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Murrieta Overview
Murrieta, CA Municipal Code
Murrieta, California Municipal Code
Preface
Title 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
Title 2 ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL
Title 3 REVENUE AND FINANCE
Title 4 (RESERVED)
Title 5 BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS
Title 6 ANIMALS
Title 7 (RESERVED)
Title 8 HEALTH AND SAFETY
Title 9 PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE
Title 10 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Title 11 (Reserved)
Title 12 STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC PLACES
Title 13 PUBLIC SERVICES
Title 14 (RESERVED)
Title 15 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
Title 16 DEVELOPMENT CODE
STATUTORY REFERENCES FOR CALIFORNIA CITIES
PRIOR CODE CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE
ORDINANCE LIST AND DISPOSITION TABLE
16.08.010 Purpose.
This chapter provides regulations applicable to development and new land uses in the residential zoning districts established by 16.06.010 (Zoning Districts Established). The purposes of the individual residential zoning districts and the manner in which they are applied are as follows:
   A.   RR (Rural Residential) District. The RR zoning district identifies areas intended for low density, large lot single-family uses within a rural atmosphere, and may include the keeping of horses and other livestock, including kennels, as a permitted use in conjunction with the main residential use. Agricultural uses are allowable especially for buffering smaller lot single-family designations. The allowable density range is from 0.1 to 0.4 dwelling units per acre, with a minimum parcel size of 2.5 acres, unless designated within a master plan overlay. The RR zoning district is consistent with the large lot residential designation of the general plan;
   B.   ER-1 (Estate Residential 1) District. The ER-1 zoning district identifies areas appropriate for large lot single-family uses, and allows for the keeping of horses and other livestock in conjunction with the main residential use, including small scale agricultural uses appropriate far buffering smaller lot single-family designations. The allowable density range is from 0.4 to 1.0 dwelling units per acre, with a minimum parcel size of one acre, unless designated within a master plan overlay. The ER-1 zoning district is consistent with the large lot residential land use designations of the general plan;
   C.   ER-2 (Estate Residential 2) District. The ER-2 zoning district identifies areas appropriate for large lot single-family uses, and allows for the keeping of horses and other livestock in conjunction with the main residential use, including small scale agricultural uses appropriate for buffering smaller lot single-family designations. The allowable density range is from 1.0 to 2.0 dwelling units per acre, with a minimum parcel size of one-half acre, unless designated within a master plan overlay. The ER-2 zoning district is consistent with the single-family residential land use designations of the general plan;
   D.   ER-3 (Estate Residential 3) District. The ER-3 zoning district identifies areas appropriate for large lot single-family uses. This district is an appropriate transition zone between rural and the single family zones. The allowable density range is from 2.0 to 3.0 dwelling units per acre, with a minimum parcel size of ten thousand (10,000) square feet The ER-3 zoning district is consistent with the single-family residential designations of the general plan;
   E.   SF-1 (Single-Family Residential 1) District. The SF-1 zoning district is applied to parcels appropriate for single-family subdivisions with a uniform lot pattern possessing a minimum parcel size of seven thousand two hundred (7,200) square feet. The allowable density range is from 2.1 to 5.0 units per acre. The SF-1 zoning district is consistent with the single-family residential land use designation of the general plan;
   F.   SF-2 (Single-Family Residential 2) District. The SF-2 zoning district is applied to parcels appropriate for single-family subdivisions which may include detached and attached single-family dwelling units with common walls. For attached units configured within two to three unit configurations, a planned residential development application is required. The allowable density range is from 5.1 to 10.0 units per acre. The minimum parcel size for detached single-family units is four thousand three hundred fifty (4,350) square feet, although a smaller lot size can be considered for the clustering of units. This can be accomplished through a planned residential development application process and associated findings. See Section 16.16.020 “Planned residential development general standards” for additional details and requirements. The clustering of units through the planned residential development review process is to encourage an aggregate of open space with units on individual parcels with commonly maintained open space, and on-site recreational facilities required. The SF-2 zoning district is consistent with the residential land use designation of the general plan;
   G.   MF-1 (Multi-Family Residential 1) District. The MF-1 zoning district is applied to parcels appropriate for low density multi-family 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 fifteen (15) units per acre. The minimum parcel size for single-family detached units is five thousand (5,000) square feet. Clustering of units to provide aggregate open space is encouraged, with commonly maintained open space, and on-site recreation facilities. The MF-1 zoning district is consistent with the multi-family residential land use designation of the general plan;
   H.   MF-2 (Multi-Family Residential 2) District. The MF-2 zoning district is applied to parcels appropriate for high density multi-family 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 eighteen (18) units per acre. The MF-2 zoning district is consistent with the multi-family residential land use designation of the general plan; and
   I.   MF-3 (Multi-Family Residential 3) District. The MF-3 zoning district is applied to parcels appropriate for higher density multi-family 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 from 18.1 to 29 units per acre. The MF-3 zoning district is consistent with the multi-family residential land use designation of the general plan.
