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:
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Hillside Updates (DCA-2021-2396) - Workshop 6
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Receive public comments and discuss the proposed ordinance; and
Provide guidance on policy options within the proposed ordinance framework.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On March 29, 2022, the City Council directed staff to review the hillside development standards (Non-Action Item).
On June 28, 2023, the Planning Commission recommended the introduction and first reading of an Ordinance updating the hillside development standards, amending Murrieta Municipal Code (MMC) Chapters 8.20 and 15.52, and updating portions of Title 16 (Vote 4-0-1) (Attachment 1).
On August 15, 2023, the City Council hosted a workshop on this item. The City Council requested additional information, so the workshop was continued to a future meeting date (Attachment 2).
On March 5, 2024, the City Council hosted a second workshop on this item. Due to the additional time required for discussion and feedback, the workshop was continued for a second time (Attachment 3).
On June 17, 2025, the City Council held a third workshop on this item. At that meeting, the Council directed staff to provide more detailed examples to assist in moving forward, with particular emphasis on retaining wall criteria (Attachment 4).
On October 21, 2025, the City Council held its fourth workshop on this item. The discussion centered on when the standards would apply. The City Council reached a consensus that "Hillside Areas" apply only to residential and open space parcels with slopes of 25% or greater, as mapped in the Hillside Overlay Area (Attachment 5), while Specific Plans retain their original standards. Applicants may use the GIS map or the existing average slope formula with a CAD-based program to determine compliance (At...
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