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
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
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
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
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
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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 HighSpeed 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 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.
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.
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 highdensity 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 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.”
RESIDENTIAL
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
10 Figure 1. OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS: 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
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)
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)
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 mixeduse 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.
1.6 USER GUIDE
Step 1: Review the General Design Standards (Chapter 2, Parts A and B)
For new development to be appropriate and consistent with the surrounding environment, mass and scale shall respect adjacent building context and uses. The General Building Design Standards establish requirements on these issues. Chapter 2 also provides standards and guidance for site planning and appropriate project layout. Standards related to mixed-use development and entries and doorbells are also established here. These standards apply to all projects, regardless of the architectural style that is utilized for project design.
Step 2: Review the Design Standards by Building Types (Chapter 3) While most multifamily residential development falls within the two- to four-story range in Murrieta, the development code allows residential development up to 100 feet in multifamily zones and up to 150 feet in the TOD zone. To create variety of scale and design, different building types shall adhere to the supplemental standards in this chapter.
Step 3: Review the Architectural Style Standards (Chapter 4) The design and detailing of buildings are paramount to a quality environment, and the City of Murrieta is committed to authentic expressions of architectural style. Architectural design elements and materials shall be consistent throughout the project, recognizing that a building is three dimensional and must be well designed on all sides. Detailing, choice of materials, and window and door choices shall reinforce the overall project design. To provide guidance on architectural styles, the standards offer a menu of architectural traditions:
• Mission - Spanish Colonial 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.
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.
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.
Additionally, the Development Services Department requires a preapplication service for all projects. A pre-application allows applicants to receive staff review from various departments prior to a formal application submittal.
Formal submittal will also include the 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.”
RESIDENTIAL
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
15 TABLE 1.1 ARCHITECTURAL STYLES PERMITTED BY ZONE
ZONE
MAX
PERMITTED
HEIGHT1
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)
» Tuscan (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,
Townhome, Multiplex,
Garden, ADU
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» Craftsman (Max 3 stories)
» Tuscan (Max 4 stories)
» Farmhouse (Max 3 stories)
Multi-Family 1 (MF-1) 50 Feet Townhome, Multiplex,
Garden, ADU
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» Craftsman (Max 3 stories)
» Tuscan (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 Townhome, Multiplex,
Garden, ADU
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» Craftsman (Max 3 stories)
» Tuscan (Max 4 stories)
» Farmhouse (Max 3 stories)
See above, same as MF-1.
Multi-Family 3 (MF-3) 100 60 Feet Townhome, Multiplex,
Garden, Wrap, Podium,
ADU
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» Craftsman (Max 3 stories)
» Tuscan (Max 4 stories)
» Farmhouse (Max 3 stories)
» Modern
See above, same as MF-1.
Multi-Family 4 (MF-4) 100 Feet Townhome, Multiplex,
Garden, Wrap, Podium,
ADU
» Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max 6 stories)
» Tuscan (Max 4 stories)
» Modern
See above, same as MF-1.
RESIDENTIAL
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
16 TABLE 1.1 ARCHITECTURAL STYLES PERMITTED BY ZONE
ZONE
MAX
PERMITTED
HEIGHT1
BUILDING TYPES PERMITTED ARCHITECTURAL STYLE NOTES
Transit Oriented
Development
(TOD) Overlay
150 Feet Garden, Wrap, Podium,
Tower, 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 Townhome, 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.
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
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.
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
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-ofsight and protects the privacy of the adjacent single-family property.
MULTIFAMILY SINGLE FAMILY
(TWO STORY)
MIN 15’
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
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 singlefamily 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-ofsight and protects the privacy of the adjacent single-family property.
Multi-family building Single-family building
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
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
PRODUCT TYPE
Neighborhood EntryResidential DriveResidential AlleyResidential LaneLane CourtPedestrian 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 rightof-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.
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
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’
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.
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.
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’
RESIDENTIAL
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
37 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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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:
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.
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.
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
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.
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-ofway. 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.
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 groundfloor 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.
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).
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 footcandle 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
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.
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.
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)
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.
