Accessory Structures in Murrieta, CA (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Murrieta, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Murrieta allows one ADU and one JADU on any single-family lot, and two detached ADUs on multi-family parcels, reviewed ministerially within 60 days with no discretionary hearing, under Section 16.44.160.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules in Murrieta
Some RestrictionsMurrieta Code of Ordinances § 16.44.160
D. Number of Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units Allowed. ... 1. At a residential parcel with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling: one ADU and one JADU shall be permitted. ... 2. At a parcel with an existing multi-family dwelling, two detached ADUs shall be permitted pursuant to Government Code Section 66323. ... C. Standard of Review. ADU and JADU applicatio...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Murrieta's Development Code does not require the owner to live on-site for a standalone ADU, but a junior accessory dwelling unit only clears review if the owner records a covenant promising to occupy either the main house or the JADU, per Section 16.44.160.E.2.
ADU and JADU Owner-Occupancy Rules in Murrieta
Some RestrictionsMurrieta Code of Ordinances § 16.44.160.E.2
2. Occupancy requirements of the ADU and JADU shall be consistent with the provisions of Government Code Section 66315. For a JADU, a covenant shall be recorded in the Riverside County clerk's office against the title declaring that the property owner must occupy either the primary residence or the JADU consistent with the provisions of Government Code Section 66333.
ADU Rental Restrictions
Every ADU and JADU approved in Murrieta must carry a recorded covenant, under Section 16.44.160.E.4, barring the unit from being rented for stays shorter than 30 days, closing off the short-term rental route for accessory units citywide.
ADU and JADU Short-Term Rental Ban in Murrieta
Significant RestrictionsMurrieta Code of Ordinances § 16.44.160.E.4
4. A covenant shall be recorded in the Riverside County clerk's office against the title of the parcel declaring that the ADU(s) and/or JADU shall not be used for short term rentals less than 30 days.
Shed & Carport Rules
Murrieta lets homeowners skip a building permit for a portable storage shed under 120 square feet, but Section 16.44.150 still caps detached accessory structures at 1,000 square feet and sets exact setbacks by shed size in Table 16.44.150-1.
Backyard Shed Rules in Murrieta
Some RestrictionsMurrieta Code of Ordinances § 16.44.150(A)(3)(a)
The floor area of a single detached accessory structure shall not exceed one thousand (1,000) square feet, nor shall the sum of the floor area(s) of the total number of detached accessory structures exceed 40 percent, of the required rear yard of the parcel. A covered patio or barbecue area shall not be construed as an accessory structure for purpose of calculating floor area.
Looking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Murrieta city rules.
Accessory Structures in Riverside County →