft. may be added strictly for ingress/egress. [Gov. Code § 66323(a)(1)]
b.

Height:

Limited to existing height. [Gov. Code § 66323(a)(1)]
c.

Setb
acks: Existing setbacks may be maintained; 0-foot setbacks are allowed if the structure was legally permitted. [Gov. Code § 66323(a)(1)(A)]
d.

Sep
aration: Existing building separation may be maintained. [Gov. Code § 66323(a)(1)]
e.

Entrance/Kit
chen/Bathroom: Must have a separate entrance, a
permanent kitchen, and its own separate bathroom. [Gov. Code § 66313(a)]
f.

P
arking: No replacement parking is required if a garage or carport is converted. [Gov. Code § 66320]
g.

R
ental: Cannot be rented for a term shorter than 30 consecutive days. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(10)]
h.

Ext
erior Stairs: Exterior stairs used to access the ADU shall not be located within 10 feet of the interior or rear property lines. 588

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
70 Attached Accessory Dwelling Unit
a. Size: Maximum of 1,200 sq. ft. or 50% of the primary dwelling, whichever is less. An ADU of at least 800 sq. ft. must be permitted regardless of primary house size. [Gov. Code § 66314(c)(2)(B)-(C)]
b.

Height:

Maximum of 25 feet or the height limit of the
underlying zone, whichever is lower. [Gov. Code § 66314(d)(2) (A)]
c.

Setb
acks: Minimum 4-foot side and rear setbacks. [Gov. Code § 66314(c)(2)(A)]
d.

Entrance/Kit
chen/Bathroom: Must have a separate entrance, a
permanent kitchen, and its own separate bathroom. [Gov. Code § 66313(a)]
e.

P
arking: One space required (may be provided on a driveway or in a tandem format) unless within 0.5-mile of a public transit stop. [Gov. Code § 66321]
f.

Fir
e Safety: Sprinklers are only required if they are required for the main house. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(11)]
g.

R
ental: Cannot be rented for a term shorter than 30 consecutive days. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(10)]
h.

Design:

The exterior roofing, trim, walls, windows and the color palette of the ADU shall incorporate the same features as the main dwelling unit.
i.

Ext
erior Stairs: Exterior stairs used to access the ADU shall not be located within 10 feet of the interior or rear property lines. 589

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
71 Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit
a. Size: Maximum of 1,200 square feet. [Gov. Code § 66314(c)(2)(B)] b.

Height:
16 feet maximum standard; 18 feet if the primary
residence is multi-story or is within 0.5-mile of transit. [Gov.

Code § 66314(d)(2)(B)-(C)]
c.

Setb
acks: Minimum 4-foot side and rear setbacks. [Gov. Code § 66314(c)(2)(A)]
d.

Building Sep
aration: Minimum 6-foot separation required by
building code. [CRC § R302.1]
e.

Entrance/Kit
chen/Bathroom: Must have a separate entrance, a
permanent kitchen, and its own separate bathroom. [Gov. Code § 66313(a)]
f.

P
arking: One space required (may be provided on a driveway or in a tandem format) unless within 0.5-mile of a public transit stop. [Gov. Code § 66321]
g.

Fir
e Safety: Sprinklers are only required if they are required for the main house. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(11)]
h.

R
ental: Cannot be rented for a term shorter than 30 consecutive days. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(10)]
i.

Design:

The exterior roofing, trim, walls, windows and the color palette of the ADU shall incorporate the same features as the main dwelling unit.
j.

Ext
erior Stairs: Exterior stairs used to access the ADU shall not be located within 10 feet of the interior or rear property lines. 590

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
72 Conversion of Existing Residential Space
a. Size: Maximum of 1,200 sq. ft. or 50% of the primary dwelling, whichever is less. An ADU of at least 800 sq. ft. must be permitted regardless of primary house size. [Gov. Code § 66314(c)(2)(B)-(C)]
b.

Height:

Maximum of 25 feet or the height limit of the
underlying zone, whichever is lower. [Gov. Code § 66314(d)(2) (A)]
c.

Setb
acks: Minimum 4-foot side and rear setbacks. [Gov. Code § 66314(c)(2)(A)]
d.

Entrance/Kit
chen/Bathroom: Must have a separate entrance, a
permanent kitchen, and its own separate bathroom. [Gov. Code § 66313(a)]
e.

P
arking: One space required (may be provided on a driveway or in a tandem format) unless within 0.5-mile of a public transit stop. [Gov. Code § 66321]
f.

Fir
e Safety: Sprinklers are only required if they are required for the main house. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(11)]
g.

R
ental: Cannot be rented for a term shorter than 30 consecutive days. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(10)]
h.

Design:

The exterior roofing, trim, walls, windows and the color palette of the ADU shall incorporate the same features as the main dwelling unit.
i.

Ext
erior Stairs: Exterior stairs used to access the ADU shall not be located within 10 feet of the interior or rear property lines. 591

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
73 Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU)
a. Size: 500 square feet maximum. [Gov. Code § 66333(a)(1)] b.

Location: Must be contained within the footprint of a single- family home or an attached garage. [Gov. Code § 66333(a)(1)] c.

Entrance:

Must include a separate, independent exterior
entrance. [Gov. Code § 66333(a)(2)]
d.

Kit
chen: Must contain an efficiency kitchen, including a sink, food preparation counter, and appliances (e.g., a microwave). [Gov. Code § 66333(a)(3)]
e.

Bathr
oom: May have its own dedicated bathroom or share
one with the primary residence. If shared, an internal doorway connecting the JADU to the main house is required. [Gov. Code § 66333(a)(4)]
f.

P
arking: No additional on-site parking is required. If an attached garage or carport is converted, no replacement parking is required. [Gov. Code § 66333(b) & § 66320]
g.

Owner Occup
ancy: The property owner must reside in either
the primary dwelling or the JADU. [Gov. Code § 66333(a)(5)] h.

R
ental: Cannot be rented for a term shorter than 30 consecutive days. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(10)]
592

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
74 Multifamily Accessory Dwelling Unit
a. Number o f Detached Units: A maximum of two detached ADUs are permitted on the lot. [Gov. Code § 66323(a)(4)]
b.

Int
erior Conversions: Non-livable spaces (e.g., storage rooms, boiler rooms, attics, or basements) within existing multi-family structures may be converted into ADUs. The total number of conversion units cannot exceed 25% of the existing dwelling units, but at least one conversion unit is guaranteed. [Gov. Code § 66323(a)(3)]
c.

Size:

Maximum of 1,200 square feet per unit. [Gov. Code § 66314(c)(2)(B)] d.

Height:

For detached units, 16 feet maximum standard; 18 feet if primary building is multi-story or within 0.5-mile of public transit. For interior conversions, must be within existing building footprint. [Gov. Code § 66314(d)(2)]
e.

Setb
acks: For detached units, minimum 4-foot side and rear setbacks. [Gov. Code § 66314(c)(2)(A)]
f.

P
arking: No additional parking is required for ADUs on multi-family lots that are located within 0.5-mile of public transit. [Gov. Code § 66321] g.

Fir
e Safety: ADUs are not required to provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary dwelling. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(11)] h.

R
ental: Cannot be rented for a term shorter than 30 consecutive days. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(10)]
i.

Design:

The exterior roofing, trim, walls, windows and the color palette of the ADU addition shall incorporate the same features as the existing building that the ADU would be provided within. For detached ADUs, it shall be reflective of the nearest building as measured from the wall of the existing building to the nearest wall of the proposed unit. j.

Ext
erior Stairs: Exterior stairs used to access the ADU shall not be located within 10 feet of the interior or rear property lines.
593

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)
594

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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
76 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
595
All Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival style residential buildings shall adhere to the following standards:
a.

Low pitched (4:12 maximum) gable roofs. The pitch shall remain constant. R
oofs shall be clay tile or concrete/cement tile roofs.

Common tile shapes include both Spanish (S-shaped) and
Mission (half-cylinder) types. Additional forms are permitted as follows:
i.

Hipped roofs may be used in combination with gables or on a tower element,
ii.

Shed roofs may used in conjunction with verandas and minor “lean-to” structures,
iii.

Flat roofs with parapets shall not exceed 40% of the total roof area;
b.

At least 50% of the eaves shall have a minimum overhang of 9 inches with exposed rafter tails;
c.

Primary facades shall be off-white, cream, or tan stucco with a smooth or lightly textured finish (i.e. minimum 16/20 finish, hand troweled or smaller particles). Window and doors shall be in a dark, contrasting color (such as black, navy blue, or forest green); d.

At least two types/shapes of windows shall be used. At least 50% of the windows shall have a vertical proportion. Large windows over 5 feet in width shall be multi-paned;
e.

All entrance doors shall be recessed at least 1 foot and banded with ceramic tile, molded plaster or painted accents; and f.

W
ood or manufactured wood products shall be for at least one architectural element (such as posts and exposed beams; spindles and grill work; window frames, shutters, etc.).

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
77 596
In addition, duplexes and detached single-family Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival buildings shall include at least two of the following features; buildings with 10 units or less shall feature at least three of the following features, and buildings with 11 or more units shall include at least four of the following features:
a.

Use a minimum 3-inch wide by 1.5-inch thick flat casing on all non-recessed windows;
b.

Incorporate a veranda with a minimum depth of 6 feet and a minimum width of 10 feet.
c.

Install awnings with metal spear supports at least 1 inch in diameter and spaced no more than 4 feet apart;
d.

Provide balconies or window treatments (such as shutters or awnings) for at least 20% of the total window count;
e.

Construct chimneys extending at least 2 feet above the roof ridge, featuring elaborate tops and/or small, tiled roofs with a 4-inch minimum overhang;
f.

Include a minimum of two decorative masonry, clay tile, or simulated vents per elevation, each at least 144 square inches in size;
g.

Apply decorative tile accents covering at least 5% of the surface area around door and window openings, built-in seating, paving, or stairs;
h.

Feature exposed, dark-stained timber structural elements such as beams, columns, and corbels with a minimum cross-section of 6” x 6”;

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
78 597
i. Integrate one or more arched elements measuring at least 5 feet wide and 8 feet tall;
j.

Utilize paired wood (or wood simulated) garage doors with at least two pieces of 18-inch iron or simulated iron strap hardware per door leaf;
k.

Use shutters that match the door or trim accent color and are sized to cover 100% of the window opening width;
l.

Design stepped-down ends that are at least 5 feet wide and 10 feet lower than the primary building mass;
m.

Maintain three or more roof planes and/or ridge lines with a minimum slope of 3:12;
n.

Build upper floor cantilevered balconies that project a minimum of 3 feet from the building face;
o.

Define courtyards and walkways using verandas or pergolas with a minimum clear depth of 8 feet that cover at least 25% of the courtyard perimeter;
p.

Utilize arcades with a minimum walkway width of 6 feet and arch spans of at least 4 feet to define primary circulation paths or courtyard edges;
q.

Construct wingwalls with a minimum thickness of 12 inches or ground-level columns with a minimum diameter of 10 inches; and/or
r.

Employ wrought iron for at least one architectural element, such as balcony railings at least 42 inches high, hardware, light fixtures, or gates.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
79 598

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.

This style shall only be applied to buildings four stories or less in height, provided that the fourth story does not exceed 70 percent the size of the third story.

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

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
80 599
All Craftsman style residential buildings shall adhere to the following standards:
a.

Low- to moderate-pitched gable or hipped roofs (from 6:12 to 8:12);
b.

W
ood or asphalt shingle roofs (or fiber cement imitation or imitation synthetic asphalt shingles);
c.

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

Primary facade/elevation shall have a minimum of two
materials/ colors, with no more than ninety percent (90%) of the total wall surface in one material and/or color. F
acades shall
include at least one of the following materials:
i.

Clapboard or shingle siding
ii.

Arroyo stone
iii.

Bricks
e.

Use of dark, neutral, earth-toned color palette (such as browns and greens); Window and door trim color shall contrast with color of walls; lighter colors may used for details (columns, rafter tails); and
f.

At least two types/shapes of windows shall be used. At least 50% of the windows shall be casement windows.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
81 600
In addition, duplexes and detached single-family Craftsman buildings shall include at least two of the following features; buildings with 10 units or less shall feature at least three of the following features, and buildings with 11 or more units shall include at least four of the following features:
a.

Incorporate covered front porches with a minimum depth of 7 feet and tapered pillars that decrease in width by at least 2 inches from base to cap;
b.

Utilize stone piers measuring at least 24 inches square at the base with battered wood supports above;
c.

Install decorative brackets or knee braces at all gabled ends with a minimum thickness of 4 inches;
d.

Feature exposed timber structural elements, rafter tails, or corbels with a minimum cross-section of 4 inches by 6 inches; e.

Maintain three or more distinct roof planes on the primary façade with slopes ranging between 3:12 and 6:12;
f.

Provide exposed rafter tails spaced no more than 24 inches on center along the eaves of the primary roof plane;
g.

Design at least one prominent front-facing gable roof that covers a minimum of 30% of the primary façade width;

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
82 601
h. Place one or more dormers on the front façade with a minimum window area of 6 square feet each;
i.

Include decorative attic or gable vents with a minimum surface area of 2 square feet per vent;
j.

Install
box-shaped light fixtures with metal frames and geometric grille patterns measuring at least 8 inches in height;
k.

Construct exterior-facing chimneys on a side elevation with a minimum width of 3 feet at the base;
l.

Feature stained glass windows with geometric patterns covering at least 5% of the primary façade;
m.

Ensure at least 80% of the windows utilize decorative grilles, typically in the upper sash;
n.

Incorporate gable pediments with decorative truss work or vertical slats spaced no more than 6 inches apart;
o.

Employ decorative joinery, such as through-tenons or pegged joints, on at least two visible structural timber connections;

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
83 602

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. This style is characterized by symmetrical, masonry buildings usually capped with a cornice and parapet and grounded with a continuous base. Windows provide symmetrical balance and rhythm to the facade. Elements such as galleries and awnings provide a secondary rhythm for the facade and allow the buildings to engage the public realm.

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

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
84 603
All American Mercantile style buildings shall adhere to the following standards:
a.

Brick veneer or structural brick exterior walls (on street facades – stucco is accepta-ble fronting alleys and parking courts); b.

A continuous stone, cast stone, or concrete base no less than 24 inches high (on street facades; except when interrupted by storefronts);
c.

Flat or low-pitched roof with a parapet wall;
d.

A ground-level storefront on the street facade, consisting of:
i.

Large display windows (minimum 5 foot dimension in each direction)
ii.

Bulkheads or kick plates located below the display window (between 6 and 36 inches). The bulkhead shall be finished in decorative tile, brick, architec-tural metal or painted plaster e.

V
ertically proportioned double-hung or casement windows on upper floors and/or secondary facades; and
f.

Within brick facades, upper-level windows shall be stacked floor-to-floor and ar-ranged horizontally in a repetitive pattern.

Individual window stacks shall be repeat-ed at least three times on the street facade - acceptable rhythms are A-A-A, A-B-A, A-B-B-A, A-B-C-B-A.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
85 604
In addition, American Mercantile buildings with up to two units (commercial or residential) least two of the following features; buildings with 10 units or less shall feature at least three of the following features, and buildings with 11 or more units shall include at least four of the following features:
a.

Install transom windows measuring at least 24 inches in height positioned above the storefront display windows;
b.

Provide canvas, vinyl, or fixed metal awnings over storefront windows with a minimum projection of 4 feet from the building face;
c.

Design inset storefront entries recessed at least 24 inches from the primary storefront plane;
d.

Construct a continuous decorative cornice no less than 24 inches high along all street-facing facades;
e.

Utilize brick course-work, stone, or cast stone molding at least 8 inches tall to delineate floor lines;
f.

Feature ornamental caps on piers, pilasters, or columns that project at least 2 inches beyond the vertical shaft;
g.

Incorporate keystone, ornamental, or classical arched window openings on upper floors with a minimum header depth of 10 inches;
h.

Build upper floor balconies with a minimum depth of 3 feet and decorative wrought iron or cast iron railings;
i.

Install shutters on secondary facade windows sized to cover 100% of the window width when closed;

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
86 605
j. Design parapets with decorative brick corbeling or dentil work extending at least 12 inches below the roofline;
k.

Use vertical pilasters or engaged columns spaced no more than 25 feet apart to define storefront bays;
l.

Construct storefront bulkheads (kickplates) between 18 and 30 inches in height using durable masonry or paneled wood; m.

Include decorative scroll-cut brackets under the primary cornice spaced no more than 36 inches on center;
n.

Feature segmental or radiused arches over upper-story windows with a minimum rise-to-span ratio of 1:6;
o.

Apply decorative masonry quoins at building corners with a minimum width of 12 inches and alternating lengths;
p.

Incorporate a dedicated horizontal signage band or frieze at least 18 inches high located between the transom and the second floor;
q.

Provide a distinct plinth base at the ground floor measuring at least 12 inches high using stone or high-contrast masonry; and/ or
r.

Install decorative cast stone medallions or metal rosettes at least 6 inches in diameter within the spandrel panels or cornice frieze.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
87 606

4.4 TUSCAN
Tuscan style is an interpretation of traditional Mediterranean architectural style joined by rural Italian elements. Key elements include the use of stone and stucco, light earth tones, and red tile 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

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
88 607
All Tuscan style residential buildings shall adhere to the following standards:
a.

Low-pitched hip or gable roof (maximum 6:12 slope) and at least 3 roof levels;
b.

R
oof material shall be composed of tiles;
c.

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

Flat stucco walls in earth tones shall be utilized, with earth toned being defined as a color with a lightness (light reflective) value of 25 to 60 that is composed of a mixture of any shade of brown and any shade of any other color or colors;
e.

Windows shall be recessed 3 to 12 inches from outer wall on primary façade and shall feature brown or beige trim; and f.

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

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
89 608
In addition, duplexes and detached single-family Tuscan buildings shall include at least two of the following features; buildings with 10 units or less shall feature at least three of the following features, and buildings with 11 or more units shall include at least four of the following features:
a.

Arched wall niches with a minimum depth of 8 inches and a height-to-width
ratio of at least 1.5:1 to ensure a classical vertical
proportion;
b.

Carved medallions with a minimum diameter of 12 inches and a depth of projection between 1.5 and 3 inches from the wall surface;
c.

Ceramic inset tiles of 4x4 or 6x6 inches and recessed so the tile face sits flush with the surrounding stucco or stone finish; d.

Corner quoins: each block must have a minimum vertical height of 12 inches, with lengths alternating between 18 and 24 inches to create the interlocking effect;
e.

Decorative clavos, spaced no more than 6 to 8 inches apart on center along the perimeter or panels of wooden doors and shutters;
f.

Decorative corbels with a minimum vertical height of 10 inches and a projection (run) that supports at least 60% of the overhanging element’s depth;
g.

Decorative plaster friezes between 8 and 18 inches in height, located within the top 10% of the wall’s total vertical height; h.

Heavy timber lintels with a minimum cross-section of 6x8 inches and extend at least 4 inches beyond the width of the window opening on both sides;

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
90 609
i. Juliet balconies, not more than 1 foot deep;
j.

Ornamental sconces with a minimum height of 18 inches
(excluding the mounting arm) to maintain proportional scale with heavy masonry walls;
k.

Scrolled window grilles projecting at least 4 to 6 inches from the window pane at their furthest point to allow for architectural depth;
l.

S
tone window sills at least 3 inches thick and projecting a minimum of 2.5 inches beyond the finished wall surface to create a distinct shadow line;
m.

T
erracotta chimney pots standing between 18 and 36 inches tall; n.

Tiered water features with a least two levels of basins, with the primary basin having a minimum diameter of 36 inches;
o.

T
rellis rafter tails extending at least 12 inches beyond the outermost supporting beam; or
p.

Wrought iron finials extending a minimum of 8 to 12 inches above the ridge line or railing cap, with a base diameter of at least 2 inches.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
91 610

4.5 MODERN
Modern architecture is the post-World War II iteration of the International Style, which was characterized by geometric forms, smooth wall surfaces, and an absence of exterior decoration. Modern architecture represents the adaptation of these elements to the local climate and topography, as well as the postwar need for efficiently-built homes.

In Southern California, this often meant the use of wood post-and-beam construction.

Modernism is often characterized by a clear expression of structure and materials, large expanses of glass, and open interior plans.

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

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
92 611
All modern buildings shall adhere to the following standards:
a.

Flat, low pitched, folded plate, or butterfly roofs shall be utilized (4:12 slope max). Tile roofs are prohibited.
i.

Flat-roofed buildings shall incorporate a decorative molding (minimum 6-inch height for single-story, 12-inch for multi- story) that projects from the wall plane.
ii.

Minimum 12-inch overhangs are required for non-flat roofs. b.

The primary wall materials shall be either glass, concrete block veneer, natural stone, metal panels or wood. At least 20 percent of the street-facing façade shall be composed of glass/windows.

Primary facade colors shall be restricted to off-whites, greys, metallic shades, or earth-tones. Brighter colors shall be reserved for recesses and architectural detailing. Contrasting accent colors (black or charcoal) are required for window sashes, doors, and architectural metalwork.
d.

Primary entrances must be recessed by a minimum of 12 inches to create shadow lines.
e.

Windows shall feature metal (steel/aluminum) frames. Frames shall not be white.
f.

Windows shall be square or rectangular.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
93 612
In addition, single-family and duplex modern buildings shall include two of the following features; buildings with up to 10 residential units shall include at least three of the following features; and buildings with 11 or more residential units shall feature at least four of the following features:
a.

Aluminum louvers consisting of fixed or operable horizontal slats with an anodized or powder-coated finish.
b.

Board and batten siding consisting of vertical boards 8 to 12 inches wide, with 1 to 2-inch wide battens.
c.

Breeze block consisting of hollow-core masonry units with geometric apertures, stacked in a continuous plane
d.

Cantilevered upper stories projecting at least 3 feet beyond the ground-floor wall plane, supported without visible vertical columns.
e.

Clerestory windows consisting of a horizontal band of glazing positioned located immediately beneath the roofline.
f.

Colonnades consisting of at least three columns spaced at regular intervals of 6 to 10 feet, forming a continuous covered exterior walkway.
g.

Corner windows consisting of glazing units joined at a
90-degree angle using mitered glass or a minimal-profile mullion less than 3 inches wide.
h.

Decorative water feature consisting of a geometric pool or fountain with a minimum surface area of 100 square feet.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
94 613
i. Exposed post-and-beam construction consisting of a visible structural framework of wood or steel members, articulated as the primary load-bearing system.
j.

Floor-to-ceiling glass walls consisting of glazing units extending from the finished floor to the ceiling, utilizing slender frames to maximize transparency.
k.

Horizontal beveled windows consisting of bands of windows featuring beveled glass or frames, oriented horizontally to emphasize the building’s linear profile.
l.

Horizontal trellis consisting of a wood or metal framework of horizontal members, providing filtered shade over at least 50 square feet of exterior space.
m.

Metal shadowbox frames consisting of recessed window
assemblies within a metal frame that projects at least 4 inches from the exterior wall surface.
n.

Metal sunshades consisting of fixed horizontal or vertical metal fins mounted over glazing, with a projection depth-to-height ratio of at least 1:2.
o.

Natural stone cladding consisting of travertine, marble, or granite applied in large-format slabs or ashlar patterns with a matte or honed finish.
p.

Pivot-style front door, utilizing a concealed vertical pivot hinge system instead of side-mounted hinges.
q.

Raised podium foundation consisting of a visible slab or masonry plinth that elevates the primary floor plate at least 3 feet above the finished grade.
r.