RESIDENTIAL
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
54 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.
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.
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.
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 moderateintensity neighborhoods.
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.
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
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.
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.
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. Fourstory 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 sixstory 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
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.
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’
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.
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.
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
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.
RESIDENTIAL
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
67 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 Revival
• Craftsman
• Tuscan
• Farmhouse
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.
Street-loaded condition Alley-loaded condition
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)
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.
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)
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)
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.
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. 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.
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.
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 (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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 singlefamily 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)]
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.
4.0 ARCHITECTURAL
STYLES
4.1 Mission - Spanish Colonial Revival (Max. 6 Story)
4.2 Craftsman (Max. 3 Story)
4.3 American Mercantile (Max 8 Story)
4.4 Tuscan (Max. 4 story)
4.5 Modern (No Limit on Height)
4.6 Farmhouse (Max. 3 Story)
4.1 MISSION - SPANISH COLONIAL REVIVAL
Derived from Spanish/Mediterranean and early Californian influences, this style emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It projects a visually rich environment with allusions to regional history. Generally, Spanish Colonial Revival buildings are asymmetrically arranged. The style features low-pitched roofs with little or no overhang covered with S-type clay red roofing tiles.
These houses were almost always wood frame with stucco siding. The use of the arch was common, especially above doors, porch entries, and main windows.
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
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 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 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 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 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 4.2 CRAFTSMAN
The Craftsman or California Bungalow style is derived from the influential residential style that emerged in the early 20th century out of the Arts and Crafts movement. In Murrieta, this style is used to create a visually rich residential environment with allusions to regional history. As indicated in the accompanying images and illustrative diagram, recognizable elements include the artful use of wood and natural materials, low-pitched gabled or hipped roofs, horizontal orientation, and earth-toned colors. Common design elements also include exposed rafters and beams under eaves, decorative brackets and fasteners, full- or partial-width porches, and large columns or piers. Though this style exhibits a horizontal emphasis, vertical architectural elements are often used to accentuate corners and entrances. Period Craftsman residences often featured exterior cladding of wood shingles or clapboard siding and details such as extended lintels and decorative lighting with geometric detailing.
CONTINUOUS MOLDING EMPHASIZES HORIZONTALITY
OVERHANGING EAVES WITH
EXPOSED RAFTER TAILS
WINDOW WITH MULLION
AND DIVIDED LITES
DECORATIVE LIGHT FIXTURE
PARTIAL-WIDTH PORCH
WOOD 4-POST COLUMN
WITH STONE PIER
WOOD SHINGLES
LOW PITCHED GABLE ROOF
WINDOW BOX
BALCONY
TRELLIS
INCORPORATE BUILDING BASE
WITH NATURAL MATERIAL
RESIDENTIAL
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
88 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 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 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 darkcolor 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 doublehung (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 4.3.5 DECORATIVE DETAILS
4.5 a. Awnings, canopies, and second-floor
balconies may extend into the public rightof-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 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 redtiled 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
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
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
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
4.4.4 DOORS AND WINDOWS
a. Single- or double-hung windows shall be
more horizontal in proportion, with sixover-six muntin patterns and 5½-inchwide 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
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
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
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
4.5.2 ROOF
a. Flat or low-pitched shed roofs (4:12 slope
max)
b. Slope roofs shall have a minimum 2-footdeep 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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 XX, 2026
126
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
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
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.
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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
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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.
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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;
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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.
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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
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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 multistory) 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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All farmhouse style buildings shall adhere to the following standards:
a. Roofs shall be a combination of low-pitched hipped or gableon-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.
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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.
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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.
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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
WINDOW ACCENT
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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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STANDARDS
COMPLIANCE
CHECKLISTS
5.0 This checklist is intended as an overview of the requirements for multifamily development projects in the City of Murrieta. Additional information and plans may be required to evaluate your application following initial review by staff. A copy of this list will be used to check your application for completeness after it is submitted. Applications not containing the necessary information on this Checklist will not be accepted for review.
