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Title:
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Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 624-25 Concerning Group Homes, Sober Living Homes, and Residential Care Facilities.
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TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: David Chantarangsu, AICP, Development Services Director
PREPARED BY: David Chantarangsu, AICP, Development Services Director
SUBJECT:
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Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 624-25 Concerning Group Homes, Sober Living Homes, and Residential Care Facilities.
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 624-25, entitled: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, to Revise Title 16 of the Murrieta Municipal Code by Adding Section 16.44.045 and Amending Sections 16.08.010, 16.44.150, and 16.110.020 Related to Group Homes, Sober Living Homes, and Residential Care Facilities.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On September 2, 2025, the City Council conducted a public hearing and approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 624-25 (Vote 4-0), with direction to staff to modify the ordinance's compliance timeframe for existing group homes from 12 months to six (6) months, with an opportunity for six (6) additional months to be granted.
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Provide a high level of innovative public safety.
DISCUSSION
Ordinance No. 624-25 establishes standards and operational requirements for residential homes operating as sober living homes. These homes are not currently regulated or licensed by the State. The City of Murrieta's (City) goal in adopting the ordinance is to create standards for home operators to the benefit of those who are considered to be disabled while recovering from drug or alcohol addiction.
At the City Council's direction, the compliance period for existing homes to comply with the City's requirements was reduced. Staff reduced the compliance period from 12 months to six (6) months, with the possibility of owners/operators receiving up to six (6) additional months to comply only upon the finding that the owner and/or operator has exercised due diligence and taken all reasonable steps to comply. Interjecting "due diligence" and "all reasonable steps" creates a legal standard that the City would be able to use in evaluating a group home operator's progress in complying with the City's ordinance.
Proposed Murrieta Municipal Code Section 16.44.045(C)(2) was revised to read as follows:
"(2) Group homes that are in existence upon the effective date of this section shall have six (6) months from the effective date of this section to comply with its provisions, provided that any existing group home, which is serving more than six residents, must first comply with the six-resident maximum. A group home owner and/or operator may, upon written request, be granted extensions of up to a total of six (6) additional months to comply with this section, pursuant to Director approval. Any extensions may be granted only upon a finding that the owner and/or operator has exercised due diligence and taken all reasonable steps to comply with this section. Token or perfunctory actions shall not constitute compliance for purposes of this provision."
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct impact on the City's budget to adopt the ordinance. The proposed regulations may reduce calls for service to the Murrieta Fire Department and Murrieta Police Department by establishing requirements that ensure sober living homes are operated in a manner that protects the health, safety, and welfare of sober living home residents, and indirectly the neighborhoods in which they are located.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance No. 624-25
2. September 2, 2025, City Council Report with Ordinance