   J.   MF-4 (Multi-Family Residential 4) District. The MF-4 zoning district is applied to parcels appropriate for the highest density multi-family development, in which large buildings of attached dwelling units, senior housing and affordable housing are allowed with commonly maintained recreational facilities and open space required. The allowable density range is a minimum of 30 units per acre. The MF-4 zoning district is consistent with the multi-family residential land use designation of the general plan.
TABLE 16.08-1
USE TABLE
FOR RESIDENTIAL (SINGLE-FAMILY) ZONING DISTRICTS
Permit Requirement by District
Symbol
Applicable Process
See Chapter
P
Permitted Land Use - Compliance with development standards and zoning clearance required
C
Conditional Use - Conditional use permit required
"Blank"
Land use not permitted
Land Use (1) (2)
RR
ER-1
ER-2
ER-3
SF-1
SF-2
See Standards in Section
TABLE 16.08-1
USE TABLE
FOR RESIDENTIAL (SINGLE-FAMILY) ZONING DISTRICTS
Permit Requirement by District
Symbol
Applicable Process
See Chapter
P
Permitted Land Use - Compliance with development standards and zoning clearance required
C
Conditional Use - Conditional use permit required
"Blank"
Land use not permitted
Land Use (1) (2)
RR
ER-1
ER-2
ER-3
SF-1
SF-2
See Standards in Section
Agriculture, Open Space and Resources
Animal Keeping
P
P
P
P
P
P
Crop Production, Commercial
P
P
P
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (7)
P
P
P
P
P
P
Equestrian Facilities, Commercial
P
P
P
P
P
P
Kennels Residential/Commercial
P(3)
16.44.040.E. 2.
