Murrieta Exploring Major Expansion Of Its Boundaries, Part Of French Valley Eyed

The city is conducting a feasibility study for the possible annexation of up to 3,884 acres of unincorporated county land.

By Toni McAllister, Patch Staff

Aug 18, 2026 6:55 PM PDT

The annexation exploration process could take up to two years. The annexation area under review falls within the city's sphere of influence. (Toni McAllister/Patch)

MURRIETA, CA — The city of Murrieta is exploring whether to significantly expand its municipal boundaries. City Council voted Tuesday to approve a professional services agreement to study the feasibility of annexing up to 3,884 acres of unincorporated county land.

Under the $91,010 agreement, Vista-based RSG Inc. will analyze whether it is financially prudent for Murrieta to annex the acreage along the city's northeast border. The area, which lies within Murrieta's sphere of influence, is largely undeveloped except for the Spencer's Crossing neighborhood in French Valley, just west of Winchester Road.

Spencer's Crossing currently includes roughly 4,000 single-family homes with a total of approximately 14,000 residents. If annexed, the neighborhood would officially become part of the city.

The feasibility study will help officials determine whether to annex the entire 3,884-acre area, a portion of it, or none at all. The Riverside Local Agency Formation Commission, which holds final authority over municipal annexations, has already indicated it will not green-light the incorporation of Spencer's Crossing alone.

The total annexation area, outlined in red, is unincorporated Riverside County located at the northeast edge of Murrieta city limits. The area lies within the city of Murrieta's sphere of influence. The city is evaluating whether it should annex all or part of the area — or none of it. Spencer's Crossing is within the red area and is highlighted with bright yellow boundaries. The beige is the area that the Riverside Local Agency Formation Commission would likely approve for annexation. The blue is within the city of Murrieta boundaries. (City of Murrieta)

The study will outline projected costs and potential revenues over time. Currently, the unincorporated county area receives emergency coverage from the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department and the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Murrieta Fire & Rescue and the Murrieta Police Department serve properties within city limits.

Additionally, the study will provide clarity on revenue potential across the proposed annexation area, including identifying protected conservation zones that cannot be developed.

A primary driver of the proposal involves emergency infrastructure. The city has long planned to build and operate a sixth fire station at the former park-and-ride site on Clinton Keith Road near Winchester Road. If the annexation proceeds, a portion of property tax revenue from existing Spencer's Crossing residents would be redirected to the city, helping fund the new station. Officials noted that the proposed annexation would not alter resident property tax rates.

While the city already owns the land for the proposed fire station, construction will cost millions of dollars, with ongoing operational costs estimated at $5 million annually, according to city officials.

The feasibility study will weigh projected revenues—including property tax, sales tax, and future developer fees—against long-term expenses such as the fire station, general public safety services, parks, infrastructure, etc.

The annexation evaluation process is expected to take up to two years. Once complete, City Council will review the study's findings to determine whether the expansion makes financial sense. If an annexation is approved by the council, the proposal will go to the Riverside Local Agency Formation Commission for final review.