V
ertical metal slat awnings consisting of vertical metal slats spaced no more than 4 inches apart, projecting at least 1 foot from the facade.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
95 614

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 an 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 style shall only be applied to buildings three stories or less in height.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
96 615
All farmhouse style buildings shall adhere to the following standards:

R
oofs shall be a combination of low-pitched hipped or gable- on-hip forms (3:12 to 5:12 slope) and prominent gabled or shed roof accents (minimum 6:12 slope) to create a varied skyline. b.

Primary roof surfaces shall consist of dark architectural-grade asphalt shingles or synthetic slate. Accent roof planes, such as those over porches or bay windows, must utilize standing-seam metal or copper.
c.

Eaves shall be a minimum of 24 inches along the primary elevation. Rafters may be boxed or open with exposed timber tails, emphasizing the horizontal plane.
d.

F
acades must utilize at least two materials: horizontal clapboard or smooth stucco (sand/dash finish) for the primary body, and board-and-batten siding or corrugated metal covering at least 15% of the exterior surface.
e.

Windows shall feature slim-profile frames (steel, aluminum, or wood). At least 60% of the windows must be either oversized “picture” windows or tall, narrow units (at least twice as tall as they are wide).
f.

F
acade colors shall be restricted to pastels, grays, or muted earth tones. Contrasting dark accents (black or charcoal) are required for window sashes, doors, and architectural metalwork.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
97 616
In addition, single-family and duplex farmhouse buildings shall include two of the following features; buildings with up to 10 residential units shall include at least three of the following features; and buildings with 11 or more residential units shall feature at least four of the following features:
a.

4.5 to 5.5-inch unadorned board trim around all window and door openings;
b.

A wide front porch recessed under the primary roofline, supported by simple square columns or wrought iron supports; c.

A wide brick or natural stone chimney located on the primary or street-facing façade;
d.

Integration of clerestory windows within the upper triangular portion of gable ends to increase natural interior light; e.

Cantilevered eaves or patio covers extending at least 5 feet from the facade, supported by industrial metal or heavy timber columns;
f.

W
all-mounted gooseneck light fixtures used as the primary exterior illumination for entries and garage doors;
g.

Garage doors or large entries featuring carriage-style detailing or “Dutch door” split configurations.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
98 617
h. At least three distinct wall planes across the primary elevation; i.

Sleek, metal-clad awnings without side supports installed over ground-level windows;
j.

The inclusion of at least one hexagonal, octagonal, or circular “moon” window or gate at the primary entrance;
k.

Architectural massing inspired by rural granaries or tank houses (e.g., a vertical tower element for a stairwell);
l.

Built-in wood or metal window boxes or balconettes on at least 20% of the street-facing windows;
m.

Use of shed or gabled dormers to break up large roof planes and provide a rhythmic vertical accent to the horizontal massing; n.

Dark-color wood trellises or heavy timber lintels (minimum 6x8 inches) positioned above ground-floor openings to provide architectural depth and shadow;
o.

Application of plank-style, louvered, or framed wood shutters on at least 20% of windows on a publicly visible elevation, finished in a dark contrasting accent color;
p.

Use of unadorned
corrugated metal panels for focal wall sections
or as “eyebrow” awnings over secondary entries; or
q.

Inclusion of at least one projecting bay window on the front facade, which may utilize a standing-seam metal or copper roof regardless of the primary roof material.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
99 618
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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
100
619
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

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
101
620

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

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
102
621
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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
103
622
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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
104
623
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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
105
624
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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted June 2, 2026
106
625
ATTACHMENT 2

“STRIKEOUT/UNDERLINE” VERSION

Text in Orange with a strikeout = deleted text
Text in Blue with an underline = added text

Chapter 16
Sections:

16.08.030 Single-family Residential Design Standards and Design Features

16.08.040 Multi-family Residential Design Standards and Design Features

16.16.030 Planned Residential Development Design Standards and Parameters

16.16.040 Transit Development Oriented Overlay

16.08.030 Single-family Residential Design Standards and Design Features.

The following standards and design features and the City's Residential 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 compiledcomplied with or satisfied in all new single-family residential subdivisions. Standards are mandatory requirements for all new single-family residential subdivisions. Design features 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. 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 Residential Objective Design Standards, the most recently adopted revision shall control.

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 compiledcomplied with or satisfied in all multi-family residential developments. Standards are mandatory requirements for all multi-family residential developments. Design features 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 into 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-Use Objective Design Standards, the most recently adopted revision shall control.

626
ATTACHMENT 2

“STRIKEOUT/UNDERLINE” VERSION

16.16.030 Planned Residential Development Design Standards and Parameters.

The following standards and parameters and the City's Residential 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 complied with or satisfied in all planned residential developments (PRD). In addition to the general provisions of the underlying zone and Chapter 16.16 (Combining and Overlay Districts), a PRD shall comply with the following standards. Parameters are provided to allow flexibility by providing options for implementing specific standards. In order to meet a certain standard, one or a combination of parameters shall be incorporated in the project’s design. In some instances, there will be no parameter(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 Residential Objective Design Standards, the most recently adopted revision shall control.

16.16.040 Transit Development Oriented Overlay.

D. General Development Standards. New land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures within the TOD Overlay District, shall be designated, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements of the base zones and the City's Residential Objective Design Standards, as adopted by ordinance or resolution of the City Council and incorporated as part of this section by reference, with the following exceptions. 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 Residential Objective Design Standards, the most recently adopted revision shall control:

627

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
CITY OF MURRIETA | CA
ADOPTED SEPTEMBER 5, 2023
XX, 2026
City of Murrieta
Development Services Dept.

Planning Division

RECEIVED
Project Number:

MCA-2026-00013
5/21/26
628
Prepared for:

Funded by:

Prepared by:

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

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
629
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 Standards ..................................................................9

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

2.2 Parking ...............................................................................................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

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

2.11 Door Bells ......................................................................................39

TABLE OF CONTENTS
630
Chapter 3. Building Types .........................................................................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

3.4 Single-Family Detached and Duplexes .................................66

3.5 Accessory Dwelling Units ...........................................................73 Chapter 4. Architectural 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. Standards Compliance Checklists (to be provided later)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
631

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
632

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
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.

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

SB 35

y A streamlined approval process for
housing projects with a specified
amount of affordable housing.
y Applies to jurisdictions that haven’t
made enough progress in meeting their
RHNA.
y Applications must be for infill sites
and comply with existing GP or zoning
provisions.
y Can only apply objective zoning,
subdivision, or design review standards
to determine consistency.
y https://www.hcd.ca.gov/policy
-research/docs/sb-35-guidelines
-update-final.pdf
633

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
8 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.

Guidelines and standards to direct development are a key component to creating a dynamic, beautiful, and functioning area.

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:
• Rural Residential district (RR)
• Estate Residential districts (ER-1, ER-2, and ER-3)
• Single Family Residential districts (SF-1 and SF-2)
• Multifamily Residential 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 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay zone
A housing development project includes all residential developments, including mixed-use developments and the creation of accessory dwelling units (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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
9 Single-Family Detached and Duplex
Single-family detached homes and duplexes offer private outdoor space and a sense of individual ownership. While detached homes provide maximum privacy, duplexes offer a critical option that allows for increased density while maintaining a scale compatible with traditional neighborhoods. These housing types are essential for growing families and households seeking a transition between high- density living and large-lot estates
The design of single-family homes and duplexes should prioritize neighborhood cohesion, high-quality materials, and a clear transition between public and private realms. Recent legislative updates, such as SB 9, have expanded the potential for duplexes and lot splits in traditionally single-family zones. These Objective Design Standards ensure that as Murrieta’s neighborhoods evolve, new infill development respects the existing character and provides a high level of craftsmanship and functional site planning.

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 CEQA-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.”
636

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OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
10 Figure 1. OBJeCTiV e DeSigN STANDA rDS: APPLiCABLe AreAS 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
637

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
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)
638

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
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)
639

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
13 1.5 HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT?
The document includes the following:
• General Standards: These apply to all residential and mixed- use projects regardless of density, location, or style. • Standards 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.
• Architectural 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.

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 Revival
• Craftsman
• American Mercantile
• Tuscan
• Modern
• Farmhouse
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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
14 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.

Formal submittal will also include the a signed checklist to be reviewed by Planning staff. This checklist provides an overview of the requirements for multifamily development projects in the City of Murrieta. Applications not containing the necessary information on this checklist will not be accepted for review. Approval will not be given or determined without a signed checklist.

Applicants shall follow application procedures as directed by staff.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
15 TABLe 1.1 ArCHiTeCTurAL STYLeS PerMiTTeD BY ZONe
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 Varies
based on zone
See Specific Plan » Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories) » Craftsman (Max 4 stories)
» American Mercantile (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:
» Craftsman
Rural Residential (RR)
Estate Residential (ER-1,
ER-2, ER-3)
Single-Family 1 (SF-1)
Varies, may be up
to 35 feet
Single Family, ADU » Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories) » Craftsman (Max 3 stories)
» T uscan (Max 4 stories)
» Farmhouse (Max 3 stories)
Within the RR and ER-1 zones a single
residence on a single lot is exempt from the
architectural styles requirement.

Single-Family 2 (SF-2) 35 Feet Single Family, Duplex,
T ownhome, Multiplex,
Garden, ADU
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» Craftsman (Max 3 stories)
» T uscan (Max 4 stories)
» Farmhouse (Max 3 stories)
Multi-Family 1 (MF-1) 50 Feet T ownhome, Multiplex,
Garden, ADU
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» Craftsman (Max 3 stories)
» T uscan (Max 4 stories)
» Farmhouse (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:
» Craftsman
» Farmhouse
Multi-Family 2 (MF-2) 50 Feet T ownhome, Multiplex,
Garden, ADU
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» Craftsman (Max 3 stories)
» T uscan (Max 4 stories)
» Farmhouse (Max 3 stories)
See above, same as MF-1.

Multi-Family 3 (MF-3) 100 60 Feet T ownhome, Multiplex, Garden, Wrap, Podium,
ADU
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» Craftsman (Max 3 stories)
» T uscan (Max 4 stories)
» Farmhouse (Max 3 stories)
» Modern
See above, same as MF-1.

Multi-Family 4 (MF-4) 100 Feet T ownhome, Multiplex,
Garden, Wrap, Podium,
ADU
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» T uscan (Max 4 stories)
» Modern
See above, same as MF-1.
642

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
16 TABLe 1.1 ArCHiTeCTurAL STYLeS PerMiTTeD BY ZONe
ZONE
MAX

PERMITTED
HEIGHT 1

BUILDING TYPES PERMITTED ARCHITECTURAL STYLE NOTES
T ransit Oriented
Development
(TOD) Overlay
150 Feet Garden, Wrap, Podium,
T ower, ADU
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» American Mercantile (Max 8 stories)
» Modern (No limit)
» Farmhouse (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:
» Farmhouse
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)
» Modern (Office, Innovation and TOD only, see
notes)
» Farmhouse (Varies by location)
» Modern is allowed in the Office,
Innovation, and TOD districts only.
» Office zoned areas 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. 643

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
644

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
18 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. Residential 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. Residential 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. Two architectural styles from Chapter 4 and
ii. Two distinct different color schemes.
d. Residential 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 Farmhouse) 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:
• Vary roof heights
1 EXCLUDING 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.
645

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
19 • Vertical planes
• Different materials and colors
g. 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.
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. Pedestrian 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. o. Loading docks and service areas on a corner lot must be accessed from the side street.

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
646

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
20 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. Stepbacks 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. 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)
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.

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

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

MULTIFAMILY SINGLE FAMILY
(TWO STORY )
MIN 15’
647

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
21 2.1 SITE PLANNING

2.1.1 GENERAL
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. Proposed cut-and-fill slopes shall be rounded off both horizontally and vertically.
c. For low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise residential, a minimum of 60 percent of the street frontage shall be devoted to buildings, except for areas with slope restrictions. Other portions of the street frontage may be devoted to parking, landscaping, and driveways. d. Residential structures on the same lot (not attached) shall maintain a minimum separation of at least 10 feet, subject to building and fire code separation requirements
e. When multiple color schemes are provided, a single color scheme shall be dedicated to no less than 30 percent of all residential buildings.
f. Residential developments with 21 to 40 single-family/duplex units, or 6 to 10 multifamily buildings shall provide a minimum of two distinct color schemes.
g. Residential developments with 41 to 80 single-family/duplex units, or 11 to 20 multifamily buildings shall provide two architectural styles from Chapter 4, each with at least two distinct color scheme. h. Residential developments with 81 or more single-family/duplex units, or 21 or more multifamily buildings shall shall provide three architectural styles from Chapter 4, each with at least three distinct color schemes.

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

Arrange buildings to create open space
Min. 60% shall be buildings
648

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
22 i. Multifamily and mixed-use buildings shall be designed so as not to have a direct line-of-sight into adjacent detached single- family units or onto private patios or backyards adjoining the property line. This can be accomplished through:
i. Stepbacks of upper stories.
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. j. Mixed-use buildings shall also comply with 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.

2.1.2 PEDESTRIAN NETWORK AND OPEN SPACE
a. A network of pedestrian sidewalks, walkways, paseos, and pathways shall connect all units on a project site to the public sidewalk, common open space areas, recreational amenities, and/or parking areas.
i. These pedestrian walkways shall be paved.
ii. These pedestrian walkways shall be at least 4 feet wide. b. 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. Commercial/Office unit entrances shall face the street, a parking area, or an interior common space.

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

Multi-family building Single-family building
649

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
23 c. Pedestrian walkways shall not terminate at streets, but shall either:
i. Merge with a sidewalk running parallel with the street. ii. Traverse the street via crosswalks demarcated with paint or decorative paving, provided that this crosswalk connects to:

1. A sidewalk on the other side of the street

2. Another pedestrian walkway

3. Common open space

4. Recreational amenities
d. Common Open Space areas and/or pedestrian walkways that provide access to the pedestrian frontages of 10 or more residential units (such as auto court homes, townhomes, triplexes, fourplexes, or courtyard apartments) shall align with other such Common Open Space areas and/or walkways if more than one such space is provided on a site.
i. The associated pedestrian walkway of this space shall connect to the associated pedestrian pathway of another common open space via a crosswalk perpendicular to the street.
e. Arrange buildings to provide functional common outdoors spaces (such as courtyards, paseos, or parks) for the use of residents. f. Orient buildings toward public and private streets to define street edges. Buildings adjacent to both public streets and public open space amenities, such as parks, shall be designed with a dual orientation.

Building shall be designed with a dual orientation when it is adjacent to both street and open space.

STREET
PARK
650

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
24 2.1.3 VEHICULAR NETWORK
a. Paved areas dedicated to vehicular travel and vehicular parking shall not exceed 25% of a site’s area.
i. Enclosed garages, tuck-under parking, and the top level of parking garages shall not count toward this limit
ii. Spaces designed to provide both vehicular access and pedestrian space, such as lane courts and residential lanes, or driveways that serve no more than 2 residential units, shall not count toward this limit
b. 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, Fire Department and Engineering Department. c. Except for garage entrances, structured parking shall not be visible from the primary streets or any public open space. d. Loading docks and service areas on a corner lots must be accessed from the side street.

2.1.4 STREET TYPOLOGIES
a. Residential developments shall feature a circulation system with a clear hierarchy of streets, either public or private, that allows for efficient ingress and egress of vehicles, safe and convenient pedestrian connections throughout the development, and other associated infrastructure.
b. Street types shall not be combined with another street type.

TABLE 2-1: STREET TYPOLOGY AND PRODUCT TYPE

COMPATIBILITY

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
25 Residential drives are the primary street
typology for residential neighborhoods,
connecting various dwelling units
with other portions of the community
through features such as front doors,
pedestrian walkways, and landscaping.

Lane courts provide both vehicular and
pedestrian access to multiple residences.

Front doors open onto the lane court,
which features distinct paving to
demarcate the court’s dual functions.

Pedestrian Passages (Paseos) provide
access to various residential units via
distinct, landscaped spaces that are
separated from the vehicular network.

Neighborhood entries serve as the
primary access point(s) to residential
neighborhoods, and may feature gates,
special landscape treatments, and
monumentation.

Residential alleys provide dedicated
vehicle access to the garages of
individual residential units. Residential
alleys are the least pedestrian-oriented
street type.
652

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
26 Neighborhood Entries
Neighborhood Entries are used as the entrances for most residential neighborhoods. Neighborhood Entries may connect residential neighborhoods with the following street types:
• Augmented Urban Arterial
• Multi-Modal Transportation Corridors
• Urban Arterial Highway
• Arterial Highway
• Major Highway
• Secondary Highway
• Collector Street
Standards
a. Garages for individual units are not permitted to be accessed from Neighborhood Entries.
b. The maximum length of a Neighborhood Entry shall be 300 feet. c. For private streets, pedestrian walkways are required on at least one side of a Neighborhood Entry. For public streets, pedestrian walkways are required on both sides.
d. Crosswalks within or that delineate the Neighborhood Entry shall feature paving composed of brick, decorative colored concrete, or stamped concrete.
e. A 5-foot wide landscaped area is required on at least one side of a Neighborhood Entry.
f. Curbs shall be required on both sides of a Neighborhood Entry, pursuant to MMC 16.18.160.
g. Street lighting is required.
h. Guest/new resident parking may be provided within residential entries.
653

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
27 Residential Drives
Residential Drives serve as the primary street typology for residential neighborhoods, connecting various dwelling units with other portions of the community. All residential structures located along a Residential Drives shall adhere to Section 2.7.3. Residential Drives may connect residential neighborhoods with Collector Streets and Local Streets.

Standards
a. For private streets, a pedestrian walkway at least 5 feet in width is required on at least one side of a Residential Drive. For public streets, a pedestrian walkway shall be provided on both sides. b. A 6-foot wide landscaped area is required on both sides of a Residential Drive. Street trees shall be installed within this landscaped area.
c. Curbs shall be required on both sides of a Residential Drive, pursuant to MMC 16.18.160.
d. Street lighting is required.
e. Curb cuts for driveway aprons shall not exceed 40% of the curb face on either side of the Residential Drive.
f. Parallel parking is permitted on Residential Drives provided minimum fire access width is not affected.
654

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
28 Residential Alleys
Residential Alleys are private streets that provide dedicated vehicular access to residential units. They are the least pedestrian oriented residential street type, as their primary function is to provide automobile access from individual garages onto Residential Drives and the wider street network.

Standards
a. Pedestrian walkways are not required along Residential Alleys. b. Maximum length of a Residential Alley is 500 feet.
c. A maximum of 32 dwelling units may feature vehicular access from a single Residential Alley.
d. Primary pedestrian entires to dwellings are not permitted on Residential Alleys.
e. Residential Alleys shall feature through-access.
655

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
29 Residential Lanes
Residential lanes are private streets that provide both vehicular and pedestrian access to multiple residences. The pedestrian and vehicular frontage for single family dwellings and/or duplexes along a Residential Lane are part of the same façade. Front doors open onto the Residential Lane which features distinct paving to demarcate the lane’s dual use of providing both pedestrian and vehicular access. This house type is typically two or three stories, with the garage occupying much of the first floor.

Standards
a. A maximum of 48 dwelling units may feature vehicular access from a residential lane which connects to the wider street network on both ends.
b. Residential lanes shall be raised at least 6 inches above the public or private street that it is connected to.
c. The entrance of residential lanes shall feature enhanced paving, such as patterned and/or colored pavers in the form of a crosswalk, brick, decorative colored concrete, stamped concrete, or permeable materials.
d. Buildings shall be set back at least 3 feet from the residential lane, with the exception of the garage. This setback area shall be landscaped.
e. Residential Lanes shall provide at least one shade tree, 24” x 24” box at time of planting, for every 8 residences.
f. Residential Lanes shall feature through-access.
g. On-street parking is prohibited within Residential Lanes. 656

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
30 Lane Courts
Lane Courts are dead-end versions of Residential Lanes and likewise provide both vehicular and pedestrian access to multiple residences.

The pedestrian and vehicular frontage for single family dwellings and/or duplexes along a Lane Court are part of the same façade.

Standards
a. A maximum of 8 dwelling units may feature vehicular access from a single lane court, which features one point of vehicular access to the wider street network.
b. Lane Courts shall be raised at least 6 inches above the public or private street that it is connected to.
c. Lane Courts shall feature enhanced paving, such as patterned and/or colored pavers, brick, decorative colored concrete, stamped concrete, or permeable materials along their entire length.
d. Buildings shall be set back at least 3 feet from the Lane Courts, with the exception of the garage. This setback area shall be landscaped.
e. Lane Courts shall provide at least one shade tree, 24” x 24” box at time of planting, for every 8 residences.
f. On-street parking is prohibited within Lane Courts.
657

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
31 Pedestrian Passages/Paseos
Pedestrian Passages (Paseos) provide access to various residential units in a residential neighborhood via distinct, landscaped spaces that are separated from the vehicular network. Paseos may connect internally to the various components of a residential development, and may also connect to public roads or other sites adjacent to a project site. Paseos are typically used in conjunction with Residential Alleys, serving as a space dedicated for pedestrian circulation.

Standards
a. Paseos shall feature a pedestrian walkway at least 5 feet wide. b. Paseos shall feature 3 feet of landscaping to either side of its associated pedestrian walkway
c. If utilized as common open space, a paseo shall be at least 25 feet wide (Refer to Section 2.3).
d. If not utilized as common open space, a paseo shall be at least 15 feet wide.
658

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
32 2.2 PARKING

2.2.1 SURFACE PARKING
a. 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.
b. Parking 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 five (5) feet in width in all interior dimensions.
d. Adjacent to Side or Rear Property Lines: Parking areas shall provide a perimeter landscaped strip at least ten (10) feet wide. e. 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.
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.
• Two driveways for lot frontage 150 feet to 299 feet.
• One driveway for each additional 300 feet.

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

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
659

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
33 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, Table 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 Vehicle 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. 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 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. 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:
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’
660

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
34 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 Residential 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 16.34.040.
e. For attached private garages, if a water heater is proposed, the design shall include adequate space for waste/solid storage and a water heater unit, and shall not be within the required minimum interior dimensions for enclosed garages.

2.2.3 PARKING STRUCTURE AND LOADING
a. Any driveway providing access to a parking structure shall have a minimum width of 28 feet.
b. Parked vehicles at each level in the structure shall be shielded from view of adjoining streets.

Any driveway providing access to a parking structure shall have a minimum width of 28 feet.
661

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
35 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.
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.
662

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
36 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-Street Loading Space Requirements:
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 TANDEM PARKING
a. Tandem 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 interior dimensions or open parking spaces and 39 feet by 10 feet for garage spaces or a space with a wall on one side. iv. Tandem parking to meet required parking for multiunit development shall not exceed 50 percent of the total
provided number of spaces.
v. Tandem 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 or 10’x39’
663

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
37 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
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 When 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 When 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. Common open space shall be at least 25 feet wide.
e. Primary common open space shall not be located at an extreme edge of the property or dispersed as smaller areas throughout the site.
f. Residential units shall be within a 1/4 mile (1,320 feet) walking distance of common open space.
g. Minimum Open Space Requirements are found below and in Table

16.08-4.

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.

Common
Open Space
Paseos

ZONE COMMON

OPEN SPACE PRIVATE OPEN SPACE RECREATIONAL

MF-3, MF-4,
TOD, & Others
150 sq. ft. All units 50 sq. ft.