Nature Preserves
P
P
P
Plant Nurseries, Commercial
C
C
C
Open Space
P
P
P
P
P
P
Wind Conversion Energy Systems (non-commercial)
C
Communication Facilities
Satellite Dishes/Antennas
P
P
P
P
P
P
Wireless Communication Facilities
C
C
C
C
C
C
Education, Public Assembly and Recreation
Bingo
C
C
C
C
C
C
Churches, places of worship
C
C
C
C
C
C
Cemeteries, Mortuaries, Crematoriums, Mausoleums
C
C
C
Golf Courses, Country Clubs, Driving Ranges
C
C
C
C
C
Private Residential Recreational Facilities
P
P
P
P
P
P
See definition
Schools
C
C
C
C
C
C
Residential
Accessory Dwelling Units
P
P
P
P
P
P
Assisted Living/Skilled Nursing
C
C
C
C
C
C
Bed and Breakfast Inns
C
C
C
Child Day Care Centers
C
C
C
C
C
C
Home Occupations
P
P
P
P
P
P
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit
P
P
P
P
P
P
Large Family Day-Care Homes - 9 to 14 children(5)
P
P
P
P
P
P
Manufactured Housing
(including mobile homes)(6)
P
P
P
P
P
P
Marijuana Cultivation, Processing, Delivery, and Dispensary
Medical Marijuana Dispensary
Medical Marijuana Dispensary, Mobile
Mobile Home Parks
C
C
C
C
C
C
Model Homes/Sales Office
P
P
P
P
P
P
Multi-family Housing
P
Personal Services (Limited)
P(9)(10)
P(9)(10)
P(9)(10)
P(9)(10)
P(9)(10)
P(9)(10)
See Definition 5.18, 16.44.270
Residential Accessory Uses and Structures
P
P
P
P
P
P
Residential Care Homes - up to 6 Clients
P
P
P
P
P
P
Residential Care Homes - 7+ Clients
C
C
C
C
C
C
Residential Wedding/Event Facilities(4)
C
C
C
Rooming/Boarding Houses
C
C
C
C
C
C
Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs) - Hosted(8)
P
P
P
P
P
P
Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs) - Non-Hosted(8)
P
P
P
Single-family Homes
P
P
P
P
P
P
Small Family Day-Care Homes - Up to 8 children(5)
P
P
P
P
P
P
Supportive Housing
P
P
P
P
P
P
Transitional Housing (including SRO/Efficiency units
P
P
P
P
P
P
Notes:
(1)   See Section 16.04.020 regarding uses not listed.
(2)   See Article VI for definitions of the land uses listed.
(3)   Kennels existing as of January 1, 2014 within the RR zone are a legal-conforming land use and are permitted to continue in operation subject to no changes in the existing operation and/or compliance with the development standards contained in Section 16.44.040.E.2.
(4)   Minimum five (5) acre property.
(5)   Zoning clearance not required.
(6)   Any development standards imposed shall be limited to those specified in state law. See California Code of Regulations, Title 25 (Housing and Community Development), Division 1 for additional details and requirements.
(7)   For EVCS - Subject to the Minor Conditional Use Permit appeal provisions for identified Public Health and Safety issues as described in Chapter 15.63.
(8)   For STVRs - Subject to the Citywide maximum, locational, and operational criteria, as described in Chapter 5.27 and Section 16.44.260 of this Municipal Code.
(9)   Limited to a massage accessory use in conjunction with establishment of the following primary uses: assisted living/skilled nursing. No other personal service are permitted. Refer to Section 16.44.270.B.3 (Massage Accessory Use) and Chapter 5.18 (Massage Businesses and Massage Therapists) for additional details.
(10)   Refer to Section 5.18.150 (Exemptions) for the types of “Professions and Services” which shall not be classified as a massage establishment.
 
   TABLE 16.08-2
   USE TABLE
   FOR RESIDENTIAL (MULTI-FAMILY) ZONING DISTRICTS
   Permit Requirement by District   
   TABLE 16.08-2
   USE TABLE
   FOR RESIDENTIAL (MULTI-FAMILY) ZONING DISTRICTS
   Permit Requirement by District   
   Symbol
Applicable Process
See Chapter
   P
Permitted Land Use - Compliance with development standards and zoning compliance required
   C
Conditional Use - Conditional use permit required
   “Blank”
Land use not allowed
 
Land Use (1) (2)          
MF-1
MF-2
