TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: David Chantarangsu, AICP, Development Services Director
PREPARED BY: Chris Tracy, Senior Planner, Advanced Planning
SUBJECT:
title
Introduction of an Ordinance Concerning the Hillside Development Standards (DCA-2021-2396) to Amend the Murrieta Municipal Code (Titles 8 and 15), Chapters 8.20, 15.52, and to Amend Murrieta Development Code (Title 16) for the Purpose of Revising and Updating Chapters 16.08, 16.14, 16.18, 16.22, 16.24, 16.28, and Adding New Sections 16.24.080, Entitled “Exceptions,” 16.24.090, Entitled “Reserved,” and 16.24.100, Entitled “Hillside Overlay Map”
end
/
ABSTRACT
Since 2022, the City has undertaken a comprehensive update of its hillside regulations to establish more objective hillside development standards and to clearly define the geographic areas where those standards apply. The amendments included in the proposed Ordinance clarify slope, building height, retaining walls (updates limited to hillside areas), landscaping, and fuel modification standards, while improving predictability for property owners and applicants. Staff also incorporated a threshold for minimal development. The draft ordinance states that development that requires grading less than 50 cubic yards would not be subject to a zoning application but would be reviewed administratively, potentially saving applicants significant time and money. Council may wish to increase this threshold to a range between 200 to 500 cubic yards.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Open the Public Hearing;
Receive public testimony;
Find that the proposed ordinance is consistent with standards originally evaluated and implemented pursuant to the Negative Declaration adopted for implementation of the Comprehensive Development Code on October 28, 1997, and that the proposed updates are consistent with the Murrieta General Plan Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) and Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) certif...
Click here for full text