DTSP 150 sq. ft. See Specific Plan
SF-1, SF-2, RR
ER-1, ER-2, ER-3
Exempt Exempt Exempt
664

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
38 h. Pedestrian walkways shall connect the common open space to a public right-of-way or building entrance.
i. 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.
j. 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.
k. 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. l. Forecourt must be enclosed on at least three sides by buildings.

The minimum dimension of any side is 40 feet.
m. Multifamily developments exceeding 150 units shall have at least two common open space areas and shall incorporate activities for different age groups.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
39 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 Works 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.
666

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
40 g. 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.
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. Swimming pool at a minimum of 15x30 feet or equal surface area (counts as two)
iii. Tennis, basketball, or racquetball court
iv. Weightlifting facility
v. Children’s playground at a minimum of 600 square feet vi. Sauna or jacuzzi
vii. Day care facility (counts as two)
viii. Community garden
ix. Other recreational amenities deemed adequate by the director
667

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
41 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 668

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
42 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. Trees 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.

2.6 LANDSCAPING
Landscaping shall comply with the standards in MMC 16.28.040, MMC 16.28.070, MMC 16.28.080, and MMC 16.34.070.H as well as the following:
669

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
43 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).
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. Pedestrian 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 Table 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.
670

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
44 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.

MIN.15’
MIN.12’
MIN.10’
6’

GROUND FLOOR RESIDENTIAL

GROUND FLOOR LIVE -WORK / OFFICE

GROUND FLOOR COMMERCIAL
671

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
45 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 ADA 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. Varied 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. Recessed 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.
672

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
46 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 and shall be located outside of the public right-of- way.
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.
673

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
47 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 ADA 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.
674

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
48 2.7.3 RESIDENTIAL FRONTS
a. For multifamily buildings with three of more units, garages shall not exceed 40 percent of the length of the building’s facade pedestrian frontage.
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. 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.
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).
675

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
49 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. Street 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. (DTSP Section 4.8)

2.8 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
676

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
50 2.9 TRASH AND RECYCLING ENCLOSURE
a. Common trash and recycling storage 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. 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.
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. Storage 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. m. For individual units, a minimum 3’ x 7’ area shall be provided for placement of refuse/recycling containers. This area shall not be located in a garage, unless within a separately walled room (vented to exterior). If located outside, a walking path shall be provided, and must be behind a fenced/walled, not visible to the public. A pick up area (3’ x 7’) must also be designated/design for container pick up by the waste company. This area shall not block a garage entry or required parking space.

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.
677

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
51 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 ADA 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.
678

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)

3.4 Single-Family Detached and Duplexes

3.5 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
679

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
53 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, triplexes, fourplexes, and courtyard apartments. 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. Resident 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

16.08 and Chapter 2.3, Common Open Space; Chapter 2.4,
Recreational 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 Table 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. 680

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
54 A. Townhome

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
55 Townhome Building Massing Standards
a. The minimum unit of a townhome shall be three units. The maximum building length shall be 150 200 feet or six eight 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. Parking (garage) may be front loaded or rear loaded, but must be entered from alley
e. Townhomes shall feature separate pedestrian and vehicular frontages.
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 have at least two of the following features:
i. Recess (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.
h. Avoid having primary entry directly facing another unit’s garage door.
i. 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.
j. 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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
56 B. Duplex, Triplex, and Fourplex
Building that consists of two three 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.
683

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
57 Multiplex Building Massing Standards
a. The maximum building length shall be 150 feet.
b. Alleys, paseos or courtyards provide 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. Parking (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. Recess (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. 684

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
58 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
685

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
59 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 the courtyard is common open space, the front facade pedestrian frontage 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. Recessed entries with arches or canopies, stoops, low privacy walls.
i. Parking (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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
60 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
687

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
61 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. 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.
d. Open space requirements shall be in accordance with MMC

16.08.020 and Chapter 2.3, Common Open Space; Chapter 2.4, Recreational Amenities; and Chapter 2.5, Private Open Space, in this book. For TOD projects, refer to MMC 16.16.
e. Site development standards and required setbacks shall be in accordance with Table 16.08-4 in MMC 16.08.020. For TOD projects, refer to MMC 16.16.
688

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
62 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. Residential 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 buildings 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’
689

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
63 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.
690

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
64 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.
691

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
65 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
692

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
66 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. 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.
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. Rooftop 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.
693

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
67 3.4 SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED AND

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
68 3.4.1 SITE DESIGN FOR SINGLE FAMILY AND DUPLEX
Single family detached homes and duplexes in Murrieta shall feature both a “pedestrian frontage,” and “vehicular frontage.” The pedestrian frontage is that frontage which features the primary pedestrian entrance into a single family detached home (front door). The vehicular frontage is that frontage which features the primary vehicular entrance to the single family detached home, or an accessory structure (garage door). For the purposes of this section, “street frontage,” where referred to elsewhere, shall mean the same as “pedestrian frontage.”
i. In some cases, the pedestrian and vehicular frontages are the same frontage.
ii. In other cases, these frontages may be set on opposite sides of the building.
a. Maximum building coverage: 50 percent (single-family), 60 percent (duplex).
b. Resident parking shall be provided in a garage. Guest parking may be covered or uncovered. Parking requirements and
standards shall be in accordance with MMC 16.34.040, Section

2.2.2 - Residential Garage, and Section 2.2.4 - Tandem Parking, in this book.
c. Open space requirements shall be in accordance with Chapter

2.3, Common Open Space; and Chapter 2.5, Private Open Space, in this book.
d. The area between the primary frontage and the street must be landscaped.
e. Site development standards and required setbacks shall be in accordance with Table 16.08-3 in MMC 16.08.020.
f. A primary frontage must feature an entrance featuring a porch, stoop, overhang, or recess.
g. Pedestrian entrances must be connected to the nearest pedestrian walkway with paving at least 3 feet wide. With the exception of Lane Courts, or Residential Lanes that provide vehicular access to 16 units or less, paved areas utilized for vehicular travel shall not count toward this requirement. h. A minimum of 10 percent of the site shall be landscaped with a mix of vegetative ground cover, shrubbery, and trees.
i. 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.

Alley-loaded conditionStreet-loaded condition
695

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
69 3.4.2 PRODUCT TYPES
Single Family, Attached Garage
The pedestrian and vehicular frontages of this single-family home type are located on the same façade. Front doors open onto a dedicated such as a courtyard, patio, porch, and connect to the public sidewalk or a pedestrian walkway. Garage doors are typically found alongside the pedestrian entry. These units are front loaded from the street with a driveway that extends to a garage that is attached to the main residence.

As a result, the garage door is often a significant presence on the street facade. Habitable space may be included above the garage.

Single Family Attached Garage Massing Standards
a. The pedestrian and vehicular frontage shall be considered the same façade.
b. Parking (garage) shall be front-loaded or side-loaded. c. Entrance frequency: At least one every 75 feet
d. Architectural articulation and projection shall follow the requirement in MMC 16.08.030
e. Pedestrian facades shall incorporate design features such as recesses, projections, porches, patios, stoops, or overhangs to preclude large expanses of uninterrupted building. All floors shall feature at least one of the following features:
i. Recess with a minimum depth of 2 feet and a minimum length of 6 feet.
ii. A balcony or roof terrace with a minimum depth of 5 feet and a minimum area of 40 square feet. (Only applicable to second or third floors.)
iii. A covered porch with a minimum depth of 6 feet and a minimum area of 60 square feet. (Only applicable to the first floor) iv. A covered stoop with a minimum depth of 3 feet and a minimum area of 12 square feet. (Only applicable to the first floor) 696

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
70 Single Family, Detached & Semi-Detached Garage
Single-family homes with detached garages are typically found on larger lots, and are most likely to be developed in rural residential or estate residential zones. They are typically one to two stories in height. These units are front loaded from the street by a driveway that extends to a garage which is typically located at the back of the lot.

Single Family Detached / Semi-Detached Garage Massing
Standards
a. The pedestrian frontage and vehicular frontage are located on separate structures. They made face the same direction, or may be angled away from each other given the size, layout, and topography of the lot.
b. Architectural articulation and projection shall follow the requirement in MMC 16.08.030
c. Pedestrian facades shall incorporate design features such as recesses, projections, porches, patios, stoops, or overhangs to preclude large expanses of uninterrupted building. All floors shall feature at least one of the following features.
i. Recess with a minimum depth of 2 feet and a minimum length of 6 feet.
ii. A balcony or roof terrace with a minimum depth of 5 feet and a minimum area of 40 square feet. (Only applicable to second or third floors.)
iii. A covered porch with a minimum depth of 6 feet and a minimum area of 60 square feet. (Only applicable to the first floor)
iv. A covered stoop with a minimum depth of 3 feet and a minimum area of 12 square feet. (Only applicable to the first floor)
d. Detached garages shall match the architectural style of the primary residence, and shall be connected to the primary residence by a paved walkway at least 3 feet in width. They must also feature at least two of the following features.
i. Separate pedestrian door.
ii. Garage door windows.
iii. Arbor or overhang above the garage door.
iv. Decorative garage door detailing, consistent with the chosen architectural style of the primary residence.
697

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
71 Single Family, Alley-Loaded
This single-family home type features separate pedestrian and vehicular frontages. Front doors open onto dedicated pedestrian space, such as a pedestrian passage or a sidewalk along a residential drive. Garage doors are typically found on the opposite side of the structure, facing a residential alley, which may take the form of an auto court. This house type is typically two or three stories, with the garage occupying much of the first floor.

Alley-Loaded Massing Standards
a. The garages of units are to be accessed from an alley or auto court.
b. Parking (garage) shall be rear-loaded or detached.
c. Entrance frequency: At least one every 50 feet
d. Architectural articulation and projection shall follow the requirement in MMC 16.08.030
e. Pedestrian facades shall incorporate design features such as recesses, projections, porches, patios, stoops, or overhangs to preclude large expanses of uninterrupted building. All floors of the primary and vehicular frontages shall feature at least one of the following features. i. Recess with a minimum depth of 2 feet and a minimum length of 6 feet.
ii. A balcony or roof terrace with a minimum depth of 5 feet and a minimum area of 40 square feet. (Only applicable to second or third floors.)
iii. A covered porch with a minimum depth of 6 feet and a minimum area of 60 square feet. (Only applicable to the first floor of the pedestrian frontage)
iv. A covered stoop with a minimum depth of 3 feet and a minimum area of 12 square feet. (Only applicable to the first floor of the pedestrian frontage)
698

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
72 Single Family, Lane Court
Lane courts provide both vehicular and pedestrian access to multiple residences. The pedestrian and vehicular frontage for a single family home along a common court are part of the same façade. Front doors open onto the lane court, which features distinct paving to demarcate the court’s dual use of providing both pedestrian and vehicular access. This house type is typically two or three stories, with the garage occupying much of the first floor.

Single Family Lane Court Standards
a. Lane Courts shall be designed in compliance with Section 2.1.4. a. A maximum of 8 dwelling units may feature vehicular access from a single lane court, which features one point of vehicular access to the wider street network.
b. The garages of units are to be accessed from the lane court. c. Architectural articulation and projection shall follow the requirement in MMC 16.08.030
d. Pedestrian facades shall incorporate design features such as recesses, projections, porches, patios, stoops, or overhangs to preclude large expanses of uninterrupted building. All floors shall feature at least one of the following features.
i. Recess with a minimum depth of 2 feet and a minimum length of 6 feet.
ii. A balcony or roof terrace with a minimum depth of 5 feet and a minimum area of 40 square feet. (Only applicable to second or third floors.)
iii. A covered porch with a minimum depth of 6 feet and a minimum area of 60 square feet. (Only applicable to the first floor of the pedestrian frontage)
iv. A covered stoop with a minimum depth of 3 feet and a minimum area of 12 square feet. (Only applicable to the first floor of the pedestrian frontage)
699

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
73 Duplexes
Duplexes consist of a single structure that contains two primary dwelling units, either side-by-side or stacked on top of each other.

Duplex Massing Standards
a. The maximum building length shall be 100 feet.
b. Entrance frequency: At least one every 50 feet.
c. Maximum elevation of first inhabited level: 30 inches above adjacent sidewalk.
d. Parking (garage) shall be rear-loaded or detached.
e. Architectural articulation and projection shall follow the requirement in MMC 16.08.030.
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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
74 3.5 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADU)
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). An attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family or multifamily dwelling is, or will be, situated. An ADU also includes the following:
a. An efficiency unit.
b. A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code.

Source: Government Code section 66313, subdivision (d)
Statewide Exemption ADU No development standards shall be applied that would prohibit up to an 800 square foot ADU that is no more than 16 feet in height with 4 foot side and 4 foot rear setbacks to be constructed in compliance with all other local development standards.

1. Is within a half mile walking distance from public transit. Refer to definition in Section 16.44.160.B.

2. Is within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.

3. Is in an area where on-street parking permits are required, but not offered to the occupant of the ADU.

4. Is located within one block of a car share area.

5. The ADU is a part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure.

Is a JADU as defined under Government Code Section 65852.21.

The scenarios on the following pages illustrate the most common types of ADUs, and are not meant to be an exhaustive representation of all ADU configurations.
701

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
75 3.5.1 TYPES OF ADUS
Conversion of an Accessory Building
a. Size: Limited to the existing footprint (minimum 220 sq. ft. per CRC § 1208.4). Up to 150 sq. ft. may be added strictly for ingress/egress. [Gov. Code § 66323(a)(1)]
b. Height: Limited to existing height. [Gov. Code § 66323(a)(1)] c. Setbacks: Existing setbacks may be maintained; 0-foot setbacks are allowed if the structure was legally permitted. [Gov. Code § 66323(a)(1)(A)]
d. Separation: Existing building separation may be maintained. [Gov. Code § 66323(a)(1)]
e. Entrance/Kitchen/Bathroom: Must have a separate entrance, a permanent kitchen, and its own separate bathroom. [Gov. Code § 66313(a)]
f. Parking: No replacement parking is required if a garage or carport is converted. [Gov. Code § 66320]
g. Rental: Cannot be rented for a term shorter than 30 consecutive days. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(10)]
h. Exterior Stairs: Exterior stairs used to access the ADU shall not be located within 10 feet of the interior or rear property lines. 702

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
76 Attached Accessory Dwelling Unit
a. Size: Maximum of 1,200 sq. ft. or 50% of the primary dwelling, whichever is less. An ADU of at least 800 sq. ft. must be permitted regardless of primary house size. [Gov. Code § 66314(c)(2)(B)-(C)]
b. Height: Maximum of 25 feet or the height limit of the underlying zone, whichever is lower. [Gov. Code § 66314(d)(2) (A)]
c. Setbacks: Minimum 4-foot side and rear setbacks. [Gov. Code § 66314(c)(2)(A)]
d. Entrance/Kitchen/Bathroom: Must have a separate entrance, a permanent kitchen, and its own separate bathroom. [Gov. Code § 66313(a)]
e. Parking: One space required (may be provided on a driveway or in a tandem format) unless within 0.5-mile of a public transit stop. [Gov. Code § 66321]
f. Fire Safety: Sprinklers are only required if they are required for the main house. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(11)]
g. Rental: Cannot be rented for a term shorter than 30 consecutive days. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(10)]
h. Design: The exterior roofing, trim, walls, windows and the color palette of the ADU shall incorporate the same features as the main dwelling unit.
i. Exterior Stairs: Exterior stairs used to access the ADU shall not be located within 10 feet of the interior or rear property lines. 703

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
77 Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit
a. Size: Maximum of 1,200 square feet. [Gov. Code § 66314(c)(2)(B)] b. Height: 16 feet maximum standard; 18 feet if the primary residence is multi-story or is within 0.5-mile of transit. [Gov.

Code § 66314(d)(2)(B)-(C)]
c. Setbacks: Minimum 4-foot side and rear setbacks. [Gov. Code § 66314(c)(2)(A)]
d. Building Separation: Minimum 6-foot separation required by building code. [CRC § R302.1]
e. Entrance/Kitchen/Bathroom: Must have a separate entrance, a permanent kitchen, and its own separate bathroom. [Gov. Code § 66313(a)]
f. Parking: One space required (may be provided on a driveway or in a tandem format) unless within 0.5-mile of a public transit stop. [Gov. Code § 66321]
g. Fire Safety: Sprinklers are only required if they are required for the main house. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(11)]
h. Rental: Cannot be rented for a term shorter than 30 consecutive days. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(10)]
i. Design: The exterior roofing, trim, walls, windows and the color palette of the ADU shall incorporate the same features as the main dwelling unit.
j. Exterior Stairs: Exterior stairs used to access the ADU shall not be located within 10 feet of the interior or rear property lines. 704

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
78 Conversion of Existing Residential Space
a. Size: Maximum of 1,200 sq. ft. or 50% of the primary dwelling, whichever is less. An ADU of at least 800 sq. ft. must be permitted regardless of primary house size. [Gov. Code § 66314(c)(2)(B)-(C)]
b. Height: Maximum of 25 feet or the height limit of the underlying zone, whichever is lower. [Gov. Code § 66314(d)(2) (A)]
c. Setbacks: Minimum 4-foot side and rear setbacks. [Gov. Code § 66314(c)(2)(A)]
d. Entrance/Kitchen/Bathroom: Must have a separate entrance, a permanent kitchen, and its own separate bathroom. [Gov. Code § 66313(a)]
e. Parking: One space required (may be provided on a driveway or in a tandem format) unless within 0.5-mile of a public transit stop. [Gov. Code § 66321]
f. Fire Safety: Sprinklers are only required if they are required for the main house. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(11)]
g. Rental: Cannot be rented for a term shorter than 30 consecutive days. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(10)]
h. Design: The exterior roofing, trim, walls, windows and the color palette of the ADU shall incorporate the same features as the main dwelling unit.
i. Exterior Stairs: Exterior stairs used to access the ADU shall not be located within 10 feet of the interior or rear property lines. 705

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
79 Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU)
a. Size: 500 square feet maximum. [Gov. Code § 66333(a)(1)] b. Location: Must be contained within the footprint of a single- family home or an attached garage. [Gov. Code § 66333(a)(1)] c. Entrance: Must include a separate, independent exterior entrance. [Gov. Code § 66333(a)(2)]
d. Kitchen: Must contain an efficiency kitchen, including a sink, food preparation counter, and appliances (e.g., a microwave). [Gov. Code § 66333(a)(3)]
e. Bathroom: May have its own dedicated bathroom or share one with the primary residence. If shared, an internal doorway connecting the JADU to the main house is required. [Gov. Code § 66333(a)(4)]
f. Parking: No additional on-site parking is required. If an attached garage or carport is converted, no replacement parking is required. [Gov. Code § 66333(b) & § 66320]
g. Owner Occupancy: The property owner must reside in either the primary dwelling or the JADU. [Gov. Code § 66333(a)(5)] h. Rental: Cannot be rented for a term shorter than 30 consecutive days. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(10)]
706

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
80 Multifamily Accessory Dwelling Unit
a. Number of Detached Units: A maximum of two detached ADUs are permitted on the lot. [Gov. Code § 66323(a)(4)]
b. Interior Conversions: Non-livable spaces (e.g., storage rooms, boiler rooms, attics, or basements) within existing multi-family structures may be converted into ADUs. The total number of conversion units cannot exceed 25% of the existing dwelling units, but at least one conversion unit is guaranteed. [Gov. Code § 66323(a)(3)]
c. Size: Maximum of 1,200 square feet per unit. [Gov. Code § 66314(c)(2)(B)] d. Height: For detached units, 16 feet maximum standard; 18 feet if primary building is multi-story or within 0.5-mile of public transit. For interior conversions, must be within existing building footprint. [Gov. Code § 66314(d)(2)]
e. Setbacks: For detached units, minimum 4-foot side and rear setbacks. [Gov. Code § 66314(c)(2)(A)]
f. Parking: No additional parking is required for ADUs on multi-family lots that are located within 0.5-mile of public transit. [Gov. Code § 66321] g. Fire Safety: ADUs are not required to provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary dwelling. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(11)] h. Rental: Cannot be rented for a term shorter than 30 consecutive days. [Gov. Code § 66314(a)(10)]
i. Design: The exterior roofing, trim, walls, windows and the color palette of the ADU addition shall incorporate the same features as the existing building that the ADU would be provided within. For detached ADUs, it shall be reflective of the nearest building as measured from the wall of the existing building to the nearest wall of the proposed unit. j. Exterior Stairs: Exterior stairs used to access the ADU shall not be located within 10 feet of the interior or rear property lines.
707

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)
708

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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
82 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
709
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

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
83 710

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. Red, 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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
84 711

4.1.3 MATERIALS AND COLORS
a. Roof 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. Resawn 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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
85 712

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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
86 713

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. Paired wood (or wood simulated) garage
doors with iron hardware
g. Stone- or brick-accented elements
h. Verandas, pergolas, or arcades
i. Exterior stairs
j. Fabric awnings with metal spear supports

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
87 714

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

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
88 715

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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
89 716

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).

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
90 717

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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
91 718

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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
92 719

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. Stone 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. Stained-glass or transom windows
i. Covered front porches with tapered pillars
j. Ground-level windows have muntins
k. Decorative joinery

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
93 720

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

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
94 721

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. Transparent 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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
95 722

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. Roofs may be accessible and used as
balconies or terraces.
e. Street-facing gable roof with roof pitches
at least 5:12 unless concealed behind a
parapet.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
96 723

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. Stucco and clapboard shall be avoided.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
97 724

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. Transom windows above the doors and
windows on the ground level.
f. Fifty percent of windows shall have
muntins.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
98 725

4.3.5 DECORATIVE DETAILS

4.5 a. Awnings, 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. Pedimented windows
c. Wide window trim with a keystone
d. Double-bracketed cornice
e. Gable roof
f. Roof finial
g. Transom above door and windows on the
ground level
h. Metal stair and balcony railing
i. Canopy or awning
j. Recessed entries
k. Cast-iron columns
l. Shopfront millwork

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
99 726

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

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

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
100
727

4.4.1 FORM AND MASSING
a. Asymmetrical arrangement of windows
and design elements along primary
elevation.
b. Porches, porticoes and/or Juliet balconies.
c. Recessed entries (at least 3 feet).

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
101
728

4.4.2 ROOF
a. Flat or low-pitched hip or gable roof
(maximum 6:12 slope).
b. Red-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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
102
729

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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
103
730

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. Vertically 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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
104
731

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. Shallow Juliet balconies
b. Rafter extensions and brackets
c. Stone or stucco window/door trim
d. Rectangular or arched wooden door
e. Arcade or porch at entry
f. Decorative ironwork (window grilles,
railings, light fixtures, decorative planters)
g. Arched windows
h. Paired 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 wood columns
j. Stucco or stone chimneys or tower
k. Dark-color wood trellis
l. Arched openings and doorways at the
ground level

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
105
732

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

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
106
733

4.5.1 FORM AND MASSING
a. An irregular, asymmetrical facade
b. Strong emphasis on geometry
c. Rectangular structure
d. Horizontal massing
e. Lack of ornament or mouldings
f. Straight and continuous lines
g. Multifaceted appearance
h. Repeating lines and elements

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
107
734

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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
108
735

4.5.3 MATERIALS AND COLORS
a. Use of raw and natural materials like wood,
concrete, metal, and glass.
b. Traditional 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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
109
736

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. Valence grids sometimes are applied on
windows

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
110
737

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. Trellis 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

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
111
738

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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
112
739

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. Repeating 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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
113
740

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. Triangular rooflines emphasizing the
height of the unit
e. Large overhangs (minimum 2 feet in
length) above the patio and garage

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
114
741

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. Stucco is prohibited.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
115
742

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. Typically 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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
116
743

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 fixtures at the entrance
k. Large doors and windows to maximize
natural light
l. Grilles on the ground-level windows and
doors

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
117
744

4.7 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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
118

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
745
All Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival style residential buildings shall adhere to the following standards:
a. Low pitched (4:12 maximum) gable roofs. The pitch shall remain constant. Roofs shall be clay tile or concrete/cement tile roofs.