MF-3
MF-4
See Standards in Section
Agriculture, Open Space and Resources
Open Space
P
P
 
Communication Facilities
Satellite Dishes/Antennas
P
P
P
P
Wireless Communication Facilities
C
C
C
C
Education, Public Assembly and Recreation
Bingo
C
C
See definition
Churches, Places of Worship
C
C
See definition
Recreational Facilities, Private
P
P
P
P
Schools
C
C
C
C
Parking
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations(5)
P
P
P
P
Residential
Accessory Dwelling Units(4)
P
P
P
P
Assisted Living/Skilled Nursing
C
C
C
C
See definition
Bed and Breakfast Inns
Child Day-Care Centers
C
C
C
C
Home Occupations
P
P
P
P
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit
Large family Day-Care - 9 to 14 children(3)
P
P
P
P
Large family Day-Care - 9 to 14 children(3)
Marijuana Cultivation, Delivery, Dispensary, and Processing
 
   TABLE 16.08-2
   USE TABLE
   FOR RESIDENTIAL (MULTI-FAMILY) ZONING DISTRICTS
   Permit Requirement by District   
Land Use (1) (2)
MF-1
MF-2
MF-3
MF-4
See Standards in Section
   TABLE 16.08-2
   USE TABLE
   FOR RESIDENTIAL (MULTI-FAMILY) ZONING DISTRICTS
   Permit Requirement by District   
Land Use (1) (2)
MF-1
MF-2
MF-3
MF-4
See Standards in Section
Residential (cont’d)
Medical Marijuana Dispensary
Medical Marijuana Dispensary, Mobile
Manufactured Home
P
P
P
P
Mobile Home Parks
C
C
C
C
Model Homes/Sales Office
P
P
P
P
Multi-family Housing
P
P
P
P
Residential Accessory Uses and Structures
P
P
P
P
Residential Care Homes - Up to 6 Clients
P
P
P
P
Residential Care Homes - 7 or More Clients
C
C
C
C
Rooming/Boarding Houses
C
C
Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs) - Hosted(6)
P
P
P
P
Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs) - Non-Hosted(6)
Small Family Day-Care Homes - Up to 8 children(3)
P
P
P
P
Supportive Housing
P
P
P
P
Transitional Housing (including SRO/Efficiency units)
P
P
P
P
Notes:
(1)   See Section 16.04.020.D regarding uses not listed.
(2)   See Article VI for definitions of the land uses listed.
(3)   Zoning clearance not required.
(4)   As it pertains to Accessory Dwelling Units, per Section 16.44.160, allowances for implementation are applied to the Downtown Murrieta Specific Plan per state law.
(5)   For EVCS - Subject to the Minor Conditional Use Permit appeal provisions for identified Public Health and Safety issues as described in Chapter 15.63.
(6)   For STVRs – Prohibited at Rental Units. Subject to the Citywide maximum, locational, and operational criteria, as described in Sections 5.27 and 16.44.260 of this Municipal Code.
(7)   Limited to a massage accessory use in conjunction with establishment of the following primary uses: assisted living/skilled nursing, residential care homes - up to 6 clients, residential care homes - 7 or more clients. No other personal services are permitted. Refer to Section 16.44.270.B.3 (Massage Accessory Use) and Chapter 5.18 (Massage Businesses and Massage Therapists) for additional details.
(8)   Refer to Section 5.18.150 (Exemptions) for the types of “Professions and Services” which shall not be classified as a massage establishment.
 
(Ord. 598-23 § 5, 2023; Ord. 591-23, § 3 (part), 2023;Ord. 574-22, Exhibit B-3 (part), 2022; Ord. 565- 21, Exhibit B (part), 2021; Ord. 561-2020 § 3 (part), 2020; Ord. 556 §§ 2, 3, 2020; Ord. 538, Exhibit A (part), 2018; Ord. 537, Exhibit A (part), 2018; Ord. 507 § 4 (part), 2016; Ord. 492 Exhibit 4, 2014; Ord. 486 § 2, 2014; Ord. 482 § 2, 2013; Ord. 480 § 4, 2013; Ord. 463 § 1, 2011; Ord. 427 § 1, 2009; Ord. 408 § 2, 2008; Ord. 382 § 5, 2007; Ord. 367 § 4 (part), 2006; Ord. 293 § 1 (part), 2004; Ord. 280 § 1, 2003; Ord. 269 § 2 (part), 2002; Ord. 253 § 2 (part), 2002; Ord. 202 § 2 (part), 1999; Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)

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