Murrieta, CA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

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.