To use the checklist correctly, follow the steps below: • The general standards apply to all projects regardless of building height, architectural style(s), or zone. Complete the General 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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GENERAL
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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RESIDENTIAL
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)
GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Visual interest shall be provided through architectural variety, especially where several new buildings face streets, such as by using different layouts and/ or architectural features. Abutting buildings shall have complementary architectural styles.
Proposed cut-and-fill slopes shall be rounded off both horizontally and vertically.
Where pedestrian circulation crosses vehicular routes, a change in grade materials, textures, or colors shall be provided to emphasize the conflict point and improve its visibility and safety.
Pedestrian linkages to nearby neighborhoods, schools, parks, commercial projects, and parking areas shall be provided.
Orient buildings toward public (and private) streets to positively define street edges. Buildings adjacent to both public streets and public open space amenities, such as parks, shall be designed with a dual orientation.
Minimum of 60 percent of the street frontage shall be devoted to buildings. The remaining 40 percent may be devoted to parking, landscaping, and driveways; except for urban areas or areas with slope restrictions.
Except for garage entrances, structured parking shall not be visible from the primary streets or any public open space.
Loading docks and service areas on a corner lot must be accessed from the side street.
Gates that control vehicular and pedestrian access to a residential site are considered privacy gates and shall be subject to review and approval of the Development Services Department and Fire Department.
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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
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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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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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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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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Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
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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
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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.
An area of usable common open space shall not exceed an average grade of 10 percent. The area may include landscaping, walks, recreational facilities, and small decorative objects such as artwork and fountains.
All common open spaces shall include seatings and lights. Site furniture shall use graffiti-resistant materials and/or coatings and skateboard deterrents to retain the site furniture’s attractiveness.
Forecourt must be enclosed on at least three sides by buildings. The minimum dimension of any side is 40 feet.
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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.
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
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ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)
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Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
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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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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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ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)
GENERAL STANDARDS
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
The applicant shall choose and group plant species with similar water demands to facilitate efficient irrigation (MMC 16.28.060).
High water use plants with a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0 can only be used in the common open space.
Turf is not allowed on slopes greater that 25 percent where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape (MMC 16.28.060).
All setbacks and nonwork areas shall be landscaped within the development area.
Hardscape shall not be used to meet minimum site landscaping requirements in MMC 16.28.070.
Pedestrian access to sidewalks and structures shall be considered in the design of all landscaped areas.
A mix of plant materials shall be provided in compliance with Table 3-5, MMC Section 16.28.080.
Primary street trees, shade trees, and parking lot trees shall be 15-gallon trees.
Sidewalks and pedestrian walkways shall be a minimum of 5 feet in width.
2.7.1 Store Fronts
The ground-floor elevation shall be near the elevation of the sidewalk to minimize the need for external steps and external ADA ramps at public entrances.
All ground-floor tenant spaces that have street frontage shall have storefront entrances on the façade fronting a street.
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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 floorto-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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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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Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
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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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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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Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
For sites having 25 or more units, every additional 25 dwellings or fraction thereof shall require an additional 48 square feet for solid waste and 48 square feet for recyclables.
All recycling areas in multifamily residential developments shall be located within 250 feet of any residential unit.
Storage areas shall not be closer than 20 feet from doors or operable windows of adjacent structures.
For individual units, a minimum of 3 cubic feet shall be provided for the storage of refuse and a minimum of 3 cubic feet shall be provided for the storage of recyclable material.
2.10 Doorbells
Every building consisting of more than 5 dwelling units shall be equipped with doorbells, intercoms, or other signaling device attached to the front exterior of the dwelling and accessible to all visitors to the dwelling.
Doorbell locations shall meet the ADA requirement.
If a gate is provided between the front door and the street, the gate shall be clearly marked as the main entrance to the business and include a doorbell, directory, call box, or other means of communication for patients and patrons to be allowed access to the business.
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BUILDING
STANDARDS
BY TYPE
RESIDENTIAL
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
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Adopted XX, 2026
171
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)
BUILDING STANDARDS BY TYPES - LOWRISE
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
3.1.1 Site Design For Low Rise
Each unit shall have an individual entry facing a street or a common open space.