Common tile shapes include both Spanish (S-shaped) and
Mission (half-cylinder) types. Additional forms are permitted as follows:
i. Hipped roofs may be used in combination with gables or on a tower element,
ii. Shed roofs may used in conjunction with verandas and minor “lean-to” structures,
iii. Flat roofs with parapets shall not exceed 40% of the total roof area;
b. At least 50% of the eaves shall have a minimum overhang of 9 inches with exposed rafter tails;
c. Primary facades shall be off-white, cream, or tan stucco with a smooth or lightly textured finish (i.e. minimum 16/20 finish, hand troweled or smaller particles). Window and doors shall be in a dark, contrasting color (such as black, navy blue, or forest green); d. At least two types/shapes of windows shall be used. At least 50% of the windows shall have a vertical proportion. Large windows over 5 feet in width shall be multi-paned;
e. All entrance doors shall be recessed at least 1 foot and banded with ceramic tile, molded plaster or painted accents; and f. Wood or manufactured wood products shall be for at least one architectural element (such as posts and exposed beams; spindles and grill work; window frames, shutters, etc.).

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
119
746
In addition, duplexes and detached single-family Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival buildings shall include at least two of the following features; buildings with 10 units or less shall feature at least three of the following features, and buildings with 11 or more units shall include at least four of the following features:
a. Use a minimum 3-inch wide by 1.5-inch thick flat casing on all non-recessed windows;
b. Incorporate a veranda with a minimum depth of 6 feet and a minimum width of 10 feet.
c. Install awnings with metal spear supports at least 1 inch in diameter and spaced no more than 4 feet apart;
d. Provide balconies or window treatments (such as shutters or awnings) for at least 20% of the total window count;
e. Construct chimneys extending at least 2 feet above the roof ridge, featuring elaborate tops and/or small, tiled roofs with a 4-inch minimum overhang;
f. Include a minimum of two decorative masonry, clay tile, or simulated vents per elevation, each at least 144 square inches in size;
g. Apply decorative tile accents covering at least 5% of the surface area around door and window openings, built-in seating, paving, or stairs;
h. Feature exposed, dark-stained timber structural elements such as beams, columns, and corbels with a minimum cross-section of 6” x 6”;

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
120
747
i. Integrate one or more arched elements measuring at least 5 feet wide and 8 feet tall;
j. Utilize paired wood (or wood simulated) garage doors with at least two pieces of 18-inch iron or simulated iron strap hardware per door leaf;
k. Use shutters that match the door or trim accent color and are sized to cover 100% of the window opening width;
l. Design stepped-down ends that are at least 5 feet wide and 10 feet lower than the primary building mass;
m. Maintain three or more roof planes and/or ridge lines with a minimum slope of 3:12;
n. Build upper floor cantilevered balconies that project a minimum of 3 feet from the building face;
o. Define courtyards and walkways using verandas or pergolas with a minimum clear depth of 8 feet that cover at least 25% of the courtyard perimeter;
p. Utilize arcades with a minimum walkway width of 6 feet and arch spans of at least 4 feet to define primary circulation paths or courtyard edges;
q. Construct wingwalls with a minimum thickness of 12 inches or ground-level columns with a minimum diameter of 10 inches; and/or
r. Employ wrought iron for at least one architectural element, such as balcony railings at least 42 inches high, hardware, light fixtures, or gates.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
121
748

4.8 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.

This style shall only be applied to buildings four stories or less in height, provided that the fourth story does not exceed 70 percent the size of the third story.

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

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
122
749
All Craftsman style residential buildings shall adhere to the following standards:
a. Low- to moderate-pitched gable or hipped roofs (from 6:12 to 8:12);
b. Wood or asphalt shingle roofs (or fiber cement imitation or imitation synthetic asphalt shingles);
c. Overhanging eaves (minimum 24 inches along primary
elevation) with exposed rafter tails or beams;
d. Primary facade/elevation shall have a minimum of two materials/ colors, with no more than ninety percent (90%) of the total wall surface in one material and/or color. Facades shall include at least one of the following materials:
i. Clapboard or shingle siding
ii. Arroyo stone
iii. Bricks
e. Use of dark, neutral, earth-toned color palette (such as browns and greens); Window and door trim color shall contrast with color of walls; lighter colors may used for details (columns, rafter tails); and
f. At least two types/shapes of windows shall be used. At least 50% of the windows shall be casement windows.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
123
750
In addition, duplexes and detached single-family Craftsman buildings shall include at least two of the following features; buildings with 10 units or less shall feature at least three of the following features, and buildings with 11 or more units shall include at least four of the following features:
a. Incorporate covered front porches with a minimum depth of 7 feet and tapered pillars that decrease in width by at least 2 inches from base to cap;
b. Utilize stone piers measuring at least 24 inches square at the base with battered wood supports above;
c. Install decorative brackets or knee braces at all gabled ends with a minimum thickness of 4 inches;
d. Feature exposed timber structural elements, rafter tails, or corbels with a minimum cross-section of 4 inches by 6 inches; e. Maintain three or more distinct roof planes on the primary façade with slopes ranging between 3:12 and 6:12;
f. Provide exposed rafter tails spaced no more than 24 inches on center along the eaves of the primary roof plane;
g. Design at least one prominent front-facing gable roof that covers a minimum of 30% of the primary façade width;

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
124
751
h. Place one or more dormers on the front façade with a minimum window area of 6 square feet each;
i. Include decorative attic or gable vents with a minimum surface area of 2 square feet per vent;
j. Install box-shaped light fixtures with metal frames and geometric grille patterns measuring at least 8 inches in height;
k. Construct exterior-facing chimneys on a side elevation with a minimum width of 3 feet at the base;
l. Feature stained glass windows with geometric patterns covering at least 5% of the primary façade;
m. Ensure at least 80% of the windows utilize decorative grilles, typically in the upper sash;
n. Incorporate gable pediments with decorative truss work or vertical slats spaced no more than 6 inches apart;
o. Employ decorative joinery, such as through-tenons or pegged joints, on at least two visible structural timber connections;

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
125
752

4.9 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.

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

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
126
753
All American Mercantile style buildings shall adhere to the following standards:
a. Brick veneer or structural brick exterior walls (on street facades – stucco is accepta-ble fronting alleys and parking courts); b. A continuous stone, cast stone, or concrete base no less than 24 inches high (on street facades; except when interrupted by storefronts);
c. Flat or low-pitched roof with a parapet wall;
d. A ground-level storefront on the street facade, consisting of:
i. Large display windows (minimum 5 foot dimension in each direction)
ii. Bulkheads or kick plates located below the display window (between 6 and 36 inches). The bulkhead shall be finished in decorative tile, brick, architec-tural metal or painted plaster e. Vertically proportioned double-hung or casement windows on upper floors and/or secondary facades; and
f. Within brick facades, upper-level windows shall be stacked floor-to-floor and ar-ranged horizontally in a repetitive pattern.

Individual window stacks shall be repeat-ed at least three times on the street facade - acceptable rhythms are A-A-A, A-B-A, A-B-B-A, A-B-C-B-A.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
127
754
In addition, American Mercantile buildings with up to two units (commercial or residential) least two of the following features; buildings with 10 units or less shall feature at least three of the following features, and buildings with 11 or more units shall include at least four of the following features:
a. Install transom windows measuring at least 24 inches in height positioned above the storefront display windows;
b. Provide canvas, vinyl, or fixed metal awnings over storefront windows with a minimum projection of 4 feet from the building face;
c. Design inset storefront entries recessed at least 24 inches from the primary storefront plane;
d. Construct a continuous decorative cornice no less than 24 inches high along all street-facing facades;
e. Utilize brick course-work, stone, or cast stone molding at least 8 inches tall to delineate floor lines;
f. Feature ornamental caps on piers, pilasters, or columns that project at least 2 inches beyond the vertical shaft;
g. Incorporate keystone, ornamental, or classical arched window openings on upper floors with a minimum header depth of 10 inches;
h. Build upper floor balconies with a minimum depth of 3 feet and decorative wrought iron or cast iron railings;
i. Install shutters on secondary facade windows sized to cover 100% of the window width when closed;

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
128
755
j. Design parapets with decorative brick corbeling or dentil work extending at least 12 inches below the roofline;
k. Use vertical pilasters or engaged columns spaced no more than 25 feet apart to define storefront bays;
l. Construct storefront bulkheads (kickplates) between 18 and 30 inches in height using durable masonry or paneled wood; m. Include decorative scroll-cut brackets under the primary cornice spaced no more than 36 inches on center;
n. Feature segmental or radiused arches over upper-story windows with a minimum rise-to-span ratio of 1:6;
o. Apply decorative masonry quoins at building corners with a minimum width of 12 inches and alternating lengths;
p. Incorporate a dedicated horizontal signage band or frieze at least 18 inches high located between the transom and the second floor;
q. Provide a distinct plinth base at the ground floor measuring at least 12 inches high using stone or high-contrast masonry; and/ or
r. Install decorative cast stone medallions or metal rosettes at least 6 inches in diameter within the spandrel panels or cornice frieze.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
129
756

4.10 TUSCAN
Tuscan style is an interpretation of traditional Mediterranean architectural style joined by rural Italian elements. Key elements include the use of stone and stucco, light earth tones, and red tile 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

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
130
757
All Tuscan style residential buildings shall adhere to the following standards:
a. Low-pitched hip or gable roof (maximum 6:12 slope) and at least 3 roof levels;
b. Roof material shall be composed of tiles;
c. Large overhanging eaves (minimum 12 inches) along primary elevation;
d. Flat stucco walls in earth tones shall be utilized, with earth toned being defined as a color with a lightness (light reflective) value of 25 to 60 that is composed of a mixture of any shade of brown and any shade of any other color or colors;
e. Windows shall be recessed 3 to 12 inches from outer wall on primary façade and shall feature brown or beige trim; and f. Casement windows shall be paired with four-pane patterns for narrow windows and eight-pane patterns for wider windows.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
131
758
In addition, duplexes and detached single-family Tuscan buildings shall include at least two of the following features; buildings with 10 units or less shall feature at least three of the following features, and buildings with 11 or more units shall include at least four of the following features:
a. Arched wall niches with a minimum depth of 8 inches and a height-to-width ratio of at least 1.5:1 to ensure a classical vertical proportion;
b. Carved medallions with a minimum diameter of 12 inches and a depth of projection between 1.5 and 3 inches from the wall surface;
c. Ceramic inset tiles of 4x4 or 6x6 inches and recessed so the tile face sits flush with the surrounding stucco or stone finish; d. Corner quoins: each block must have a minimum vertical height of 12 inches, with lengths alternating between 18 and 24 inches to create the interlocking effect;
e. Decorative clavos, spaced no more than 6 to 8 inches apart on center along the perimeter or panels of wooden doors and shutters;
f. Decorative corbels with a minimum vertical height of 10 inches and a projection (run) that supports at least 60% of the overhanging element’s depth;
g. Decorative plaster friezes between 8 and 18 inches in height, located within the top 10% of the wall’s total vertical height; h. Heavy timber lintels with a minimum cross-section of 6x8 inches and extend at least 4 inches beyond the width of the window opening on both sides;

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
132
759
i. Juliet balconies, not more than 1 foot deep;
j. Ornamental sconces with a minimum height of 18 inches (excluding the mounting arm) to maintain proportional scale with heavy masonry walls;
k. Scrolled window grilles projecting at least 4 to 6 inches from the window pane at their furthest point to allow for architectural depth;
l. Stone window sills at least 3 inches thick and projecting a minimum of 2.5 inches beyond the finished wall surface to create a distinct shadow line;
m. Terracotta chimney pots standing between 18 and 36 inches tall; n. Tiered water features with a least two levels of basins, with the primary basin having a minimum diameter of 36 inches;
o. Trellis rafter tails extending at least 12 inches beyond the outermost supporting beam; or
p. Wrought iron finials extending a minimum of 8 to 12 inches above the ridge line or railing cap, with a base diameter of at least 2 inches.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
133
760

4.11 MODERN
Modern architecture is the post-World War II iteration of the International Style, which was characterized by geometric forms, smooth wall surfaces, and an absence of exterior decoration. Modern architecture represents the adaptation of these elements to the local climate and topography, as well as the postwar need for efficiently-built homes.

In Southern California, this often meant the use of wood post-and-beam construction.

Modernism is often characterized by a clear expression of structure and materials, large expanses of glass, and open interior plans.

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

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
134
761
All modern buildings shall adhere to the following standards:
a. Flat, low pitched, folded plate, or butterfly roofs shall be utilized (4:12 slope max). Tile roofs are prohibited.
i. Flat-roofed buildings shall incorporate a decorative molding (minimum 6-inch height for single-story, 12-inch for multi- story) that projects from the wall plane.
ii. Minimum 12-inch overhangs are required for non-flat roofs. b. The primary wall materials shall be either glass, concrete block veneer, natural stone, metal panels or wood. At least 20 percent of the street-facing façade shall be composed of glass/windows. c. Primary facade colors shall be restricted to off-whites, greys, metallic shades, or earth-tones. Brighter colors shall be reserved for recesses and architectural detailing. Contrasting accent colors (black or charcoal) are required for window sashes, doors, and architectural metalwork.
d. Primary entrances must be recessed by a minimum of 12 inches to create shadow lines.
e. Windows shall feature metal (steel/aluminum) frames. Frames shall not be white.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
135
762
In addition, single-family and duplex modern buildings shall include two of the following features; buildings with up to 10 residential units shall include at least three of the following features; and buildings with 11 or more residential units shall feature at least four of the following features:
a. Aluminum louvers consisting of fixed or operable horizontal slats with an anodized or powder-coated finish.
b. Board and batten siding consisting of vertical boards 8 to 12 inches wide, with 1 to 2-inch wide battens.
c. Breeze block consisting of hollow-core masonry units with geometric apertures, stacked in a continuous plane
d. Cantilevered upper stories projecting at least 3 feet beyond the ground-floor wall plane, supported without visible vertical columns.
e. Clerestory windows consisting of a horizontal band of glazing positioned located immediately beneath the roofline.
f. Colonnades consisting of at least three columns spaced at regular intervals of 6 to 10 feet, forming a continuous covered exterior walkway.
g. Corner windows consisting of glazing units joined at a 90-degree angle using mitered glass or a minimal-profile mullion less than 3 inches wide.
h. Decorative water feature consisting of a geometric pool or fountain with a minimum surface area of 100 square feet.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
136
763
i. Exposed post-and-beam construction consisting of a visible structural framework of wood or steel members, articulated as the primary load-bearing system.
j. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls consisting of glazing units extending from the finished floor to the ceiling, utilizing slender frames to maximize transparency.
k. Horizontal beveled windows consisting of bands of windows featuring beveled glass or frames, oriented horizontally to emphasize the building’s linear profile.
l. Horizontal trellis consisting of a wood or metal framework of horizontal members, providing filtered shade over at least 50 square feet of exterior space.
m. Metal shadowbox frames consisting of recessed window assemblies within a metal frame that projects at least 4 inches from the exterior wall surface.
n. Metal sunshades consisting of fixed horizontal or vertical metal fins mounted over glazing, with a projection depth-to-height ratio of at least 1:2.
o. Natural stone cladding consisting of travertine, marble, or granite applied in large-format slabs or ashlar patterns with a matte or honed finish.
p. Pivot-style front door, utilizing a concealed vertical pivot hinge system instead of side-mounted hinges.
q. Raised podium foundation consisting of a visible slab or masonry plinth that elevates the primary floor plate at least 3 feet above the finished grade.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
137
764

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

4.12 FARMHOUSE
Farmhouse is an 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 style shall only be applied to buildings three stories or less in height.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
138
765
All farmhouse style buildings shall adhere to the following standards:

a. Roofs shall be a combination of low-pitched hipped or gable- on-hip forms (3:12 to 5:12 slope) and prominent gabled or shed roof accents (minimum 6:12 slope) to create a varied skyline. b. Primary roof surfaces shall consist of dark architectural-grade asphalt shingles or synthetic slate. Accent roof planes, such as those over porches or bay windows, must utilize standing-seam metal or copper.
c. Eaves shall be a minimum of 24 inches along the primary elevation. Rafters may be boxed or open with exposed timber tails, emphasizing the horizontal plane.
d. Facades must utilize at least two materials: horizontal clapboard or smooth stucco (sand/dash finish) for the primary body, and board-and-batten siding or corrugated metal covering at least 15% of the exterior surface.
e. Windows shall feature slim-profile frames (steel, aluminum, or wood). At least 60% of the windows must be either oversized “picture” windows or tall, narrow units (at least twice as tall as they are wide).
f. Facade colors shall be restricted to pastels, grays, or muted earth tones. Contrasting dark accents (black or charcoal) are required for window sashes, doors, and architectural metalwork.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
139
766
In addition, single-family and duplex farmhouse buildings shall include two of the following features; buildings with up to 10 residential units shall include at least three of the following features; and buildings with 11 or more residential units shall feature at least four of the following features:
a. 4.5 to 5.5-inch unadorned board trim around all window and door openings;
b. A wide front porch recessed under the primary roofline, supported by simple square columns or wrought iron supports; c. A wide brick or natural stone chimney located on the primary or street-facing façade;
d. Integration of clerestory windows within the upper triangular portion of gable ends to increase natural interior light; e. Cantilevered eaves or patio covers extending at least 5 feet from the facade, supported by industrial metal or heavy timber columns;
f. Wall-mounted gooseneck light fixtures used as the primary exterior illumination for entries and garage doors;
g. Garage doors or large entries featuring carriage-style detailing or “Dutch door” split configurations.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
140
767
h. At least three distinct wall planes across the primary elevation; i. Sleek, metal-clad awnings without side supports installed over ground-level windows;
j. The inclusion of at least one hexagonal, octagonal, or circular “moon” window or gate at the primary entrance;
k. Architectural massing inspired by rural granaries or tank houses (e.g., a vertical tower element for a stairwell);
l. Built-in wood or metal window boxes or balconettes on at least 20% of the street-facing windows;
m. Use of shed or gabled dormers to break up large roof planes and provide a rhythmic vertical accent to the horizontal massing; n. Dark-color wood trellises or heavy timber lintels (minimum 6x8 inches) positioned above ground-floor openings to provide architectural depth and shadow;
o. Application of plank-style, louvered, or framed wood shutters on at least 20% of windows on a publicly visible elevation, finished in a dark contrasting accent color;
p. Use of unadorned corrugated metal panels for focal wall sections or as “eyebrow” awnings over secondary entries; or
q. Inclusion of at least one projecting bay window on the front facade, which may utilize a standing-seam metal or copper roof regardless of the primary roof material.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
141
768
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

4.13 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.

Bay. Any division of a building between vertical lines or planes.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
142
769
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.

STUCCO STONE VINYL

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
143
770

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

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
144
771
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

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.

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
145
772
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

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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.

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Valance Grids. Valance grids are similar to the Standard grids but are only across the top of the window or door.

Wingwall. A smaller wall attached or next to a larger wall or structure.

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STANDARDS

COMPLIANCE

CHECKLISTS

5.0 776
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 Standards 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.

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STANDARDS

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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 Two architectural styles from Chapter 4 and
y Two 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 Three architectural styles from Chapter 4 and
y Three 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.

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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.

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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 Stepbacks 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 Mature 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 Commercial/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.

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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 Two 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Tandem parking to meet required parking for multiunit development shall not exceed 50 percent of the total provided number of spaces.
y Tandem 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.

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Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
y 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.
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.

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

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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 Have 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.

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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 Swimming pool at a minimum of 15x30 feet or equal surface area (two) y Tennis, basketball, or racquetball court
y Weightlifting facility
y Children’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.

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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 Shrubs of at least one-gallon size
y Ground cover instead of grass/turf
y 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 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.

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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.

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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 Projecting nonfabric awnings or canopies above an entry (covered entry); y Varied 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 Projecting or recessed entries or bays in the facade; y Recessed 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
170

RESIDENTIAL
797

BUILDING

STANDARDS

BY TYPE

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
171
798

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

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
172

RESIDENTIAL
799

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 Recess (e.g., deck, patio, courtyard, balcony, garage, entrance, or similar feature) that has a minimum depth of 4 feet;
y 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; 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.

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
173

RESIDENTIAL
800

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.

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
174

RESIDENTIAL
801

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 Recess (e.g., deck, patio, courtyard, balcony, garage, entrance, or similar feature) that has a minimum depth of 4 feet;
y 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; 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.

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
175

RESIDENTIAL
802

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 Recess (e.g., deck, patio, courtyard, balcony, garage, entrance, or similar feature) that has a minimum depth of f4 feet;
y 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; and/or y Offsets of facade or roof elevation of 2 feet or greater.

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
176

RESIDENTIAL
803

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).

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.

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
177

RESIDENTIAL
804

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 Unobstructed 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.

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
178

RESIDENTIAL
805

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.

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
179

RESIDENTIAL
806

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 Provide 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.

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
180

RESIDENTIAL
807

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.

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.

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
181

RESIDENTIAL
808

ARCHITECTURAL
STYLES

RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
182
809

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.

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
183

RESIDENTIAL
810

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.

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
184

RESIDENTIAL
811

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 Entry/Front porch or patio
y Decorative tiles
y Clay tile vents
y Wrought-iron balcony railings or support brackets
y Dark-metal light fixture and hardwares
y Paired wood (or wood simulated) garage doors with iron hardware y Stone- or brick-accented elements
y Verandas, pergolas, or arcades

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
185

RESIDENTIAL
812

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 Wrought-iron balcony railings or support brackets
y Exterior stairs
y Fabric awnings with metal spear supports

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
186

RESIDENTIAL
813

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.

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
187

RESIDENTIAL
814

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 Stone pier and battered wood support

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
188

RESIDENTIAL
815

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 Dormers on the front façade
y Second-story balcony
y Decorative 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 Stained glass windows or transom windows
y Covered front porches with tapered pillars
y Ground level windows have muntins
y Decorative joinery

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
189

RESIDENTIAL
816

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.

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
190

RESIDENTIAL
817

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.

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
191

RESIDENTIAL
818

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 Awnings, 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 Pedimented windows
y Wide window trim with a keystone
y Double bracketed cornice
y Gable roof
y Roof finial
y Transom above door and windows on the ground level
y Metal stair and balcony railing
y Canopy or awning
y Recessed entries
y Cast-iron columns
y Shopfront millwork

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
192

RESIDENTIAL
819

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

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
193

RESIDENTIAL
820

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 Rafter extensions and brackets
y Stone or stucco window /door trim
y Rectangular or arched wooden door
y Arcade or porch at entry
y Decorative ironwork (window grilles, railings, light fixtures, decorative planters). y Arched windows.

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
194

RESIDENTIAL
821

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

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES - TUSCAN
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
y Paired 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 Stucco or stone chimneys or tower.
y Dark color wood trellis.
y Arched openings and doorways at the ground level.

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
195

RESIDENTIAL
822

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 .

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
196

RESIDENTIAL
823

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 Picture windows
y Clerestory windows
y Floor-to-ceiling glass door

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
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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 Trellis shade structures
y Bright colors to provide contrasting elements
y Metal awning
y Bold branding
y Floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the ground level
y Broad roof overhang with exposed wood or steel frame

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
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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.

