Murrieta limits residential building heights to 35 feet and 2.5 stories in most single-family zones, with taller limits in commercial and industrial districts, subject to Development Code 16.
Height limits in Murrieta are established in the Development Code and measured from finished grade to the highest point of the roof (excluding certain architectural features). Most single-family residential zones cap buildings at 35 feet and 2.5 stories. Multi-family districts allow 40 to 45 feet depending on the designation, and commercial and mixed-use corridors along Los Alamos, Clinton Keith, and California Oaks roads permit up to 55 feet. Industrial zones in the southwest may permit 60 feet or more. Chimneys, antennas, solar equipment, and similar features may exceed the district limit by specified amounts. Structures exceeding the zoning maximum require a variance with Planning Commission approval. Hillside areas within the city may have additional step-back requirements to preserve ridgeline views. Accessory dwelling units are capped at 16 to 18 feet for detached one-story units per state law, with limited exceptions for two-story ADUs near transit. Airport Land Use Commission review may apply to properties near French Valley Airport for obstruction clearance.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Murrieta code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Murrieta, CA
Aircraft noise in and around Murrieta is governed by federal FAA preemption under 49 U.S.C. section 40103, not by city ordinance. French Valley Airport (F70)...
Murrieta, CA
Murrieta regulates leaf blowers under the general noise ordinance in Murrieta Municipal Code Chapter 9.02, which restricts gardening equipment to daytime hou...
Murrieta, CA
Outdoor amplified music in Murrieta is permitted only during daytime hours subject to the 55 dBA residential receiving limit and the plainly-audible-at-50-fe...
Murrieta, CA
All consumer fireworks, including State Fire Marshal Safe and Sane devices, are prohibited in Murrieta at all times. Possession, sale, or use of any firework...
Murrieta, CA
Murrieta property owners must maintain a minimum 100-foot defensible space around structures under California Public Resources Code section 4291, with Zone 0...
Murrieta, CA
Under California Health and Safety Code section 13113.7 and the California Residential Code, Murrieta homes must have smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle structure height limits.
See how Murrieta's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.