TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: David Chantarangsu, AICP, Development Services Director
PREPARED BY: Chris Tracy, AICP, Senior Planner, Advanced Planning
SUBJECT: title
Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Concerning the Hillside Development Standards
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ABSTRACT
Ordinance No. 638-26 (Attachment 1) modernizes the City’s hillside development regulations by establishing clearer, more objective standards for applicability, permitting, grading, development standards, and exceptions within the Hillside Area Overlay. Following its September 15, 2026, first reading, the ordinance returns to the City Council for second reading and final adoption, including a December 31, 2028, sunset clause to allow further evaluation of criteria for exempting certain parcels from hillside development requirements.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 638-26, entitled: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, 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 to Add New Sections 16.24.080, entitled “Exceptions,” 16.24.090, entitled “Reserved,” and 16.24.100, entitled “Hillside Overlay Map” with a Sunset Clause to Exempt Parcels No Later than December 31, 2028.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On September 15, 2026, the City Council held a public hearing and approved the first reading of the ordinance as drafted, with an amendment adding a sunset clause to exempt parcels no later than December 31, 2028 (Vote: 3-1-1).
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
This item aligns with the City Council goal to maintain a high-performing organization that values fiscal sustainability, transparency, accountability, and organizational efficiency. Updating the Hillside Ordinance is a Tier 1 priority project.
DISCUSSION
The proposed o...
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