Hillside Development Standards Update (DCA-2021-2396)
Murrieta
Description
The city's own update to hillside development rules — grading, fencing, elevation, and a new Hillside Overlay Map — introduced on first reading with a 2028 sunset for small-parcel exemptions.
Impact summary
The final ordinance will shape what can be built on roughly 81 undeveloped hillside parcels and how walls, colors, and landscaping look across the city's slopes.
Applicant
- Name
- City of Murrieta
At a glance
- Hearings
- 2
- Public comments
- 3
- Total mentions
- 2
Last vote
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 15, 2026.
Meeting timeline (2)
City Council — September 15, 2026
A six-year effort to replace the confusing hillside ordinance with a map-based overlay covering about 1% of city parcels, plus objective retaining wall, grading, and design standards. Introduced on first reading 3-1 with a 2028 drop-dead date for small-parcel exemptions; second reading still pending.
City Council — February 3, 2026
The city's ongoing rewrite of its hillside ordinance reached its sixth workshop, with council direction on retaining walls, landscaping, fire-safe planting, and how developed vs. undisturbed parcels should be treated.
Related issues (1)
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