Maximum building coverage: 40 percent.
Resident and guests parking may be surface parking (covered or uncovered), or provided in a garage.
Parking requirement and standards shall be in accordance with MMC 16.34.040 and Chapter 2.2, Parking, in this book.
Open space requirement shall be in accordance with MMC 16.34.040 and Chapter 2.3, Common Open Space; Chapter 2.4, Recreational Amenities; and Chapter 2.5, Private Open Space, in this book.
The area between a building and the street must be landscaped.
Site development standards and required setbacks shall be in accordance with Table 16.08-4 in MMC
16.08.020.
A street-facing primary entrance must feature a porch, covered entry, or recessed entry clearly visible from the street that gives the entrance visual prominence. Entrances must be connected to the adjacent sidewalk with a pedestrian walkway.
A minimum of 10 percent of the site shall be landscaped with a mix of vegetative ground cover, shrubbery, and trees.
All landscaping shall be irrigated with a permanent irrigation system unless a licensed landscape architect submits written verification that the proposed plant materials do not require irrigation. The property owner shall maintain all landscaping.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)
BUILDING STANDARDS BY TYPES - MID RISE
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
3.2.1 Site Layout for Mid-Rise
Upper floor units shall be accessed by a common entry along the front street.
For mixed-use, ground floor shops, or office shall have individual entries along the adjacent street.
Parking may be covered, uncovered, or in a garage. Standards shall be in accordance with MMC 16.34.040 and Chapter 2.3, Parking, in this book.
Open Space requirement shall be in accordance with MMC 16.34.040 and Chapter 2.3, Common Open Space; Chapter 2.4, Recreational Amenities; and Chapter 2.5, Private Open Space, in this book.
Site development standards and required setbacks shall be in accordance with Table 16.08-4 in MMC
16.08.020.
3.2.2 Building Massing
Structures with heights greater than three stories shall set back upper portions of the structure a minimum of 10 feet for each additional two stories (MMC 16.44.100).
Buildings over three stories shall have major massing breaks at least every 100 feet along any street frontage, adjacent public park, publicly accessible outdoor space, or designated open space, through the use of varying setbacks and/or building entries.
Major breaks shall be a minimum of 5 feet deep and 25 feet wide and shall extend at least two-thirds of the height of the building. Exceptions include for buildings with upper stories (above first floor) stepped back at least 5 feet; the major break need only extend two-thirds of the height of the portion of the front façade that is not stepped back.
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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.
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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
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 rightof-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
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT COMMENTS (OPTIONAL) ADDITIONAL CITY COMMENTS (OPTIONAL)
BUILDING STANDARDS BY TYPES - HIGH RISE
Design Standards Applicant City Use Only
Complete N/A Complete N/A
Orient and shape the tower to improve building energy performance, natural ventilation, and daylighting.
3.3.2 Open Space (Rooftop)
Any rooftop uses shall require a full plan review, permits, and inspections for occupants and structural safety based on how the building roof is to be used.
The rooftop garden shall be located on the third or higher story.
The rooftop garden shall be accessible to all residents of dwelling units on the parcel, but not to commercial tenants of a residential mixed-use development.
Minimum dimensions of rooftop garden are 15 feet in either direction.
Permanent fixtures associated with the usable open space, such as trellises; shade structures; furniture; and furnishings such as planters, lighting and heaters, may exceed the height limit by up to 12 feet.
At least 15 percent but no more than 25 percent of the rooftop shall be landscaped with raised beds for gardening, stormwater planters, or other landscaping. All required landscaped areas should be equipped with automatic irrigation systems and be properly drained.
Rooftop equipment shall be screened by a parapet or enclosure.
Where rooftops are visible from off-site, they should be treated to minimize aesthetic impacts.
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
181
RESIDENTIAL
ARCHITECTURAL
STYLES
RESIDENTIAL
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
182
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
197
RESIDENTIAL
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
198
RESIDENTIAL
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
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
199
RESIDENTIAL
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
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
City of Murrieta | CA
Adopted XX, 2026
201
RESIDENTIAL