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
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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.

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
200

RESIDENTIAL
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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 Covered patio
y Shed or gabled dormers
y Carriage-style garage doors
y Dark shutters and window sashes
y Shed dormers
y Simple gable brackets, vents, and trim
y Iron-inspired barn-style lighting
y Metal awnings without sides
y Gooseneck light fixtures at the entrance
y Large doors and windows to maximize natural light
y Grilles on the ground level windows and doors

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
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Adopted XX, 2026
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RESIDENTIAL
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CITY OF MURRIETA
Planning Commission Meeting
Agenda Report
5/13/2026
Agenda Item No. 2.

TO: HONORABLE CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING

COMMISSION
FROM: Carl Stiehl, City Planner
PREPARED BY: Dennis Watts, Senior Planner
SUBJECT:

Residential Objective Design Standards Update (MCA-2026-00013)

RECOMMENDATION
That the Planning Commission receive the staff presentation and adopt a Resolution recommending that the City Council:

1. File a Notice of Exemption finding that the project is exempt from CEQA, and

2. Adopt an ordinance that includes the final revised Residential Objective Design Standards and Code Amendment related to Development Code Chapters 16.08, and 16.16 entitled:

16.16 TO AMEND THE MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL AND MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS

ENVIRONMENTAL
The project has been evaluated pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). 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. The project involves direction to staff to adopt and implement Design Standards, which will not cause a significant environmental impact and implements a uniformly applied development policy or standard that is consistent with the General Plan Housing Element policy to further regulate residential development. This determination is predicated on CEQA Guidelines Section 15004, which provides direction to lead agencies on the appropriate timing for environmental review. The project(s) for which the Design Guidelines are utilized or are intended for may require preparation of an environmental document as part of their project(s) review in accordance with the CEQA Guidelines. A Notice of Exemption (NOE) has been prepared (Attachment 5). Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend that the City CITY OF MURRIETA Printed on 5/8/2026Page 1 of 9
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prepared (Attachment 5). Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend that the City Council find that the project is exempt from CEQA, accept the NOE and direct staff to file the document.

PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On May 2, 2023, the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance U-590-23 to begin implementation of the Objective Design Standards (ODS) immediately.

On September 5, 2023, the City Council adopted Ordinance 595-23, which adopted the ODS.

On April 22, 2026, the Planning Commission held a workshop to discuss the current draft of the grant -funded Residential Objective Standards Update and provided staff direction regarding the Commission’s concerns related to housing standards.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Planning Division is initiating its first update to the City’sResidential Objective Design Standards (ODS) previously adopted in September 2023, to also include Single Family, Accessory Dwelling Unit, and Duplex design standards, and to amend various existing Multi-Family design standards.

The update is in response to annual changes in state legislation to facilitate residential housing, identification of current gaps in the ODS, and input from the development community. The City is utilizing a state-funded grant program (REAP 2.0) to have a professional design consultant, Placeworks, assist with the update at no cost to the City.

BACKGROUND
Over the past five years, the state has been amending its housing laws to accelerate residential development and remove the City’sdiscretion by requiring ODS. On September 5, 2023, the City Council adopted Ordinance 595-23, which adopted the ODS. The City benefited from a grant by the State (LEAP Grant) to hire a consultant, Placeworks, to prepare the ODS and corresponding code amendments. As more legislation is passed amending state laws to help facilitate housing development, staff is initiating the first update of the City’sODS to be paid for with grant funding.

SCAG’sRegional Early Action Planning (REAP) Grants of 2021 or (REAP 2.0) is a $560 million program administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), in collaboration with the governor’sOffice of Planning and Research, the Strategic Growth Council, and the California Air Resources Board. REAP 2.0 is designed to accelerate progress toward California housing and climate goals through strengthened partnerships with local governments (Source: SCAG REAP 2.0 Fact Sheet). Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) assists SCAG in distributing and implementing REAP funding and goals. WRCOG has several professional consultants on contract to provide services to member jurisdictions. To keep up with amendments to state housing law and to take advantage of state grant programs, the City entered into an agreement with WRCOG to receive professional consultant assistance, which will be paid for by the grant. As part of this assistance, SCAG/WRCOG have approved a scope of work to update the City’sODS, by Placeworks with the same consultant team that assisted the City in creating the original ODS in 2023. The costs are paid by WRCOG through the REAP 2.0 Grant Program, and the CITY OF MURRIETA Printed on 5/8/2026Page 2 of 9
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Agenda Item No. 2.

City incurs no costs.

STATE LAW
On September 28, 2022 the Governor signed The Affordable Housing and High Road Jobs Act Assembly Bill 2011 (AB 2011) into law, which went into effect on July 1, 2023. The bill is one of many new laws intending to increase housing development in the State which were passed in recent legislative sessions. AB 2011 requires local governments to approve affordable housing development in zones that allow office, retail or parking uses as a principally permitted use, such as the City’scommercial, office, and innovation zones with a ministerial by-right permit process without discretionary review, a public hearing, or a requirement for a rezone if the project satisfies specified objective planning standards. Ministerial by-right review limits the City’sreview of projects to being based on state law requirements and the City’s standards, without any subjective judgment.

Additionally, AB 2011 requires a City to approve housing projects with a ministerial review within a streamlined timeframe.

On September 29, 2017, the Governor signed Senate Bill 35 (SB 35) into law, which went into effect on January 1, 2018. The bill was one of California’s2017 Housing Package of 15 bills intended to provide an injection of new regulatory and financial resources for housing development in cities. SB 35 requires local governments to approve a qualifying affordable multi-family housing development on residentially zoned land with a ministerial by-right permit process without discretionary review or a public hearing. Additionally, SB 35 requires a City to ministerially approve the project within a streamlined timeframe.

Due in part to the above laws, on September 5, 2023, the City Council adopted Ordinance 595-23, to amend the Development Code to implement the City’s Multi-Family Residential and Mixed-Use Residential ODS. This is in conformance with AB 2011, SB 6 and SB 35 while imposing certain restrictions that allow for greater local control through objective standards on these types of projects.

Without these local control measures, the approval of Multi-Family Residential and Mixed-Use Residential projects utilizing AB 2011, SB 6 or SB 35 based solely on the default standards in the Development Code, without appropriate regulations governing project design, site planning, building massing, height, setback, landscape, building type, architectural review and similar criteria would threaten the character of existing neighborhoods and negatively impact property values, personal privacy and fire safety. The state continues to pass laws similar to those noted above and therefore it is important for the City to have an ODS that covers all potential residential development, whether single-family, multi-family, ADU, mixed-use or any other type.

AMENDED OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS AND ORDINANCE
Currently, the ODS applies only to Multi-Family and Mixed-Use Residential Development throughout the City. The amendment proposes to apply the ODS to a residential projects in the City, including single-family and duplex housing types, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s), and update various standards contained within the multi-family/mixed-use portion of the ODS. Since the ODS will contain standards for single-family housing types, it will be renamed the Residential Objective Design Standards. There is currently a map of the city showing where the ODS apply. With the inclusion of the updated ODS that will now include single-family design standards, this map will be deleted as the ODS will apply city-wide. The updated ODS (Attachment 3) is in a strikeout (deleted text)/underline CITY OF MURRIETA Printed on 5/8/2026Page 3 of 9
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ODS will apply city-wide. The updated ODS (Attachment 3) is in a strikeout (deleted text)/underline (added text) format so the changes can be seen. The proposed amendments to the Development Code (Murrieta Municipal Code Title 16) are intended to incorporate the ODS into the newly relevant sections of the code which include Development Code Chapters 16.08 and 16.16. The changed language is shown in Exhibit A of the Resolution.

Single-Family Objective Design Standards
The current ODS does not regulate single-family development proposed in any of the City’sless dense single-family zones. Standards similar in format to the multi-family standards are proposed for single-family and duplex housing types in any zone. Additionally, in recent years, staff have experienced an increase in projects proposing a mix of residential building types, which includes multiple buildings containing a single unit or two units in various different zones. The development community has commented to staff that the existing standards do not align when applied to buildings of these types in multi-family zones when less dense product types, such as duplexes, rather than apartment buildings with numerous units, are proposed in a project.

The new single-family standards address the single-family and duplex housing types in all zones.

The standards contained in each chapter address General Site Standards (Chapter 2), Building Types (Chapter 3), and Architectural Styles (Chapter 4). Most of the existing standards are being preserved and will apply to all residential types, whether single-family or multi-family. One of the more prominent areas being addressed is the provision of design standards for the more recent site design layouts staff have been experiencing, which feature a cluster of units served by an internal private drive aisle that serves as vehicular access and, in some cases, also serves as the entry to the units (see image below).

The ODS provides different requirements based on whether the layout falls under one of the following types:
(1) Residential Drives
(2) Residential Alleys
(3) Residential Lanes
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(4) Residential Lane Courts
Below is an example of the standards for “LaneCourts”which would be the standards to apply to the site exhibit shown above.

The single-family housing types will be subject to the following architectural design standards depending on the zone:
(1) Mission- Spanish colonial Revival
(2) Craftsman
(3) American Mercantile (Downtown Only)
(4) Tuscan
(5) Modern
(6) Farmhouse
Accessory Dwelling Unit Standards - New proposed ADU design standards provide guidance and development standards in which an ADU can be built on a property for the following various scenarios: (1) An ADU attached to the main residence, (2) A detached ADU, (3) an attached ADU on the second floor, and (4) multiple ADU’s,which may include a JADU. The ODS identifies how and where parking requirements can be met, access paths to the unit, and architectural design elements.

These standards can be found in Section 3.5.

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Multi-Family and Mixed-Use Standards - Based on feedback from the development community and staff, amendments are proposed to address some of the concerns raised by allowing flexibility in less dense unit types, such as the duplex unit type in multi-family. As noted earlier in this report regarding access types (drives, alleys, lanes, lane courts), new design standards are proposed to address an area that warrants updating. The development community has commented to staff on recent projects that the current building separation requirement between buildings on the same lot or parcel creates difficulties in meeting the case density for a multi-family zone. The standard (Section 2.1.1.d., page 21) currently requires a building separation of 10 feet between two single-story structures, 15 feet between two-story structures, and 20 feet between three-story structures. The distance separation is being changed to five feet between structures, to provide flexibility in meeting the ODS on these types of projects. Building and Fire Code separation requirements and standards may still apply and may require additional separation from these distances depending on the project. Without this change it has been difficult for developers to meet the larger standard with less dense product types, such as duplexes and triplexes.

Another amendment involves reducing the minimum parking lot finger landscape planter width from nine (9) feet to five (5) feet (Section 2.2 Parking, pg. 32). This change is also necessary to provide more flexibility in parking lot site design for projects.

The update involves some reorganization of the ODS, and the standards remain primarily the same throughout the document; however, they are packaged more efficiently. The document will appear to show wholesale changes in strikeout and underline, but it is due to the reorganization of the standards rather than the standards themselves, little is changing within each chapter of the document. The substantive changes, mainly within Chapter 2, are noted above.

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For reference the currently adopted ODS can be found at the link below:
<https://www.murrietaca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10650/MultiFamily-and-MixedUse-Residential- Objective-Design-Standards>

WORKSHOP INPUT
On April 22, 2026 staff provided a presentation to the Commission on the draft ODS update. The Commission provided feedback on the current ODS, state housing law and the general approach to housing development, including related to more recent projects in the City.

The Commission provided direction to staff to consider preparing incentives or waivers to facilitate the development of more senior (55 and over) residential development in the City, whether affordable or market-rate. In recent years, the City has permitted dozens of housing projects, and only one, the Oak View Ranch Senior Project (Phase 2), as part of the City’sOak View Ranch Project on Adams Avenue, has deed-restricted senior housing units. No other developers have proposed projects in recent years to provide this type of housing. As noted at the workshop, staff can consider the Commission’s request in a future code amendment. Staff has multiple Housing Element implementation measures to address, including future code amendments where senior housing incentives could be proposed. Staff plans to return with more housing-related code amendments in the coming years.

FINDINGS
Findings for approval of a development code amendment are required under Section 16.58.080.

1. The proposed amendments ensure and maintain 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 modification of the City’sObjective Design Standards and a Development Code Amendment (MCA 2026-00013), specifically Chapters 16.08 and

16.16, to incorporate the ODS in the Development Code by reference. The standards have been amended to provide specific, detailed standards for single-family, duplex residential projects, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). The amendment also included limited changes to the existing standards to clarify the standards and provide adjustments due to feedback from the development community. 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 Element, Recreation and Open Space Element and the Safety Element. The proposed standards and the associated ordinance amendment for single-family residential development in the City have been drafted to ensure and maintain consistency with the General Plan.

2. The proposed Objective Design Standards and Code Amendments would not be CITY OF MURRIETA Printed on 5/8/2026Page 7 of 9
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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 the implementation of these standards with each 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’sGeneral Plan and Development Code, is beneficial to the public convenience, health, safety, and general welfare of the City as additional housing in the City, county, and state is much needed at all affordability levels and in all housing types according to state housing policy. Future housing consistent with the standards will be appropriately designed pursuant to the City’s existing and proposed development standards.

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

FACTS: The code amendment involves referencing the ODS in the Development Code in Chapter 16.08 (Single Family Residential Development) and 16.16 covering Planned Residential Development (PRD) and Transit Oriented Development (TOD). 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.

4. The proposed amendments are 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 Standards provide a uniform set of standards for the development of 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 for recording and filing.

CONCLUSION
There remain large areas of developable single-family properties within the City. Due to changes in state housing law, without sufficient detail, architectural design and site planning techniques typically used by cities in the past to encourage good design can be disregarded by applicants unless they are CITY OF MURRIETA Printed on 5/8/2026Page 8 of 9
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used by cities in the past to encourage good design can be disregarded by applicants unless they are objective in certain instances. The updated ODS addresses a gap in design standards for general single-family development and for less dense development types within a multi-family development.

These changes provide more flexibility in site design, which may facilitate the development of more for-sale housing rather than rental housing, particularly in areas of higher density where more compact unit types can be designed.

The adoption of the updated Residential ODS provides clear expectations for a potential developer, surrounding neighborhoods, and the City in the planning and approval of a housing development of any type proposed in the City. Projects that do not meet the Residential ODS as proposed would not be able to be approved or, in some situations, may be denied by the City. Staff’srecommendation is to recommend that the City Council adopt the updated Residential ODS.

PUBLIC PROCESS
The ODS have been made available for review as part of this staff report to the Planning Commission. Additionally, a public workshop with the Planning Commission was held on April 22, 2026 to discuss the draft ODS. The existing ODS and the proposed updates to the ODS are available on the City webpage for the public to review at any time:
<https://www.murrietaca.gov/1239/Multi-Family-Objective-Design-Standards>. Staff is planning to update the website at adoption to Residential Objective Design Standards.

NEXT STEPS
The updated Residential ODS will be presented to the City Council for adoption, tentatively on June 2, 2026.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Resolution
Exhibit A - Strikeout/Underline Development Code Amendment

2. Draft City Council Ordinance

3. Draft Strikeout/Underline Changes Objective Design Standards

4. Notice of Exemption
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PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. -2026-______

A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF

MURRIETA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT AN

ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL & MIXED-

USE RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDAR DS (ODS) AND
AMEND DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTIONS 16.08. AND 16. 16,

INCORPORATING THE ODS BY REFERENCE AND FIND THAT THE

PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM CEQA

WHEREAS, the City of Murrieta (City) initiated a code amendment , consistent with the Housing Element Policy Action 3 -5 amending the Multi-Family Residential and Mixed -Use Residential Objective Design Standards , providing Objective Design Standards (Standards) for Single-Family Residential projects, including duplexes and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) in the City, including amendments in response to development community feedback . The Standards will be renamed “Residential and Mixed -Use Residential Objective Design Standards”; and

WHEREAS, on May 2, 2023, the City of Murrieta City Council held a duly noticed hearing, and adopted Urgency Ordinance U-590-23 to begin implementation of the Objective Design Standards immediately; and

WHEREAS, on September 5, 2023, the City of Murrieta City Council held a duly noticed hearing, and adopted Ordinance 595-23, which adopted the Multi-Family Residential and Mixed- Use Residential Objective Design Standards (ODS); and

WHEREAS, the City received a REAP 2.0 grant from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) via the State Department of Housing and Communi ty Development to update the Standards; and

WHEREAS, as part of the Standards the City has prepared a Development Code Amendment ( MCA-2026-00013) to provide the necessary references to the Standards within Development Code Sections 16.08 and 16.16; and

WHEREAS, The project has been evaluated pursuant to the California Env ironmental Quality Act (CEQA) and 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 and therefore the City has prepared a Notice of Exemption, to be recorded as the project is exempt from CEQA, to be included as part of the environmental record for the project; and

WHEREAS, the amended Standards process included a w orkshop with the Planning Commission; and
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WHEREAS, the draft amended Standards were made available for public review and comment from May 8, 2026 to May 13, 2026; and

WHEREAS, on April 22, 202 6, the City of Murrieta Planning Commission held a duly noticed public workshop on the proposed project, at which was presented a brief staff report as well as an overview of the project; and

WHEREAS, on May 13, 202 6, the City of Murrieta Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on the proposed project, at which a staff report was p rovided and a presentation on the project for recommendation on the final Standards and Ordinances to the City Council; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission considered and discussed the public comments and written information provide d at the public hearing and has determined that the project is appropriate as proposed to be recommended to the City Council; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has considered there is no potential for environmental effects as a result of the proposed project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and concurs with staff’s recommendation for an exemption from CEQA.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission of the City of Murrieta resolves as follows:

Findings and Recommended Approval for Development Code Amendments pursuant to Section

16.58.080:

1. The proposed amendments ensure and maintain 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 modification of the City’s Objective Design Standards and a Development Cod e Amendment (MCA 202 6-00013), specifically Chapters 16.08 and 16.16, to incorporate the ODS in the Development Code by reference. The Standards ha ve been amended to provide specific, detailed standards for single-family, duplex residential projects, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). The amendment also included limited changes to the existing Standards to clarify standards and provide adjustments d ue to feedback from the development community. 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 Element, Recreation and Open Space Element and the Safet y Element. The proposed Standards and the associated ordinance amendment for single-family residential development in the City have been drafted to ensure and maintain consistency with the General Plan.
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2. The proposed Objective Design Standards and Code Amendments 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 each 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 General Plan and Deve lopment Code, is beneficial to the public convenience, health, safety and general welfare of the City as additional housing in the City, County and State is much needed at all affordability levels and in all housing types . Future housing consistent with t he Standards will be appropriately designed pursuant to the City’s existing and proposed development standards.

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

FACTS: The code amendment involves referencing the ODS in the Development Code in Chapter 16.08 - Single Family Residential Development, and Chapter 16.16 covering Planned Residential Development (PRD) and Transit Oriented Development (TOD). 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.

4. The proposed amendment s are in compliance with the provision of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);

Additionally, considering that no land use changes are proposed as part of the project and no increase or decrease of residential den sities 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. T herefore, a Notice of Exemption with supporting analysis has been prepared for recording and filing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that base d on the written information provided, the public comments received and findings stated above, the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council adopt the Development Code Amendments shown in Strikethrough Underline, attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and find that the project is exempt from CEQA. 23840

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED THIS 13TH DAY OF May 2026,

______________________________
Planning Commission Chairperson

ATTEST:

__________________________
Carl Stiehl, City Planner

I, Carl Stiehl, City Planner, City of Murrieta, California, do hereby certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission on the 13th day of May 2026, by the following roll call vote:

MOTION MADE BY COMMISSIONER ____________________________ SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER _______________________________

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAINED:

__________________________
Carl Stiehl, City Planner
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EXHIBIT “A”

“STRIKEOUT/UNDERLINE” VERSION

Text in Orange with a strikeout = deleted text
Text in Blue with an underline = added text

Chapter 16
Sections:

16.08.030 Single-family Residential Design Standards and Design Features

16.08.040 Multi-family Residential Design Standards and Design Features

16.16.030 Planned Residential Development Design Standards and Parameters

16.16.040 Transit Development Oriented Overlay

16.08.030 Single-family Residential Design Standards and Design Features.

16.08.040 Multi-family Residential Design Standards.

25842
EXHIBIT “A”

“STRIKEOUT/UNDERLINE” VERSION

16.16.030 Planned Residential Development Design Standards and Parameters.

16.16.040 Transit Development Oriented Overlay.

26843

NOTICE OF EXEMPTION
TO: County Clerk and Recorder's Office FROM: City of Murrieta County of Riverside Planning Division
2724 Gateway Drive 1 Town Square
Riverside, CA 92507 Murrieta, CA 92562

Project Title: MCA-2026-00013 (Residential Objective Design Standards Update and Code Amendment)

Project Applicant: City of Murrieta, 1 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562 (951) 461-6060

Description of Project: An update to the Multi -Family Residential and Mixed -Use Residential Objective Design Standards (ODS) to incorporate design standards for single-family housing types, accessory dwelling units, and to amend various sections of the current design standards. The Project involves adopting an ordinance amending the Development Code to incorporate the ODS by reference.

Project Site Size: Citywide

Project Location: City of Murrieta

Public Agency Approval: On June 2, 2026, the City of Murrieta City Council made the determination that the project is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines, Section 15183 – Projects Consistent with a Community Plan or Zoning.

Exempt Status: (check one)
_X Categorical Exemption: 15183 – Projects Consistent with a Community Plan or Zoning The activity is not subject to CEQA (Section 15061(b)(3))

Statement of Reasons Supporting the Finding that the Project is Exempt: The project is exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15183, based on the following findings:

The project is an Ordinance to adopt Residential Objective Design Standards. The proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as this meets the required actions of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 Projects Consistent with a Community Plan or Zoning, because it involves the adoption and implementation of design standards which regulate the general design of residential projects, which w ill not cause significant environmental impact and implements a uniformly applied development policy or standard that is consistent with the General Plan Housing Element policy to further regulate multi -family residential development. This determination is predicated on Section 15004 of the guidelines, which provides direction to lead agencies on the appropriate timing for environmental review. The project(s) for which the Objective Design Standards are utilized or are intended, may require the preparation of an environmental document as part of their project(s) review in accordance with State CEQA Guidelines.

Contact Person: Dennis Watts, Senior Planner Phone Number: (951) 461-6037

Signature: __________________________________ Date: ________________

Received for Filing: (To be completed by the County)

DATE SIGNATURE/TITLE
844

CITY OF MURRIETA
City Council Meeting Agenda
Report
6/2/2026
Agenda Item No. 15.

TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Javier Carcamo, Finance Director
PREPARED BY: Evan Crockett, Management Analyst - Finance SUBJECT:

Continued Public Hearings to Form Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) of the City of Murrieta and to Annex into Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) and Community Facilities District No. 2025-S (Safety Services)

ABSTRACT
Staff recommends that the City Council hold each of the three (3) public hearings that were continued from the April 21, 2026, City Council meeting regarding the formation of Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch), authorizing up to $8 million in bonded indebtedness, and annexing the Gierson Ranch project into CFD No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) and CFD No. 2025-S (Safety Services).

The proposed 107-unit single-family residential development, located between Washington Avenue and Adams Avenue, would finance public infrastructure, Development Impact Fees (DIF), and eligible maintenance and safety services through the levy of special taxes under the Mello-Roos Act.

