Murrieta, CA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Common formula: 2
- Common formula: 2 per bedroom plus 2 (example: 3BR = 8)
- Absolute cap often
- Absolute cap often 10-12 regardless of bedrooms
- Events require separate
- Events require separate Special Event Permit
- Occupancy must be
- Occupancy must be posted inside unit
- Excess occupancy triggers
- Excess occupancy triggers nightly fines and suspension
Summary
Short-term rentals in Murrieta are typically limited to two occupants per bedroom plus two additional, not to exceed a reasonable total based on septic or sewer capacity and parking. Maximum occupancy must be posted inside the unit per the Good Neighbor standards and must comply with CA Building Code room-size rules.
Any building or portion thereof, regardless of zoning designation or approved uses of the building, including any dwelling unit, guestroom or suite of rooms, or the premises on which the same is located, in which there exists any of the following listed conditions to an extent that endangers the life, limb, health, property, safety, or welfare of the occupants of the building, nearby residents, or the public shall be deemed and hereby is declared to be a substandard building: (a) Inadequate sanitation shall include, but not be li
Full Breakdown
Occupancy caps for Murrieta STRs combine the city's short-term rental ordinance with California Building Code R304 (minimum room area) and R305 (ceiling height) requirements. The common formula adopted in many California STR ordinances, including Murrieta's, is two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons overall. For example, a three-bedroom unit is typically capped at eight guests. The city may set absolute ceilings of 10 or 12 depending on lot size, septic capacity, and off-street parking available. Events, weddings, and large gatherings are generally prohibited outright or require a separate Special Event Permit even if held at a permitted STR.
Operators must post the maximum occupancy on the inside of the front door or on the refrigerator as part of the Good Neighbor notice. Exceeding occupancy can lead to administrative citations, nightly-rate fines, and permit suspension after repeated violations. Children under a certain age (often under 3) typically do not count toward occupancy. Occupancy rules apply to overnight occupants; daytime visitors attending approved gatherings are counted separately and are capped by parking availability.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I host a 50-person wedding at a Murrieta STR?
Do kids count toward the STR occupancy limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Murrieta
California rules heatmap·Compare Murrieta to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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Occupancy Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle occupancy limits.