ADUByCity
Verified March 14, 2026

ADU Regulations in Murrieta, California

Riverside County · CA · Pop. 115,000

Max ADU Size

1,200

sq ft detached

Rear Setback

4 ft

Permit Timeline

60 days

Build Cost

$145,000 – $295,000

Zoning

Allowed ADU Types

✓Detached ADU
✓Attached ADU
✓JADU (Junior ADU)
✓Garage Conversion
Max per lot: 2 ADUs✓ No owner-occupancy required

ADUs and JADUs permitted by right on all residentially zoned lots. Murrieta is a fast-growing Southwest Riverside County city popular with San Diego and Orange County commuters. State law prohibits owner-occupancy requirements.

Source: City of Murrieta — Accessory Dwelling Units · Murrieta Municipal Code Title 16 (Development Code), Chapter 16.44

Dimensions

Size & Setback Requirements

Detached

1,200

sq ft max

JADU

500

sq ft max

Attached

50% of primary home, max 1,200 sq ft

Setbacks

front

Same as primary dwelling per underlying zone

side

4 ft

rear

4 ft

Max height: 16 ft

Lot coverage: Per underlying zone; planned developments may have stricter HOA-level coverage rules

Many Murrieta neighborhoods are within HOA-governed planned developments. HOA CC&Rs may impose design standards on top of city minimums — always verify with the HOA before submitting. Newer tracts typically have larger lots well-suited for detached ADUs.

Permitting

Permit Process

Department

City of Murrieta — Community Development Department, Planning Division

Review Timeline

60 days

Permit Fees

$6,000 – $12,000

Impact Fees

Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft; prorated for larger units

Required Documents

  • ›Site plan with property dimensions and setbacks
  • ›Floor plans
  • ›Elevations
  • ›Title 24 energy compliance report
  • ›Structural drawings
  • ›HOA approval letter (if applicable)

Murrieta's permit fees are moderate for the Inland Empire. The city processes ADU applications in compliance with state law's 60-day ministerial review requirement. HOA approval, while not a city requirement, should be obtained before beginning work.

Visit City of Murrieta — Community Development Department, Planning Division →

Infrastructure

Utilities & Requirements

Solar

Required

Parking

Not required

Separate Meter

Optional

Fire Sprinklers

See note

Sewer: Connection to Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) sewer required; separate service lateral may be required for detached ADUs
Fire Sprinklers: Not required unless primary structure requires them
Parking: No additional parking required

Financials

ADU Costs in Murrieta

Typical Build Cost

$145,000 – $295,000

Cost per Sq Ft

$200 – $265

Monthly Rental

$1,500 – $2,400/mo/mo

Property Value Added

Adds $120,000 – $220,000 to property value

Available Grants & Programs

  • ★CalHFA ADU Grant Program available (up to $40,000)

Southwest Riverside County's continued growth and popularity with San Diego and Orange County commuters drives strong ADU rental demand. Murrieta's family-oriented reputation and top-rated schools make it particularly attractive for multigenerational ADU arrangements.

Use the free ADU Cost Calculator →

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Disclaimer: Information is compiled from publicly available municipal codes for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, zoning, or construction advice. Regulations change frequently. Always verify with your local planning department. Last verified: March 14, 2026. Verify with City of Murrieta — Community Development Department, Planning Division

Explore More

Nearby Cities in Riverside County

Riverside

Max 1,200 sq ft · $110,000 – $240,000

Moreno Valley

Max 1,200 sq ft · $110,000 – $230,000

Corona

Max 1,200 sq ft · $145,000 – $300,000

Temecula

Max 1,200 sq ft · $150,000 – $305,000

Jurupa Valley

Max 1,200 sq ft · $130,000 – $270,000

Menifee

Max 1,200 sq ft · $135,000 – $275,000

Murrieta Quick Facts

  • Max size1,200 sq ft
  • Rear setback4 ft
  • Permit timeline60 days
  • Build cost$145,000 – $295,000
  • Rental income$1,500 – $2,400/mo/mo
  • Owner occupancyNot required

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Official Source

City of Murrieta — Accessory Dwelling Units

Murrieta Municipal Code Title 16 (Development Code), Chapter 16.44

Last verified: March 14, 2026

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