RECOMMENDATION
Hold a public hearing regarding the formation of Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) of the City of Murrieta;
Adopt Resolution No. 26-4939 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Establishing Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) of the City of Murrieta, Authorizing the Levy of a Special Tax Therein, Calling an Election and Approving and Authorizing Certain Actions Related Thereto;
Adopt Resolution No. 26-4940 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Acting as the Legislative Body of Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) of the City of Murrieta, Determining the Necessity to Incur Bonded Indebtedness in an Amount Not to Exceed $8,000,000 Within Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) of the City of Murrieta and Calling an Election Therein;
Direct the City Clerk to hold an election within CFD No. 2026-1; Adopt Resolution No. 26-4941 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, CITY OF MURRIETA Printed on 5/28/2026Page 1 of 7
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Adopt Resolution No. 26-4941 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Acting in its Capacity as the Legislative Body of Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) of the City of Murrieta Certifying Election Results;
Introduce and conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 636-26 entitled: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Acting in its Capacity as the Legislative Body of Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) of the City of Murrieta Authorizing the Levy of Special Taxes; Acting as the Legislative Body of Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 of the City of Murrieta (Maintenance Services), hold a public hearing regarding Annexation No. 3; Adopt Resolution No. 26-4942 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta Acting as the Legislative Body of Community Facilities District No.2025-2 of the City of Murrieta (Maintenance Services), Annexing Territory to Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 of the City of Murrieta (Maintenance Services), and Calling Elections Therein (Annexation No. 3 - Gierson Ranch); Direct the City Clerk to hold an election within CFD 2025-2; Adopt Resolution No. 26-4943 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta Acting as the Legislative Body of Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) Certifying the Results of the June 2, 2026, Annexation and Special Tax Election (Annexation No. 3 - Gierson Ranch).

Acting as the Legislative Body of Community Facilities District No. 2025-S of the City of Murrieta (Safety Services), hold a public hearing regarding the annexation of Annexation No. 1; Adopt Resolution No. 26-4944 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta Acting as the Legislative Body of Community Facilities District No. 2025-S of the City of Murrieta (Safety Services), Annexing Territory to Community Facilities District No. 2025-S of the City of Murrieta (Safety Services) and Calling Elections Therein (Annexation No. 1 - Gierson Ranch); Direct the City Clerk to hold an election within CFD 2025-S; and Adopt Resolution No. 26-4945 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta Acting as the Legislative Body of Community Facilities District No. 2025-S (Safety Services) of the City of Murrieta Certifying the Results of the June 2, 2026, Annexation and Special Tax Election (Annexation No. 1 - Gierson Ranch).

PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On March 17, 2026, the City Council adopted a Resolution of Intention to Establish Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) of the City of Murrieta and a Resolution of Intention to Incur Bonded Indebtedness for Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) of the City of Murrieta and set a public hearing for April 21, 2026.

On March 17, 2026, the City Council adopted a Resolution of Intention to Annex Territory to Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) of the City of Murrieta (Annexation No. 3-Gierson Ranch) and set a public hearing for April 21, 2026.

On March 17, 2026, the City Council adopted a Resolution of Intention to Annex Territory to Community Facilities District No. 2025-S (Safety Services) of the City of Murrieta (Annexation No. 1-Gierson Ranch) and set a public hearing for April 21, 2026.

On April 21, 2026, at the request of the Property Owner, and due to the complexity of the proposed CFD No.

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Agenda Item No. 15.

On April 21, 2026, at the request of the Property Owner, and due to the complexity of the proposed CFD No. 2026-1, the City Council opened and voted to continue the public hearing on the formation of CFD No. 2026-1 and continued the public hearing to June 2, 2026.

On April 21, 2026, at the request of the Property Owner, and due to the complexity of the proposed annexations to CFD No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) and CFD No. 2025-S (Safety Services), the City Council opened and voted to continue each of the public hearings regarding the proposed annexations and continued the public hearings to June 2, 2026.

STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
This item aligns with the City Council’sgoal of: maintaining a high performing organization that values fiscal sustainability, transparency, accountability and organizational efficiency relating to an administrative priority.

DISCUSSION
Gierson Ranch Project and Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 The property owner of the proposed Gierson Ranch project within the City is Century Communities of California, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (Property Owner), and the Property Owner has submitted a petition requesting that the City form Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) of the City of Murrieta (CFD No. 2026-1). The property to be included in the proposed CFD No. 2026-1 (Property) is located between Washington Avenue and Adams Avenue, near the corner of Washington Avenue and Ivy Street. The Gierson Ranch project is proposed to include approximately 107 single-family homes at full buildout and will be developed by the Property Owner.

The Property Owner has requested that the City form CFD No. 2026-1 to encompass the Property, in accordance with the Mello-Roos Act, to finance the costs of certain public improvements through the levy of a special tax and the issuance of bonds. The proposed maximum bonded indebtedness is $8 million. The proceeds of bonds issued by CFD No. 2026-1 are expected to be used to finance public facilities to be owned and operated by the City, as well as financing the payment of Development Impact Fees owed by the Property Owner to the City, and to finance fees and public facilities to be owned and operated by the Murrieta Valley Unified School District and the Western Municipal Water District.

On March 17, 2026, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-4915 of Intention to Establish CFD No. 2026- 1 and Resolution No. 4916 of Intention to Incur Bonded Indebtedness for CFD No. 2026-1 and called for a public hearing to be held on April 21, 2026, regarding the proposed formation of CFD No. 2026-1. On April 21, at the Property Owner’s request, the public hearing was continued until June 2, 2026.

The Property Owner has requested that the boundaries of CFD No. 2026-1 include the area described in Attachment A of Resolution No. 26-4915 presented at this meeting (CFD No. 2026-1 Resolution of Intention), and that special taxes be levied within the boundaries of CFD No. 2026-1 in accordance with the Rate and Method of Apportionment for CFD No. 2026-1 (CFD No. 2026-1 RMA) described in Attachment C to Resolution No. 26-4915. The proposed rates of the special tax range from $3,956 per unit for single-family homes less than 1,950 square feet to $4,179 per unit for single-family homes greater than 2,150 square feet.

The special tax rates within CFD No. 2026-1 will increase two percent (2%) annually on July 1, of each year, commencing July 1, 2026.

The CFD No. 2026-1 Resolution of Intention was the first step in the process of forming CFD No. 2026-1 and, together with Resolution No. 26-4916 of Intention to Incur Bond Indebtedness by CFD No. 2026-1 adopted by the City Council on March 17, 2026, declared the City’sintention to establish CFD No. 2026-1, its intention to CITY OF MURRIETA Printed on 5/28/2026Page 3 of 7
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the City Council on March 17, 2026, declared the City’sintention to establish CFD No. 2026-1, its intention to incur bonded indebtedness by CFD No. 2026-1, and called for a public hearing to take place on April 21, 2026.

Notice of the public hearing was published in The Press Enterprise and mailed to the Property Owner.

At the request of the Property Owner, and due to the complexity of the proposed CFD No. 2026-1, the City Council opened the public hearing on the formation of CFD No. 2026-1 on April 21, 2026, and continued the public hearing to the June 2, 2026, City Council meeting.

In connection with the public hearing, Spicer Consulting Group has prepared a Public Hearing Report that describes and analyzes the facilities to be financed by CFD No. 2026-1 and the estimated costs of such facilities. Following the close of the public hearing, the City Council will be asked to adopt the Resolution of Formation for CFD No. 2026-1 and the Resolution Determining Necessity to Incur Bonded Indebtedness by CFD No. 2026-1 which, together, approve the formation of the CFD No. 2026-1, the levy of the special taxes in CFD No. 2026-1 in accordance with the CFD No. 2026-1 RMA and determines the necessity for the Facilities CFD to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $8,000,000. Such resolutions call for an election to submit to the qualified voters of the CFD No. 2026-1 ballot measures on the approval of the special taxes, the issuance of bonds, and an appropriations limit for the CFD No. 2026-1.

The CFD No. 2026-1 Resolution of Formation also approves the execution and delivery of an Acquisition, Construction and Funding Agreement with the Property Owner (Acquisition Agreement). The Acquisition Agreement sets forth the terms pursuant to which CFD No. 2026-1 will acquire improvements constructed by the Property Owner from bond proceeds from CFD No. 2026-1 and how the Property Owner will be reimbursed for development impact fees from bond proceeds. In order to be eligible for acquisition, such facilities must be constructed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Acquisition Agreement. The City and CFD No. 2026-1 are only required to pay for the acquisition of such facilities from the proceeds of bonds or special taxes levied in CFD No. 2026-1 and not from any other source.

The CFD No. 2026-1 Resolution of Formation also approves the execution and delivery of a Joint Community Facilities Agreement between the City and the Murrieta Valley Unified School District (School District JCFA) and the execution and delivery of a Joint Community Facilities Agreement between the City and the Western Municipal Water District (Water District JCFA). The School District JCFA and the Water District JCFA set forth the terms pursuant to which the Property Owner will be reimbursed from bond proceeds from CFD No. 2026-1 for certain school facility fees and certain water facility fees the Property Owner is required to pay to the Murrieta Valley Unified School District and the Western Municipal Water District. In order to be eligible for acquisition, such facilities must be constructed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Acquisition Agreement. The City and CFD No. 2026-1 are only required to pay for the acquisition of such facilities from the proceeds of bonds or special taxes levied in CFD No. 2026-1 and not from any other source.

On file with the City Clerk is a Certificate of the Registrar of Voters of Riverside County certifying that there are no registered voters residing within the boundaries of the CFD No. 2026-1. Accordingly, under the Mello-Roos Act, only property owners who own land in CFD No. 2026-1 are eligible to vote at the election for CFD No. 2026-1, with each owner having one vote for each acre (or portion thereof) that they own within CFD No. 2026 -1. The Property Owner has executed a consent and waiver of certain election procedures with respect to the election, including certain timing requirements with respect to the election, in accordance with the Mello-Roos Act. Accordingly, if the City Council approves the Resolution of Formation and the Resolution Determining Necessity to Incur Bonded Indebtedness, the City Clerk will conduct the election. The Property Owner will have delivered its ballot to the City Clerk in advance of the public hearing, and the City Clerk will announce the election results, and the City Council will be asked to adopt the Resolution Certifying the Election Results.

Upon certification that two-thirds of the votes cast are in favor of the propositions voted upon in CFD No. 2026 -1, the Resolution Certifying the Election Results will direct the City Clerk to record a notice of special tax lien on the property within CFD No. 2026-1. The City Council will then be asked to introduce the ordinance CITY OF MURRIETA Printed on 5/28/2026Page 4 of 7
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authorizing the levy of the special tax within CFD No. 2026-1, in accordance with the CFD No. 2026-1 RMA.

Annexation to CFD No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) and CFD No. 2025-S (Safety Services) New development projects (such as the Gierson Ranch Project) meeting certain design criteria are required by the City’sCommunity Facilities District Goals and Policies, as amended in December 2023, to annex into Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) of the City of Murrieta and Community Facilities District No. 2025-S (Safety Services) of the City of Murrieta.

On March 17, 2026, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-4917 and Resolution No. 26-4918, declaring the City Council’sintention to annex the Property into CFD No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) and CFD No. 2025-S (Safety Services), respectively, and called for public hearings to held on the proposed annexations on April 21, 2026.

Like the proposed formation of CFD No. 2026-1, at the request of the Property Owner, and due to the complexity of the proposed annexations to CFD No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) and CFD No. 2025-S (Safety Services), on April 21, 2026, the City Council opened each of the public hearings regarding the proposed annexations and continued the public hearings to June 2, 2026.

Following the close of the public hearing for the proposed annexation to CFD No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services), the City Council will be asked to adopt a Resolution of Annexation for Annexation No. 3 (Gierson Ranch) (CFD No. 2025-2 Resolution of Annexation), which approves the annexation to CFD No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) and the levy of the special taxes in CFD No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services), in accordance with the Rate and Method of Apportionment for CFD No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services). The CFD No. 2025-2 Resolution of Annexation also calls for elections to be held within CFD No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) to submit to the qualified electors ballot measures on the approval of the annexations and the special taxes.

Following the close of the public hearing for the proposed annexation to CFD No. 2025-S (Safety Services), the City Council will be asked to adopt a Resolution of Annexation for Annexation No. 1 (Gierson Ranch) (CFD No. 2025-S Resolution of Annexation), which approves the annexation to CFD No. 2025-S (Safety Services) and the levy of the special taxes in CFD No. 2025-S (Safety Services), in accordance with the Rate and Method of Apportionment for CFD No. 2025-S (Safety Services). The CFD No. 2025-S Resolution of Annexation also calls for elections to be held within CFD No. 2025-S (Safety Services) to submit to the qualified electors ballot measures on the approval of the annexations and the special taxes.

On file with the City Clerk is a Certificate of the Registrar of Voters of Riverside County certifying that there are no registered voters residing within the boundaries of the proposed annexation areas. Accordingly, under the Mello-Roos Act, only property owners who own land are eligible to vote at the elections, with each owner having one vote for each acre (or portion thereof) that they own within the annexation area. The Property Owner has executed a consent and waiver of certain election procedures with respect to the elections within CFD No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) and CFD No. 2025-S (Safety Services), including certain timing requirements with respect to the elections, in accordance with the Mello-Roos Act. Accordingly, if the City Council approves the CFD No. 2025-2 Resolution of Annexation and the CFD No. 2025-S Resolution of Annexation, the City Clerk will conduct the elections. The Property Owner will have delivered its ballots to the City Clerk in advance of the public hearings, and the City Clerk will announce the election results, and the City Council will be asked to adopt a Resolution Certifying the Election Results for CFD No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) and a Resolution Certifying the Election Results for CFD No. 2025-S (Safety Services). Upon certification that two-thirds of the votes cast are in favor of the propositions voted upon, the Resolution Certifying the Election Results for CFD No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) and the Resolution Certifying the Election Results for CFD No. 2025-S (Safety Services) will direct the City Clerk to record notices of special tax CITY OF MURRIETA Printed on 5/28/2026Page 5 of 7
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Agenda Item No. 15.
liens on the property within each of the proposed annexation areas.

PUBLIC NOTICING
The agenda item has been noticed in accordance with the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at which the City Council considers the item). At the April 21, 2026, City Council meeting, the public hearing was opened and continued to June 2, 2026. Notice of the public hearings was published on May 18, 2026, in The Press Enterprise and mailed to the Owner at least 15 days prior to the public hearing.

FISCAL IMPACT
The Property Owner has made a deposit of $65,000 to pay for the costs of the formation proceedings, which may be reimbursed to the Property Owner from proceeds of a future bond issuance in accordance with the reimbursement agreement with the Property Owner. If established and subject to necessary City Council and voter approvals, each of the CFDs will annually levy special taxes on all of the taxable property within the applicable district in accordance with the applicable rate and method of apportionment. Such special taxes will be used to pay for the costs of services or facilities, administration of the CFDs, including mandated annual disclosures, and, in the case of CFD No. 2026-1, debt service on bonds. Any bonds issued by CFD No. 2026- 1 are not obligations of the City and will be secured solely by the Special Taxes levied within CFD No. 2026-1.

The levying of the special taxes for services is expected to alleviate some of the financial impact of the new development on the costs of providing such services to the Property by the City.

Additionally, the Property Owner provided additional deposits of $30,000 to cover the annexation costs associated with the property annexing into CFD No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) and CFD No. 2025-S (Safety Services).

ATTACHMENTS
ATT 1 - Landowner Waiver (CFD No. 2026-1)
ATT 2 - Public Hearing Report (CFD No. 2026-1)
ATT 3 - Resolution No. 26-4939
ATT 4 - Resolution No. 26-4940
ATT 5 - Resolution No. 26-4941
ATT 6 - Ordinance No. 636-26
ATT 7 - Certificate of the Registrar of Voters (CFD No. 2026-1) ATT 8 - Acquisition Construction and Funding Agreement
ATT 9 - Joint Community Facilities Agreement with Murrieta Valley Unified School District ATT 10 - Joint Community Facilities Agreement with Western Municipal Water District ATT 11 - Landowner Waiver (Annexation No. 3 to CFD No. 2025-2) ATT 12 - Resolution No. 26-4942
ATT 13 - Resolution No. 26-4943
ATT 14 - Certificate of the Registrar of Voters (Annexation No. 3 to CFD No. 2025-2) ATT 15 - Landowner Waiver (Annexation No. 1 to CFD No. 2025-S) CITY OF MURRIETA Printed on 5/28/2026Page 6 of 7
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ATT 16 - Resolution No. 26-4944
ATT 17 - Resolution No. 26-4945
ATT 18 - Certificate of the Registrar of Voters (Annexation No. 1 to CFD No. 2025-S) CITY OF MURRIETA Printed on 5/28/2026Page 7 of 7
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1 4904-8043-3304v3/022972-0051

WAIVER OF CERTAIN ELECTION PROCEDURES

WITH RESPECT TO LANDOWNER ELECTION FOR
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2026-1 (GIERSON RANCH)

OF THE CITY OF MURRIETA
The undersigned, Justin Brewer, acting on behalf of Century Communities of California, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Owner”), hereby certifies to the City of Murrieta (the “City”), with respect to the proposed formation of Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) of the City of Murrieta (the “District”), as follows:

1. The undersigned has been duly authorized by the Owner and possesses all authority necessary to execute this Waiver on behalf of the Owner in connection with the election to be called by the City Council of the City with respect to the District. The Owner hereby appoints Justin Brewer to act as its authorized representative to vote in the election referred to herein and certifies that his true and exact signature is set forth below:

Signature of Justin Brewer: __________________________________

2. The Owner is the present owner of 15.98 acres of land located within the proposed boundaries of the District. T o the actual knowledge of the undersigned, t here are no registered voter s residing within the territory owned by the Owner and have been none during the 90 -day period preceding June 2, 2026.

3. The Owner has received notice of the June 2, 2026 public hearing to be held by the City Council of the City regarding the levy of a special tax in the District and the incurring of bonded indebtedness by the District . The Owner agrees that it received adequate notice of the June 2, 2026 hearing.

4. The Owner has received from the City and the City has made ava ilable to the Owner necessary and relevant information regarding the proposed formation of the District and the imposition of the special tax and the issuance of bonded indebtedness, as set forth in Resolution No s. 26-4915 and 26- 4916 adopted by the City Council on March 17, 2026 (together, the “Resolutions”) to finance the facilities as set forth in the Resolutions.

5. The undersigned understands that if the District is formed on or after June 2, 2026 , an election will be held by the District on the propos itions set forth in the sample ballot attached hereto as Exhibit “A” less than 90 days after the close of the June 2, 2026 public hearing as in accordance with Section 53326 of the Government Code, without the preparation of an impartial analysis, arguments or rebuttals concerning the election as provided for by Elections Code Sections 9160 to 9167, inclusive, and 9190 and without preparation of a tax rate statement as provided in Section 9401 of the Elections Code and without further notice of such election as required pursuant to the Elections Code or the Government Code. Having been fully advised with respect to the election, in accordance with the authority contained in Government Code Sections 53326 and 53327, the Owner waives compliance with t he foregoing provisions of the Elections Code and Government Code, with any time limits or other procedural requirements pertaining to the conduct of the election which are not being complied with and consents to having the election on any date on or after the close of the June 2, 2026 public hearing and consents to the closing of the election as soon as all ballots are received by the City Clerk or Deputy City Clerk.

6. The undersigned hereby represents that compliance with the procedural requirements for conducting the election, including the receipt of any ballot arguments and impartial analysis and the time 852

2 4904-8043-3304v3/022972-0051
limitations which apply in connection with scheduling, mailing and publishing notices for such an election, are unnecessary in light of the fact that the undersigned has received sufficient information regarding the imposition of the special tax and the issuance of bonded indebtedness as set forth in the Resolutions to allow it to properly complete the attached ballot. The Owner further waives its rig ht to make any protest or complaint or undertake any legal action challenging the validity of the election, the validity of any bonded indebtedness issued by the District as approved at the election, or the validity of the authorization of the special tax to finance facilities for the benefit of the District or to repay bonded indebtedness issued by the District in accordance with the rate and method of apportionment of special taxes provided in Resolution No. 26-4915 of the City Council of the City.

Dated: May __, 2026

CENTURY COMMUNITIES OF

CALIFORNIA, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company

By:___________________________
___________________________
___________________________

853

A-1

4904-8043-3304v3/022972-0051

EXHIBIT A
SAMPLE

OFFICIAL BALLOT
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2026-1 (GIERSON RANCH)

OF THE CITY OF MURRIETA

SPECIAL TAX AND SPECIAL BOND ELECTION
June 2, 2026
You are entitled to cast 16 votes.

To vote, stamp a cross (+) in the voting square after the word “YES” or after the word “NO”. All marks otherwise made are forbidden. All distinguishing marks are forbidden and make the ballot void.

If you wrongly mark, tear, or deface this ballot, return it to the City Clerk and obtain another.

PROPOSITION A: Shall Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) of the City of Murrieta (the
“District”) incur an indebtedness and issue bond s in one or more series in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $8,000,000, with interest at a rate or rates not to exceed the maximum interest rate permitted by law, to finance the
Facilities and the Incidental Expenses described in Resolution No. 26-4915 of the City Council of the City of Murrieta? PROPOSITION B: Shall a special tax with a rate and method of apportionment as provided in Resolution No. 26-4915 of the City Council of the City of Murrieta be levied to pay for the Facilities, Incidental Expenses and other purposes described in Resolution No. 26-4915, including the payment of the
principal of and interest on bonds issued to finance the Facilities and Incidental Expenses?

YES______
NO_______

PROPOSITION C : For each year commencing with Fiscal
Year 2025 -26, shall the appropriations limit, as defined by subdivision (h) of Section 8 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution, for the District be an amount equal to
$8,000,000?

YES______
NO_______

854
Public Hearing Report
Community Facilities District No. 2026-1
(Gierson Ranch)
June 2, 2026
855
Table of Contents

Sections P age ____________________________________________ 1 Introduction ______________________________________________________ 1 2 Description of Facilities ___________________________________________________ 2 3 Cost Estimate ______________________________________________________ 3 4 Proposed Development ___________________________________________________ 4 5 Rate and Method of Apportionment _________________________________________ 5 6 Certifications ______________________________________________________ 6

Tables Page
3-1 Cost Estimate ______________________________________________________ 3 5-1 Assigned Special Tax for Developed Property _________________________________ 5

Appendices P age ____________________________________________ A Rate and Method of Apportionment ____________________________________ B Proposed Boundary Map _________________________________________ C Resolution of Intention

856
1 Introduction Page | 1
City of Murrieta
CFD No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch)
Public Hearing Report
Background
On March 17, 2026 the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Murrieta (the “City”), adopted a Resolution of Intention to form Community Facilities District No. 20 26-1 (Gierson Ranch) of the City of Mu rrieta (“CFD No 2026-1” or “District”), Resolution No. 2026-4915, pursuant to the provisions of the “Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982”, being Chapter

2.5, Part 1, Division 2, Title 5 of the Government Code of the State of California, (“Act”).

CFD No 2026-1 is currently comprised of Tract Map No. 39271 that includes one undeveloped parcel and approximately 10 gross acres for development. The proposed development includes 107 single family homes. The properties are generally located between Washington Avenue and Adams Avenue, West of Interstate 15.

For a map showing the boundaries of CFD No 2026-1 please see Appendix B.

Purpose of Public Hearing Report
WHEREAS, this Community Facilities District Report (“Report”) is being provided to the City Council and generally contains the following:

1. A brief description of CFD No 2026-1;

2. A brief description of the Facilities required at the time of formation to meet the needs of CFD No 2026-1.

3. A brief description of the Boundaries of CFD No 2026-1; and

4. An estimate of the cost of financing the bonds used to pay for the Facilities, including all costs associated with formation of the District, issuance of bonds, determination of the amount of any special taxes, collection of any special taxes, or costs otherwise incurred in order to carry out the authorized purposes of the City with respect to the District, and any other incidental expenses to be paid through the proposed financing.

