972-Acre Murrieta Hills Project: City Poised To OK Development

MURRIETA, CA — Following numerous public meetings that have drawn residents from across Southwest Riverside County, on Tuesday the city of Murrieta is poised to adopt a slew of resolutions that will pave the way for the 972-acre Murrieta Hills Project.

The project is slated to bring up to 750 single-family homes and 228 condos/apartments, as well as retail, office, and service businesses to the area located west of Interstate 215, south of Keller Road, and north of Greer Ranch. The project site abuts Menifee to the north and Wildomar to the west.

Parks are planned and approximately 615 acres of the 972 will be dedicated as natural open space overseen by the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority, according to city documents.

During a special City Council meeting scheduled at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 16, a public hearing will be held to discuss the project. At that time, the city is expected to give a green light to certify the project's final Environmental Impact Report; approve a General Plan Amendment, Development Agreement, Specific Plan Amendment, and a Tentative Tract Map. Zoning changes are also expected to be approved.

The 972-acre project area has long been a destination for mountain bikers, hikers and dog walkers — many of whom have opposed the Murrieta Hills development.

When development occurs, it will be up to the Regional Conservation Authority to determine whether to allow public access to the Murrieta Hills open space area for recreational purposes, although staging (parking) areas are planned, according to city documents. Today, people who use the open space often park their vehicles along Scenic View Drive and Keller Road.

The Tentative Tract Map prohibits gated communities within the Murrieta Hills Project area, according to the documents.

Before development can begin, the vacant land needs to be annexed to the city.

Tuesday's special meeting can be attended in-person or watched via live stream on the city's website or its Facebook page. See the full meeting agenda and supporting documents here.