Overview: STR Status in Murrieta, CA

Short-term rentals ARE allowed in Murrieta, CA. The city council passed a comprehensive short-term vacation rental (STVR) ordinance on October 20, 2020, that balances the interests of hosts, visitors, and residents. The ordinance allows both hosted rentals (where the owner lives on-site) in residential areas and non-hosted (whole-home) rentals, but with significant restrictions for non-hosted operations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Murrieta

Step 1: Verify Zoning Eligibility

Before applying, confirm your property zoning:

• Hosted STVRs: Permitted in residential areas (owner must live on-site)
• Non-hosted STVRs: Only permitted in estate and rural-zoned properties (ER-1, ER-2, and RR zoning classifications)
• Critical Restriction: Non-hosted units in ER-1 and ER-2 must maintain a 300-foot separation from other non-hosted STVRs

Step 2: Apply for Permit

• Submit applications through the city's Permits & Renewals Portal: https://secure.hostcompliance.com/murrieta-ca/permit-registration
• Applications are processed first-come, first-served
• Permit Cap: Maximum of 300 permits citywide
• Waiting List: Applications beyond 300 permits join a waiting list in order received

Step 3: Complete Required Inspections

Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector placement requirements.

Step 4: Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

All STVR operators must register and pay TOT through the city's portal.

Step 5: Display Permit Number

Once approved, prominently display your STVR permit number as required.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Permits and Licenses

1. STVR Permit (primary requirement)
2. Transient Occupancy Tax Registration
3. Property compliance with safety codes (smoke/CO detectors)

Required Documentation

• Completed permit application
• Floor plan layout (using city's grid format)
• Proof of property ownership/authorization
• Safety compliance verification
• Host information (for hosted rentals)

Guidelines and Resources

• Ordinance Number 561-20: Complete legal framework
• Good Neighbor Brochure: Required reading and distribution
• City Zoning Map: Verify property eligibility
• FAQ Documentation: Comprehensive guidance on regulations

Specific Regulations

Permit Limitations

• Maximum Permits: 300 citywide
• Application Process: First-come, first-served
• Waiting List: Available for permits beyond the cap

Occupancy Limits

• Overnight Guests: Specific limits apply (refer to FAQ QID 442)
• Daytime Guests: Regulated separately (refer to FAQ QID 443)

Parking Requirements

• Minimum parking standards apply
• Designated parking must be clearly marked
• Parking location restrictions exist (refer to FAQ QID 444 and 441)

Operational Requirements

• Permit number must be prominently displayed
• Host responsibilities include guest management and property upkeep
• Neighbor notification may be required

Tax Obligations

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) required on all bookings
• Registration: Mandatory through city portal
• Payment Schedule: Regular filing requirements

Zoning Restrictions for Non-Hosted Rentals

• Permitted Zones: ER-1, ER-2, RR (Estate Residential and Rural Residential)
• Separation Requirement: 300-foot minimum distance between non-hosted units in ER-1 and ER-2 zones
• Measurement: From all property lines

Violations and Enforcement

• 24/7 Concern Hotline: (951) 210-7675 for reporting issues
• Code enforcement active for violations
• Permit suspension/revocation possible for non-compliance

Permit Duration and Transfer

• Validity: Permit good for specified duration (refer to FAQ QID 449)
• Transfer: Possible when property is sold (refer to FAQ QID 450)
• Renewal: Required process for continued operation

Contact Information

Primary Contacts

Murrieta City Hall

• Address: 1 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562
• Phone: (951) 304-2489
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

24/7 Concern Hotline

• Phone: (951) 210-7675
• Purpose: Report violations, noise, parking, trash issues

Email Contact

• Available through city website contact form

Online Portals

• Permit Applications: https://secure.hostcompliance.com/murrieta-ca/permit-registration
• TOT Payments: https://secure.hostcompliance.com/murrieta-ca/registrations-filings/signin
• Concern Reporting: https://secure.hostcompliance.com/tips

Department Contacts

• Building & Safety: (951) 304-2489
• Code Enforcement: (951) 304-2489
• Development Services: (951) 304-2489

Source Links

Primary Resources

• Main STVR Page: https://www.murrietaca.gov/1101/Short-Term-Vacation-Rentals
• FAQ Page: https://www.murrietaca.gov/1099/Short-Term-Vacation-Rental-FAQs

Legal Documents

• Ordinance 561-20: https://www.murrietaca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4975/Short-Term-Vacation-Rentals---Ordinance-Number--561-20
• Good Neighbor Brochure: https://www.murrietaca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5043/STVR-Good-Neighbor-FINAL
• City Zoning Map: https://www.murrietaca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4374/Murrieta-Zoning-Mappdf
• Floor Plan Layout Template: https://www.murrietaca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5336/STVR---Floor-Plan-Layout
• Smoke/CO Detector Requirements: https://www.murrietaca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6126/Smoke-and-Carbon-Monoxide-Required-Locations---For-STVR-Floor-Plan

Application and Payment Portals

• Permit Applications: https://secure.hostcompliance.com/murrieta-ca/permit-registration
• TOT Registration & Payments: https://secure.hostcompliance.com/murrieta-ca/registrations-filings/signin
• Issue Reporting: https://secure.hostcompliance.com/tips

Key Investment Considerations

1. Limited Market Access: Only 300 permits available, creating scarcity value
2. Zoning Restrictive: Non-hosted operations severely limited by zoning requirements
3. Hosted Model Preferred: City clearly favors hosted over non-hosted rentals
4. Compliance Critical: Active enforcement and community oversight
5. Tax Obligations: Regular TOT payments required
6. Investment Timing: Early application advantage due to permit cap

The regulatory environment in Murrieta favors well-informed investors who can work within the hosted rental model or secure properties in the limited non-hosted eligible zones. The 300-permit cap creates a competitive market with significant barriers to entry for new operators.