For particulars, reference is made to the Resolution of Intention as previously approved and adopted and is included in Appendix C.

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2 Description of Facilities Page | 2
City of Murrieta
CFD No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch)
Public Hearing Report
NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned, authorized representative of Spicer Consulting Group, LLC, the appointed responsible officer, or person directed to prepare this Report, does hereby submit the following data:

Description of the Facilities
A Community Facilities District may pay for facilities which may include all amounts necessary to eliminate any fixed special assessment liens or to pay, repay, or defease any obligation to pay for any indebtedness secured by any tax, fee, charge, or assessment levied, provide for the pu rchase, construction, expansion, or reha bilitation for any real or other tangible property with an estimated useful life of five (5) years or longer, which is necessary to meet increased demands placed upon local agencies as a result of development and/or rehabilitation occurring within the District.

The types of facilities that are proposed by CFD No 2026-1 and financed with the proceeds of special taxes and bonds issued by CFD No 2026-1 consist of the construction, purchase, modification, expansion, rehabilitation and/or improvement of (i) storm drainage, library, park, law enforcement, fire, str eets and bridges, traffic, administration and community center facilities, and other public facilities of the City, including the foregoing public fac ilities which are included in the City’s fee programs with respect to such facilities and authorized to be financed under the Act (the “City Facilities”), (ii) interim and permanent school facilities of Murrieta Valley Unified School District, incl uding classrooms, mult i-purpose facilities, administration and auxiliary space at sc hool facilities, athletic fields, playgr ounds and recreational facilities and improvements thereto, landscaping, access roadways, drainage, sidewalks and gutters and utility lines, furniture, equipment and technology, including technology upgrades and mobile devices and infrastructure therefore, with a useful life of at least five (5) years at such school facilities, including such school facilities Murrieta Valley Unif ied School District which are included in Murrieta Valle y Unified School District’s school fee program (the “School Facilities”) and (iii) water and sewer facilities to be owned and operated by Western Municipal Water District including the acquisition of capacity in the sewer system and/or water system of Western Municipal Water District (the “Water Facilities” and together, with the City Facilities and the School Facilities, the “Facilities”), and all appurtenances and appurtenant work in connection with the foregoing Facilities, including the cost of engineering, planning, designing, materials testing, coordination, construction staking, construction management and supervision for such Facilities.

Incidental Expenses
The Incidental Expenses to be paid from bond proceeds and/or special taxes include:
a) The cost of engineering, planning and designing the Facilities; and b) All costs, including costs of the property owner petitioning to form the District, associated with the creation of the District, the issuance of the bonds, the determination of the amount of special taxes to be levied and costs otherwise incurred in order to carry out the authorized purposes of the District; and c) Any other expenses incidental to the construction, acquisition, modification, rehabilitation, completion and inspection of the Facilities.

Capitalized terms used and not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Rate and Method of Apportionment of Special Taxes for the District.

All costs associated with the creation of CFD No 2026-1, the issuance of bonds, the determination of the amount of special taxes to be levied, costs incurred in order to carry out the authorized purposes of CFD No 2026-1, including legal fees, fees of consultants, engineering, planning, designing and the annual costs to administer CFD No 2026-1 and any obligations.

The description of the eligible public facilities, services and incidental expenses above are preliminary and general in nature.

The final plans and specifications approved by the applicable public agency may show substitutes or modifications in order to accomplish the work or serve the new development and any such substitution or modification shall not constitute a change or modification in the proceedings relating to CFD No 2026-1.

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3 Cost Estimate Page | 3
City of Murrieta
CFD No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch)
Public Hearing Report
Below is the estimated cost of facilities to be provided to the District. a) The cost estimate of facilities, including incidental ex penses, to be financed through the issuance of CFD No 2026- 1 Bonds is estimated to be $7,035,000 based upon current dollars (Fiscal Year 2025-26). b) For further particulars please reference Table 3-1 below and incorporated herein by reference. c) Pursuant to Section 53340 of the Act, the proceeds of any special tax levied and collected by CFD No 2026-1 may be used only to pay for the cost of providing public facilities, services, and incidental expenses. As defined by the Act, incidental expenses include, but are not limited to, the annual costs associated with determination of the amount of special taxes, collection of special taxes, payment of special taxes, or costs otherwise incurred in order to carry out the authorized purposes of the District. The incidental expenses associated with the annual administration of CFD No 2026-1 are estimated to be $30,000 in the initial Fiscal Year. However, it is anticipated that the incidental expenses will vary due to inflation and other factors that may not be fores een today, and the actual incidental expenses may exceed these amounts accordingly.

Table 3-1
Cost Estimate
City Fees Total Bond Allocation(1)
Law Enforcement $63,879 $63,879
Fire Facilities $67,838 $67,838
Streets & Bridges $586,467 $586,467
Traffic Signals $112,457 $112,457
Storm Drainage $35,738 $35,738
General Facilities $25,787 $25,787
Park Land Facilities $466,841 $466,841
Community Center $81,748 $81,748
Public Library $41,516 $41,516
Total City Fees $1,482,271 $1,482,271

City Facilities Total Bond Allocation(1)
Offsite Street Improvements – Washington Ave $927,897 $927,897 Offsite Steet Improvements – Vertical Curve $413,800 $413,800 Total City Facilities $1,341,697 $1,341,697

Western Municipal Water District Total Bond Allocation(1) Water Capacity Charge $646,419 $646,419
Water Meter, Residential $8,528 $8,528
Water Capacity, Irrigation $82,034 $82,034
Water Meter, Irrigation $1,011 $1,011
Sewer Capacity Fees $864,603 $864,603
Total Western Municipal Water District Fees $1,602,595 $1,602,595

Murrieta Valley Unified School District Fees Total Bond Allocation(1) Level I School Developer Fee $1,179,495 $901,650
Developer Fee Premium $294,874 $225,412
Total Murrieta Valley Unified School District Fees $1,474,369 $1,127,062

Total Eligible Fees/Improvements $5,900,932 $5,553,625
Incidental Financing Costs $1,481,375
Total Funded by Bond Proceeds $7,035,000
(1) Amounts are allocated based upon estimated bond sizing and may change based upon market conditions at the time of bond issuance. Allocation of bond proceeds between facility types to be determined at the time of bond issuance.

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4 Proposed Development Page | 4
City of Murrieta
CFD No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch)
Public Hearing Report
The CFD No. 2026-1 includes the proposed development consisting of a portion of Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 909- 190-001, as shown on Parcel Map No. 38310 recorded in the City of Murrieta, specifically identified as Parcel 2 of said Parcel Map and comprising approximately 15.98 acres.

A map showing the boundaries of CFD No 2026-1 is included in Appendix B.

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5 Rate and Method of Apportionment Page | 5
City of Murrieta
CFD No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch)
Public Hearing Report
The Rate and Method of Apportionment allows each property owner within CFD No 2026-1 to estimate the annual Special Tax amount that would be required for payment. The Rate and Method of Apportionment of the Special Tax established pursuant to these proceedings, is attached hereto as Appendix A (the “Rate and Method”). The Special Tax will be collected in the same manner and at the same time as ordinary ad valorem property taxes and shall be subject to the same penalties, the same procedure, sale and lien priority in the case of delinquency; provided, however, that the CFD Administrator may directly bill the Special Taxes, may collect Special Taxes at a different time or in a different manner if necessary to meet the financial obligations of CFD No 2026-1, and provided further that CFD No 2026-1 may covenant to foreclose and may actually foreclose on parcels having delinquent Special Taxes as permitted by the Act.

All of the property located within CFD No 2026-1, unless exempted by law or by the Rate and Method proposed for CFD No 2026-1, shall be taxed for the purpose of providing necessary facilities to serve the District. The Boundary Map for CFD No 2026-1 is attached hereto as Appendix B. Pursuant to Section 53325.3 of the Act, the tax imposed “is a Special Tax and not a special assessment, and there is no requirement that the tax be apportioned on the basis of benefit to any property.” The Special Tax may be based on the benef it received by property, the cost of making facilities or authorized services available or other reasonable basis as determined by the City, although the Special Tax may not be apportioned on an ad valorem basis pursuant to Article XIIIA of the California Consti tution. A property owner within the District may choose to prepay in whole or in part the Special Tax. The available method for so doing is described in Section G of the Rate and Method (“Prepayment of Special Tax”).

For each year that any Bonds are outstanding the Special Tax shall be levied on all parcels subject to the Special Tax. If any delinquent Special Taxes remain uncollected prior to or after all Bonds are retired, the Special Tax may be levied to the extent necessary to reimburse CFD No 2026-1 for uncollected Special Taxes associated with the levy of such Special Taxes, but the Special Tax shall not be levied after 2067-68 Fiscal Year.

Table 5-1
Assigned Special Tax for Developed Property
Fiscal Year 2025-26
Land Use Category
Taxable
Unit Building Square Footage
Assigned Special
Tax Per Taxable
Unit

1. Single Family Residential Property RU Less than 1,950 sq. f t $3,956.00

2. Single Family Residential Property RU 1,950 sq. ft to 2,150 sq. f t $4,067.00

3. Single Family Residential Property RU Greater than 2,150 sq. f t $4,179.00

4. Multifamily Property Acre N/A $51,476.00

5. Non-Residential Property Acre N/A $51,476.00

Escalation of Special Taxes
On each July 1, commencing on July 1, 2026 the Assigned Special Tax shall increase by two percent (2.0%), of the amount in effect in the prior Fiscal Year.

For particulars as to the Rate and Method for CFD No 2026-1, see the attached and incorporated in Appendix A. 861
6 Certifications Page | 6
City of Murrieta
CFD No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch)
Public Hearing Report
Based on the information provided herein, it is my opinion that the described services herein are those that are necessary to meet increased demands placed upon the City of Murrieta as a result of development occurring within the CFD No 2026- 1 and benefits the lands within said CFD No 2026-1. Further, it is my opinion that the special tax rates and method of apportionment, as set forth herein, are fair and equitable, uniformly applied and not discriminating or arbitrary.

Date: June 2, 2026 SPICER CONSULTING GROUP, LLC

__________________________

SHANE SPICER

SPECIAL TAX CONSULTANT FOR

CITY OF MURRIETA

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

862
Appendix A:

Rate and Method of Apportionment
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City of Murrieta
Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) Page 1

RATE AND METHOD OF APPORTIONMENT OF SPECIAL TAXES FOR
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2026-1 (GIERSON RANCH)

OF THE CITY OF MURRIETA

A Special Tax (all capitalized terms are defined in Sect ion A, “Definitions”, below) shall be applicable to each Assessor’s Parcel of Taxable Property located within the boundaries Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) of the City of Murrieta ("CFD No. 2026-1"). The amount of Special Tax to be levied in each Fiscal Year on an Assessor’s Parcel shall be determined by the City Council of the City of Murrieta, acting in its capacity as the legislative body of CFD No. 2026-1, by applying the appropriate Special Tax for Developed Property, Approved Property, Unde veloped Property, and Provisional Undeveloped Property that is not Exempt Property as set forth below. All of the real property, unless exempted by law or by the provisions hereof in Section F, shall be taxed for the purposes, to the extent and in the manner herein provided.

A. DEFINITIONS

The terms hereinafter set forth have the following meanings:

“Accessory Dwelling Unit” means a residential unit of limited size including a smaller second unit that shares an Assessor’s Parcel with Single Family Residential Property that has a stand-alone Residential Unit.

"Acre” or “Acreage" means the land area of an Assessor's Parcel as shown on an Assessor's Parcel Map, or if the land area is not shown on an Assessor’s Parcel Map, the land area shown on the applicable final map, parcel map, condominium plan, or other record ed County parcel map or instrument. The square footage of an Assessor’s Parcel is equal to the Acreage multiplied by 43,560.

"Act" means the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982, as amended, being Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 53311) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code of the State of California.

"Administrative Expenses" means the following actual or reasonably estimated costs directly related to the administration of CFD No. 2026-1: the costs of computing the Special Taxes and preparing the Special Tax collection schedules (whether by the City or designee thereof or both); the costs of collecting the Special Taxes (whether by the City or otherwise); the costs of remitting Special Taxes to the Trustee; the costs of the Trustee (including legal counsel) in the discharge of the duties required of it under the Indenture; the costs to the City, CFD No. 2026-1 or any designee thereof of complying with arbitrage rebate requirements; the costs to the City, CFD No . 2026-1 or any designee thereof of complying with disclosure requirements of the City, CFD No. 2026-1 and any major property owner associated with applicable federal and state securiti es laws and the Act; the costs asso ciated with preparing Special Tax disclosure statements and responding to public inquiries regarding the Special Taxes; the costs of the City, CFD No. 2026-1 or any designee thereof related to an appeal of the Special Tax; the costs associated with the release of funds from an escrow account; and the City’s annual administration fees and third party expenses. Administration Expenses shall also incl ude amounts estimated by the CFD Administrator or advanced by the City or CFD No. 2026-1 for any other administrative purposes of CFD No. 2026-1, including attorney’s fees and other costs related to commenci ng and pursuing to completion any foreclosure of delinquent Special Taxes.

"Approved Property" means all Assessor’s Parcels of Taxable Property: (i) that are included in a Final Map that was recorded prior to the January 1
st preceding the Fiscal Year in which the Special Tax is being levied, 864

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Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) Page 2

(ii) that have an assigned Assessor’s Parcel Number from the County shown on an Assessor’s Parcel Map for the individual lot included on the Final Map, and (iii) that have not been issued a building permit on or before May 1st preceding the Fiscal Year in which the Special Tax is being levied.

"Assessor’s Parcel" means a lot or parcel of land designated on an Assessor’s Parcel Map with an assigned Assessor’s Parcel Number.

"Assessor’s Parcel Map" means an official map of the Assesso r of the County designating parcels by Assessor’s Parcel Number.

"Assessor’s Parcel Number" means that number assigned to an Assessor’s Parcel by the County for purposes of identification.

"Assigned Special Tax" means the Special Tax of that name described in Section D below.

"Backup Special Tax" means the Special Tax of that name described in Section D below.

"Bonds" means any obligation to repay a sum of money, including obligations in the form of bonds, notes, certificates of participation, long-term leases, loans from government agencies, or loans from banks, other financial institutions, private businesses, or individuals, or long-term contracts, or any refunding thereof, to which Special Tax of CFD No. 2026-1 have been pledged.

"Boundary Map" means a recorded map of the CFD which indicates the boundaries of the CFD.

"Building Permit" means the first legal document issued by a local agency giving official permission for new construction. For purposes of this definition, “Building Permit” may or may not include any subsequent building permit document(s) authorizing ne w construction on an Assessor’s Parcel that are issued or changed by the City after the first original issuance, as determined by the CFD Administrator as necessary to fairly allocate Special Tax to the Assessor’s Parcel, provided that following such determination the Maximum Special Tax that may be levied in each Fiscal Year on all Assessor’s Parcels of Taxable Property will be at least 1.1 times annual debt service on all outstanding CFD No. 2026-1 Bonds plus the estimated annual Administrative Expenses for such Fiscal Year.

"Building Square Footage" or "BSF" means the square footage of a ssessable internal living space, including the square footage of any Accessory Dwelling Unit, exclusive of garages or other structures not used as living space, as determined by reference to the Building Permit for such Assessor’s Parcel.

"Calendar Year" means the period commencing January 1 of any year and ending the following December

31. “CFD” or "CFD No. 2026-1" means Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) of the City of Murrieta established by the City under the Act.

“CFD Administrator" means an official of the City, or designee thereof, responsible for determining the Special Tax Requirement, and providing for the levy and collection of the Special Taxes.

“City” means the City of Murrieta.

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Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) Page 3

"City Council" means the City Council of the City of Murrieta, acting as the Legislative Body of CFD No. 2026-1.

“Condominium Plan" means a condominium plan as set forth in California Civil Code, Section 4285.

"County" means the County of Riverside.

"Developed Property" means all Assessor’s Parcels: (i) that are included in a Final Map that was recorded prior to the January 1st preceding the Fiscal Year in which the Spec ial Tax is being levied, (ii) that have an Assessor’s Parcel Number from the County shown on an Assessor’s Parcel Map for the individual lot included on the Final Map, and (iii) for which a Buil ding Permit for new construction was issued on or before May 1st preceding the Fiscal Year in which the Special Tax is being levied.

"Exempt Property" means all Assessor’s Parcels designated as being exempt from Special Taxes as provided for in Section F.

"Final Map" means a subdivision of property by recordatio n of a final map, parcel map, or lot line adjustment, pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act (Ca lifornia Government Code Section 66410 et seq.) or recordation of a Condominium Plan pursuant to California Civil Code Section 4285 that creates individual lots for which Building Permits may be issued without further subdivision.

"Fiscal Year" means the period commencing on July 1
st of any year and ending the following June 30th.

“Indenture” means the indenture, fiscal agent agreement, resolution or other instrument pursuant to which CFD No. 2026-1 Bonds are issued, as modified, amended and/or supplemented from time to time, and any instrument replacing or supplementing the same.

“Land Use Category” means any of the categories listed in Table 1 of Section D.

"Maximum Special Tax" means for each Assessor’s Parcel, the maximum Special Tax, determined in accordance with Section D below, that can be levied by CFD No. 2026-1 in any Fiscal Year on such Assessor’s Parcel.

“Multifamily Property” means all Assessor’s Parcels of Develope d Property for which a Building Permit has been issued for the purpose of constructing a building or buildings comprised of attached Residential Units available for rental by the general public, not for sale to an end user, and under common management, as determined by the CFD Administrator.

"Non-Residential Property" or “NR” means all Assessor's Parcels for which a building permit(s) was issued or will be issued for a non-residential use. The CF D Administrator shall make the determination if an Assessor’s Parcel is Non-Residential Property.

"Partial Prepayment Amount" means the amount required to prepay a portion of the Special Tax obligation for an Assessor’s Parcel, as described in Section G.2.

"Prepayment Amount" means the amount required to prepay the Special Tax obligation in full for an Assessor’s Parcel, as described in Section G.1.

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Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) Page 4

“Proportionately” means for Taxable Property that is (i) Develo ped Property, that the ratio of the actual Special Tax levy to the Assigned Special Tax is the sa me for all Assessor’s Parcels of Developed Property, (ii) Approved Property, that the ratio of the actual Special Tax levy to the Maximum Special Tax is the same for all Assessor’s Parcels of Approved Property, and (iii) Undeveloped Property, or Provisional Undeveloped Property, that the ratio of the actual Special Tax levy per Acre to the Maximum Special Tax per Acre is the same for all Assessor’s Parcels of Undeveloped Property, or Provisional Undeveloped Property, as applicable.

"Provisional Undeveloped Property" means all Assessor’s Parcels of Taxable Property that would otherwise be classified as Exempt Property pursuan t to the provisions of Section F, but cannot be classified as Exempt Property because to do so wo uld be reduce the Acreage of all Taxable Property below the required minimum Acreage set forth in Section F.

"Rate and Method of Apportionment " means this Rate and Method of Apportionment of Special Tax for CFD No. 2026-1.

"Residential Property" means all Assessor’s Parcels of Develope d Property for which a building permit has been issued for purposes of constructing one or more Residential Units.

“Residential Unit” or "RU" means a residential unit that is used or intended to be used as a domicile by one or more persons, as determined by the CFD Administrator. An Accessory Dwelling Unit that shares an Assessor’s Parcel with a Single Family Residential Property shall not be considered a Residential Unit for purposes of this Rate and Method of Apportionment.

“Single Family Residential Property” means all Assessor’s Parcels of Residential Property other than Multifamily Property.

"Special Tax" or “Special Taxes” means any of the special taxes authorized to be levied within CFD No. 2026-1 pursuant to the Act to fund the Special Tax Requirement.

"Special Tax Requirement " means the amount required in any Fiscal Year to pay: (i) the debt service or the periodic costs on all outstanding Bonds due in the Calendar Year that commences in such Fiscal Year, (ii) Administrative Expenses, (iii) the costs associated with the release of funds from an escrow account, (iv) any amount required to replenish any reserve funds established in association with the Bonds, (v) an amount equal to any anticipated shortfall due to Special Tax delinquencies, (vi) for debt service on Bonds anticipated to be issued, and (vii) for the collectio n or accumulation of fund s for the acquisition or construction of facilities authorized by CFD No. 2026-1, provided that the inclusion of such amount does not cause an increase in the levy of Special Tax on Approved Property or Un developed Property as set forth in Steps Two or Three of Section E., less (vii) any amounts available to pay debt service or other periodic costs on the Bonds pursuant to the Indenture.

"Taxable Property" means all Assessor’s Parcels within CFD No. 2026-1 which are not Exempt Property.

“Taxable Unit” means either a Residential Unit or an Acre.

“Trustee” means the trustee, fiscal agent, or paying agent under the Indenture.

"Undeveloped Property" means all Assessor’s Parcels of Taxable Property which are not Developed Property, Approved Property, or Provisional Undeveloped Property. 867

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Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) Page 5

B. SPECIAL TAX

Commencing Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and for each subsequent Fiscal Year, the City Council shall levy Special Taxes on all Taxable Property, up to the applicable Maximum Special Tax, to fund the Special Tax Requirement.

C. ASSIGNMENT TO LAND USE CATEGORY FOR SPECIAL TAX

Each Fiscal Year, beginning with Fiscal Year 2025-2026, each Assessor’s Parcel within CFD No. 2026-1 shall be classified as Taxable Property or Exempt Proper ty. In addition, each Assessor’s Parcel of Taxable Property shall be further classified as Developed Property, Approved Property, Undeveloped Property or Provisional Undeveloped Property.

Assessor’s Parcels of Developed Property shall furthe r be classified as Residential Property or Non- Residential Property. Each Assessor’s Parcel of Reside ntial Property shall further be classified as Single Family Residential Property or Multifamily Property. Each Assessor’s Parcel of Single Family Residential Property shall be further categorized into Land Use Categories based on its Building Square Footage and assigned to its appropriate Assigned Special Tax rate.

In the event that an Assessor’s Parcel for which one or more Building Permits have been issued and the County has not yet assigned final Assessor’s Parcel Nu mber(s) to the Residentia l Unit(s) (in accordance with the Final Map or Condominium Plan) on such A ssessor’s Parcel, the amount of the Special Tax levy on such Assessor’s Parcel for each Fiscal Year sha ll be determined as follows: (1) the CFD Administrator shall first determine an amount of the Maximum Special Tax levy for such Assessor’s Parcel, based on the classification of such Assessor’s Parcel as Undevelo ped Property; (2) the amount of the Special Tax levy for the Residential Units on such Assessor’s Parcel fo r which Building Permits have been issued shall be determined based on the Assigned Special Tax rates for Developed Property and shall be taxed as Developed Property in accordance with Step 1 of Se ction E below; and (3) the amount of the Special Tax levy on the Acreage of Taxable Property in such Asse ssor’s Parcel not subject to the Special Tax levy in clause (2) shall be equal to: (A) the percentage of the Maximum Special Tax rate levied on all other Undeveloped Property pursuant to Step 3 of Sectio n E below, multiplied by the total of the amount determined in clause (1), less (B) the amount determined in clause (2).

D. MAXIMUM SPECIAL TAX

1. Developed Property

The Maximum Special Tax for each Assessor’s Parcel of Single Family Residential Property in any Fiscal Year shall be the greater of (i) the Assigned Special Tax or (ii) the Backup Special Tax.

The Maximum Special Tax for each Assessor’s Parcel of Non-Residential or Multifamily Residential Property shall be the applicable Assigned Special Tax described in Table 1 of Section D.

a. Assigned Special Tax

Each Fiscal Year, each Assessor’s Parcel of Single Family Residential Property, Multifamily Property or Non-Residential shall be subject to an Assigned Special Tax. The Assigned Special Tax applicable to an Assessor's Parcel of Developed Property shall be determined pursuant to Table 1 below. 868

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Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) Page 6

TABLE 1

ASSIGNED SPECIAL TAX FOR DEVELOPED PROPERTY
(FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026)

Land Use Category
Taxable
Unit Building Square Footage
Assigned
Special Tax Per
Taxable Unit

1. Single Family Residential Property RU Less than 1,950 sq. ft $3,956.00

2. Single Family Residential Property RU 1,950 sq. ft to 2,150 sq. ft $4,067.00

3. Single Family Residential Property RU Greater than 2,150 sq. ft $4,179.00

4. Multifamily Property Acre N/A $51,476.00

5. Non-Residential Property Acre N/A $51,476.00
On each July 1, commencing July 1, 2026, the Assigned Special Tax rate for Developed Property in shall be increased by two percent (2.00%) of the amount in effect in the prior Fiscal Year.

b. Multiple Land Use Categories

In some instances an Assessor’s Parcel of Developed Property may contain more than one Land Use Category. The Maximum Special Tax levied on an As sessor’s Parcel shall be the sum of the Maximum Special Tax for all Land Use Categories located on the Assessor’s Parcel. The CFD Administrator’s allocation to each type of property shall be final.

c. Backup Special Tax
When a Final Map is recorded, the Administrator shall determine which Tax Zone the Final Map area lies within and the Backup Special Tax for an Assessor’s Parcel within the Final Map classified or to be classified as Single Family Property shall calculated according to the following formula.

B = (U x A) / L

The terms above have the following meanings:

B = Backup Special Tax per per Assessor’s Parcel within the Final Map

U = Maximum Special Tax per Acre of Undeveloped Property per Section D.3 below

A = Acreage of Single Family Residential Property ex pected to exist in such Final Map at the time of calculation, as determined by the Administrator

L = Number of Residential Units expected to exist in such Final Map at the time of calculation, as determined by the Administrator.

In the event any portion of the Final Map is cha nged or modified, the Backup Special Tax for all Assessor’s Parcels within such changed or modified area shall be determined by Table 3 below:

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Backup Special Tax for an Assessor’s Parcel of Developed Property for which a certificate of occupancy has been granted may not be revised.

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In the event any superseding Final Map is recorded as a Final Map within the boundaries of the CFD, the Backup Special Tax for all Assessor’s Parcels within such Final Map shall be $51,476 per Acre. The Backup Special Tax shall not apply to Multifamily Residential Property or Non-Residential Property.

On each July 1, commencing July 1, 2026, the Backup Special Tax rate shall be increased by two percent (2.00%) of the amount in effect in the prior Fiscal Year.

2. Approved Property

The Maximum Special Tax for each Assessor’s Parcel of Approved Property expected to be classified as Single Family Residential Property shall be the Backup Special Tax computed pursuant to Section D.1.c above.

The Maximum Special Tax for each Assessor’s Parcel of Approved Property not expected to be classified as Single Family Residential Property shall be $51,476 per Acre.

On each July 1, commencing July 1, 2026, the Maxi mum Special Tax rate for Approved Property shall be increased by two percent (2.00%) of the amount in effect in the prior Fiscal Year.

3. Undeveloped Property and Provisional Undevelo ped Property that is not Exempt Property pursuant to the provisions of Section F

The Maximum Special Tax for each Assessor’s Parc el of Undeveloped Property and Provisional Undeveloped Property that is not Exempt Property shall be equal to the product of $51,476 per Acre multiplied by the Acreage of such Assessor’s Parcel.

On each July 1, commencing July 1, 2026, the Maximum Special Tax rate for Undeveloped Property and Provisional Undeveloped Property shall be increased by two percent (2.00%) of the amount in effect in the prior Fiscal Year.

E. METHOD OF APPORTIONMENT OF THE SPECIAL TAX

Commencing Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and for each subsequent Fiscal Year, the City Council shall levy Special Taxes on all Taxable Property in accordance with the following steps:

Step One: The Special Tax shall be levied Propor tionately on each Assessor’s Parcel of Developed Property at up to 100% of the applicable A ssigned Special Tax rate to satisfy the Special Tax Requirement.

Step Two: If additional moneys ar e needed to satisfy the Special Tax Requirement after the first step has been completed, the Special Tax shall be levied Proportionately on each Assessor’s Parcel of Approved Property at up to 100% of the Maximum Special Tax applicable to each such Assessor’s Parcel as needed to satisfy the Special Tax Requirement.

Step Three: If additional moneys are needed to sa tisfy the Special Tax Requirement after the first two steps have been completed, the Special Tax shall be levied Proportionately on each Assessor’s Parcel of Undeveloped Property up to 100% of the Maximum Special Tax applicable to each such Assessor’s Parcel as needed to satisfy the Special Tax Requirement.
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Step Four: If additional moneys are needed to satisfy the Special Tax Requirement after the first three steps have been completed, then the Special Tax levy on each Assessor's Parcel of Developed Property for which the Maximum Sp ecial Tax is the Backup Special Tax shall be increased Proportionately from the Assi gned Special Tax up to 100% of the Backup Special Tax as needed to satisfy the Special Tax Requirement.

Step Five: If additional moneys ar e needed to satisfy the Special Tax Requirement after the first four steps have been completed, the Special Tax shall be levied Proportionately on each Assessor’s Parcel of Provisional Undevelo ped Property up to 100% of the Maximum Special Tax applicable to each such Assessor’s Parcel as needed to satisfy the Special Tax Requirement.

Notwithstanding the above, under no circumstances will the Special Taxes levied in any Fiscal Year against any Assessor’s Parcel of Residential Property as a re sult of a delinquency in the payment of the Special Tax applicable to any other Assessor’s Parcel be in creased by more than ten percent (10%) above the amount that would have been levied in that Fiscal Year had there never been any such delinquency or default.

F. EXEMPTIONS

The City shall classify as Exempt Property, in the following order of priority, (i) Assessor’s Parcels which are owned by, irrevocably offered for dedication, encumbered by or restricted in use by the State of California, Federal or other local governments, including school districts, (ii) Assessor’s Parcels which are used as places of worship and are exempt from ad valorem property taxes because they are owned by a religious organization, (iii) Assessor’s Parcels whic h are owned by, irrevocably offered for dedication, encumbered by or restricted in use by a homeowners' association, (iv) Assessor’s Parcels with public or utility easements making impractical their utilization for other than the purposes set forth in the easement, (v) Assessor’s Parcels which are privately owned and are encumbered by or restricted solely for public uses, (vi) Assessor’s Parcels which are classified as Non-Residential Property or (vii) Assessor’s Parcels restricted to other types of public uses determined by the City Council, provided that no such classification would reduce the sum of all Taxable Property to less than 8.48 Acres.

Notwithstanding the above, the City Council shall not cl assify an Assessor’s Parcel as Exempt Property if such classification would reduce the sum of all Taxable Property to less than 8.48 Acres. Assessor's Parcels which cannot be classified as Exempt Property because such classification would reduce the Acreage of all Taxable Property to less than 8.48 Acres will be classified as Provisional Undeveloped Property, and will be subject to Special Tax pursuant to Step Five in Section E.

G. PREPAYMENT OF SPECIAL TAX

The following additional definitions apply to this Section G:

“CFD Public Facilities” means $6,000,000 expressed in 2026 dollars, which shall increase by the Construction Inflation Inde x on July 1, 2026, and on each July 1 thereafter, or such lower amount (i) determined by the City Council as sufficient to prov ide the public facilities under the authorized bonding program for CFD No. 2026-1, or (ii) determined by the City Council concurrently with a covenant that it will not issue any more CFD No. 2026-1 Bonds to be suppo rted by Special Tax levied under this Rate and Method of Apportionment.

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“Construction Fund” means an account specifically identified in the Indenture or functionally equivalent to hold funds, which are currently available for expenditure to acquire or construct public facilities eligible to be financed by CFD No. 2026-1.

“Construction Inflation Index” means the annual percentage change in the Engineering News-Record Building Cost Index for the City of Los Angeles, me asured as of the Calendar Year which ends in the previous Fiscal Year. In the event this index ceases to be published, the Construction Inflation Index shall be another index as determined by the City that is reasonably comparable to the Engineering News- Record Building Cost Index for the City of Los Angeles.

“Future Facilities Costs” means the CFD Public Facilities minus (i) public facility costs previously funded from the Construction Fund, (ii) public facility costs available to be funded through existing construction or escrow accounts funded by the Outstanding Bonds, and minus (iii) public facility costs funded by interest earnings on the Construction Fund actually earned prior to the date of prepayment.

“Outstanding Bonds” means all previously issued CFD No. 2026- 1 Bonds issued and secured by the levy of Special Tax which will remain outstanding after the first interest and/or principal payment date following the current Fiscal Year, excluding CFD No. 2026-1 Bonds to be redeemed at a later date with the proceeds of prior prepayments of Special Tax.

1. Prepayment in Full

The Maximum Special Tax obligation may be prepaid and permanently satisfied for (i) Assessor’s Parcels of Developed Property, (ii) Assessor’s Parcels of Approved Property or Undeveloped Property for which a Building Permit has been issued, (iii) Approved Prop erty or Undeveloped Property for which a Building Permit has not been issued and (iv) Assessor’s Parcels of Public Property or Property Owner’s Association Property, or Provisional Undeveloped Property that are not Exempt Property pursuant to Section F. The Maximum Special Tax obligation applicable to an Assessor’s Parcel may be fully prepaid and the obligation to pay the Special Tax for such Assessor’s Parcel permanently satisfied as described herein; provided that a prepayment may be made only if there are no delinquent Special Taxes with respect to such Assessor’s Parcel at the time of prepayment. An owner of an Assessor’s Parcel intending to prepay the Maximum Special Tax obligation for such Asse ssor’s Parcel shall provide the CFD Administrator with written notice of intent to prepay, and within 5 business days of receipt of such notice, the CFD Administrator shall notify such owner of the amount of the non-refundable deposit determined to cover the cost to be incurred by the CFD in calculating the Prepayment Amount (as de fined below) for the Assessor’s Parcel. Within 15 days of receipt of such non-refundable deposit, the CFD Administrator shall notify such owner of the Prepayment Amount for the Assessor’s Parcel. Prepayment must be made not less than 60 days prior to the redemption date for any Outstanding Bonds to be redeemed with the proceeds of such prepaid Special Taxes.

The Prepayment Amount (defined below) shall be ca lculated as follows (capitalized terms are defined below):

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Bond Redemption Amount
plus Redemption Premium
plus Future Facilities Amount
plus Defeasance Amount
plus Administrative Fees and Expenses
less Reserve Fund Credit
Equals: Prepayment Amount

The Prepayment Amount shall be determined as of the proposed prepayment date as follows:

1. Confirm that no Special Tax delinquencies apply to such Assessor’s Parcel.

2. For an Assessor’s Parcel of Developed Prop erty, compute the Maximum Special Tax for the Assessor’s Parcel. For an Assessor’s Parcel of Approved Property or Undeveloped Property for which a Building Permit has been issued, compute the Ma ximum Special Tax for the Assessor’s Parcel as though it was already designated as Developed Property, based upon the Building Permit which has been issued for the Assessor’s Parcel. For an Assessor’s Parcel of Approved Property or Undeveloped Property for which a Building Permit has not been i ssued or Provisional Undeveloped Property to be prepaid compute the Maximum Special Tax for the Assessor’s Parcel.

3. Divide the Maximum Special Tax derived pursuant to paragraph 2 by the total amount of Special Taxes that could be levied at the Maximum Special Tax at build out of all Assessor’s Parcels of Taxable Property based on the applicable Maximum Special Tax for Assessor’s Parcels of Developed Property not including any Assessor’s Parcels for which the Special Tax obligation has been previously prepaid.

4. Multiply the quotient derived pursuant to paragraph 3 by the principal amount of the Outstanding Bonds to determine the amount of Outstanding Bonds to be redeemed with the Prepayment Amount (the “Bond Redemption Amount”).

5. Multiply the Bond Redemption Amount by the applicable redemption premium, if any, on the Outstanding Bonds to be redeemed (the “Redemption Premium”).

6. Determine the Future Facilities Costs.

7. Multiply the quotient derived pursuant to paragraph 3 by the amount determined pursuant to paragraph 6 to determine the amount of Future Facilities Costs for the Assessor’s Parcel (the “Future Facilities Amount”).

8. Determine the amount needed to pay interest on the Bond Redemption Amount from the first bond interest and/or principal payment date following the current Fiscal Year until the earliest redemption date for the Outstanding Bonds on which Outstanding Bonds can be redeemed from Special Tax prepayments.

9. Determine the Special Taxes levied on the Asse ssor’s Parcel in the curre nt Fiscal Year which have not yet been paid.

10. Determine the amount the CFD Administrator reasonably expects to derive from the investment of the Bond Redemption Amount and the Redemption Premium from the date of prepayment until 873

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the redemption date for the Outstanding Bonds to be redeemed with the Prepayment Amount.

11. Add the amounts derived pursuant to paragra phs 8 and 9 and subtract the amount derived pursuant to paragraph 10 (the “Defeasance Amount”).

12. Verify the administrative fees and expenses of the CFD, including the cost of computation of the Prepayment Amount, the cost to invest the Pr epayment Amount, the cost of redeeming the Outstanding Bonds, and the cost of recording noti ces to evidence the prepayment of the Maximum Special Tax obligation for the Assessor’s Parcel and the redemption of Outstanding Bonds (the “Administrative Fees and Expenses”).

13. The reserve fund credit (the “Reserve Fund Cr edit”) shall equal the lesser of: (a) the expected reduction in the reserve requirement (as defined in the Indenture), if any, associated with the redemption of Outstanding Bonds as a result of the prepayment, or (b) the amount derived by subtracting the new reserve requirement (as defined in the Indenture) in effect after the redemption of Outstanding Bonds as a result of the prepayme nt from the balance in the reserve fund on the prepayment date, but in no event shall such amount be less than zero.

14. The Prepayment Amount is equal to the sum of the Bond Redemption Amount, the Redemption Premium, the Future Facilities Amount, the Defeas ance Amount and the Administrative Fees and Expenses, less the Reserve Fund Credit.

15. From the Prepayment Amount, the Bond Rede mption Amount, the Redemption Premium, and Defeasance Amount shall be deposited into the appropriate fund as established under the Indenture and be used to redeem Outstanding Bonds or make debt service payments. The Future Facilities Amount shall be deposited into the Construction Fu nd. The Administrative Fees and Expenses shall be retained by CFD No. 2026-1.

The Prepayment Amount may be su fficient to redeem other than a $5,000 increment of Outstanding Bonds. In such event, the incremen t above $5,000 or an integral multiple thereof will be retained in the appropriate fund established under the Indenture to be used with the next redemption from other Special Tax prepayments of Outstanding Bonds or to make debt service payments.

As a result of the payment of the current Fiscal Year’s Special Tax levy as determined pursuant to paragraph 9 above, the CFD Administrator shall remove the current Fiscal Year’s Special Tax levy for the Assessor’s Parcel from the County tax roll. With respect to any Assessor’s Parcel for which the Maximum Special Tax obligation is prepaid, the City Council shall cause a suitable notice to be recorded in compliance with the Act, to indicate the prepayment of Maximum Special Tax obligation and the release of the Special Tax lien for the Assessor’s Parcel, and the obligation to pay the Special Tax for such Assessor’s Parcel shall cease.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Special Tax pr epayment shall be allowed unless the amount of Maximum Special Tax that may be levied each Fiscal Year on all Assessor’s Parcels of Taxable Property after the proposed prepayment will be at least 1.1 ti mes annual debt service for such Fiscal Year on the Outstanding Bonds that will remain outstanding after the prepayment plus the estimated annual Administrative Expenses.

Tenders of Outstanding Bonds in prepayment of th e Maximum Special Tax obligation may be accepted 874

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upon the terms and conditions established by the City Council pursuant to the Act. However, the use of Bond tenders shall only be allowed on a case-by-case basis as specifically approved by the City Council.

2. Prepayment in Part

The Maximum Special Tax obligation for an Assessor’s Parcel of Developed Property, Approved Property or Undeveloped Property may be partially prepaid. For purposes of determining the partial prepayment amount, the provisions of Section G.1 shall be modified as provided by the following formula:

PP = ((P
E – A) x F) + A
These terms have the following meaning:

PP = Partial Prepayment Amount
PE = the Prepayment Amount calculated according to Section G.1 F = the percent by which the owner of the Assessor’s Parcel(s) is partially prepaying the Maximum Special Tax obligation
A = the Administrative Fees and Expenses determined pursuant to Section G.1 The owner of an Assessor’s Parcel who desires to partially prepay the Maximum Special Tax obligation for the Assessor’s Parcel shall notify the CFD Administrator of (i) such owne r’s intent to partially prepay the Maximum Special Tax obligation, (ii) the percentage of the Maximum Special Tax obligation such owner wishes to prepay, and (iii) the company or agency that will be acting as the escrow agent, if any. Within 5 days of receipt of such notice, the CFD Administrator shall notify such property owner of the amount of the non-refundable deposit determined to cover the co st to be incurred by the CFD in calculating the amount of a partial prepayment. Within 15 business days of receipt of such non-refundable deposit, the CFD Administrator shall notify such owner of the amount of the Partial Prepayment Amount for the Assessor’s Parcel. A Partial Prepayment Amount mu st be made not less than 60 days prior to the redemption date for the Outstanding Bonds to be redeemed with the proceeds of the Partial Prepayment Amount.

With respect to any Assessor’s Parcel for which the Maximum Special Tax obligation is partially prepaid, the CFD Administrator shall (i) distribute the Partial Prepayment Amount as provided in Paragraph 15 of Section G.1, and (ii) indicate in the records of the CFD that there has been a Partial Prepayment for the Assessor’s Parcel and that a portion of the Maxi mum Special Tax obligation equal to the remaining percentage (1.00 - F) of the Maximum Special Tax obliga tion will continue to be levied on the Assessor’s Parcel pursuant to Section E.

H. TERMINATION OF SPECIAL TAX

For each Fiscal Year that any CFD No. 2026-1 Bonds ar e outstanding the Special Tax shall be levied on all Assessor’s Parcels subject to the Special Tax. The Special Tax shall cease not later than the 2067-2068 Fiscal Year, however, Special Tax will cease to be levi ed in an earlier Fiscal Year if the CFD Administrator has determined (i) that all the required interest and principal payments on the CFD No. 2026-1 Bonds have been paid; (ii) all authorized facilities of CFD No. 2026-1 have been acquired and all reimbursements to the developer have been paid, (iii) no delinquent Sp ecial Taxes remain uncollected and (iv) all other obligations of CFD No. 2026-1 have been satisfied.

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I. MANNER OF COLLECTION

The Special Tax shall be collected in the same manner and at the same time as ordinary ad valorem property taxes, provided, however, that CFD No. 2026- 1 may collect Special Taxes at a different time or in a different manner if necessary to meet its fina ncial obligations, and may covenant to foreclose and may actually foreclose on delinquent Assessor’s Parcels as permitted by the Act.

J. APPEALS OF SPECIAL TAXES

Any taxpayer may file a written appeal of the Specia l Taxes on his/her Assessor’s Parcel(s) with the CFD Administrator, provided that the appellant is current in his/her payments of Special Taxes. During pendency of an appeal, all Special Taxes previously le vied must be paid on or before the payment date established when the levy was made. The appeal mu st specify the reasons why the appellant claims the Special Tax is in error. The CFD Administrator shall review the appeal, meet with the appellant if the CFD Administrator deems necessary, and advise the appellant of its determination. If the CFD Administrator agrees with the appellant, the CFD Administrator shall grant a credit to eliminate or reduce future Special Taxes on the appellant’s Assessor’s Parcel(s). No refunds of previously paid Special Taxes shall be made.

The CFD Administrator shall interpret this Rate and Method of Apportionment and make determinations relative to the annual levy and administration of the Special Taxes and any taxpayer who appeals, as herein specified.

K. INTERPRETATION

Interpretations may be made by the Council by ordinance or resolution for purposes of clarifying any vagueness or ambiguity in this Rate and Method of Apportionment.

876
Appendix B:

Proposed Boundary Map
877
878
Appendix C:

Resolution of Intention
879

A-1
RESOLUTION NO. 26-4915

RESOLUTION OF INTENTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY

OF MURRIETA TO ESTABLISH COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT
NO. 2026-1 (GIERSON RANCH ) OF THE CITY OF MURRIETA, TO

AUTHORIZE THE LEVY OF A SPECIAL TAX TO PAY THE COSTS OF

ACQUIRING OR CONSTRUCTING CERTAIN FACILITIES AND TO PAY

DEBT SERVICE ON BONDED INDEBTEDNESS
WHEREAS, the City of Murrieta (the “City”) received a petition signed by the owners of all of the land w ithin the boundaries of the territory which is proposed for inclusion in a proposed community facilities district, which petition meets the requirements of Sections 53318 and 53319 of the Government Code of the State of California; and WHEREAS, the City Co uncil of the City (the “City Council”) desires to adopt this resolution of intention as provided in Section 53321 of the Government Code of the State of California to establish a community facilities district consisting of the territory described in Exhibit “A” hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, which the City Council hereby determines shall be known as “Community Facilities District No. 2026-1 (Gierson Ranch) of the City of Murrieta” (“Community Facilities District No. 2026-1” or the “District”) pursuant to the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982, as amended, commencing with Section 53311 of the Government Code (the “Act”) to finance (1) the purchase, construction, modification, expansion, improvement or rehabilitation of certa in real or other tangible property desc ribed in Exhibit “B” hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, including all furnishings, equipment and supplies related thereto (collectively, the “Facilities”), which Facilities have a useful life of five ye ars or longer, and (2) the incidental expenses to be incurred in connection with financing the Facilities and forming and administering the District (the “Incidental Expenses”); and
WHEREAS, the City Council further intends to approve an estimate of the co sts of the Facilities and the Incidental Expenses for Community Facilities District No. 2026-1; and WHEREAS, it is the intention of the City Council to consider financing the Facilities and the Incidental Expenses through the formation of Community Facilit ies District No. 2026-1 and the issuance of bonded indebtedness in one or more series in an aggregate maximum principal amount of $8,000,000 with respect to the Facilities and the Incidental Expenses and the levy of a special tax to pay for the Facilities and the Incidental Expenses (the “Special Tax”) and to pay debt service on the bonded indebtedness, provided that the bond sale and such Special Tax levy are approved at an election to be held within the boundaries of Community Facilities District No. 2026-1;
WHEREAS, the City desires to enter into a reimbursement agreement with Century Communities of California, LLC , a Delaware limited liabil ity company (the “Developer”), the form of which is on file with the City Clerk (the “Reimbursement Agreement”), to provide for the reimbursement of certain amounts advanced by the Developer in connection with the formation of the District;
Docusign Envelope ID: F6EFC87B-D6AD-4035-A00E-15568355A0B0 880
Resolution No. 26-4915

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Murrieta City CouncilJune 2, 2026

Murrieta City Council
June 2, 2026