Murrieta Triangle Development Heads Toward Green Light With Nov. 17 Hearing

Two property owners seek to remove a land restriction for the long-planned shopping center while preserving utility access for SoCal Edison.

By Ashley Ludwig, Patch Staff

Nov 12, 2026 4:14 PM PST | Updated Nov 12, 2026 4:15 PM PST

Two property owners seek to remove a land restriction for the long-planned shopping center, while preserving utility access for Southern California Edison. (Google Map Photo)

MURRIETA, CA — Plans for Murrieta's long-awaited Triangle development, more than 35 years in the making, could advance as the City Council considers releasing a public right-of-way near Murrieta Hot Springs Road and Interstates 15 and 215.

The City Council will hold a public hearing at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, to consider abandoning Lot A of Parcel Map 28280, according to a notice issued by the City Clerk's Department.

The proposed abandonment is another step toward development of Phase 1 of the Shops at the Triangle, a planned 279,538-square-foot retail center consisting of 25 buildings on approximately 36.5 acres of a 64.3-acre site between the freeways. The City Council approved development plans in 2024 and a development agreement in 2025.

Now, property owners Domenigoni-Barton Properties LLC and Tres Estrellas LLC are seeking to remove the existing public right-of-way restriction to facilitate development. Southern California Edison has requested that a utility easement be preserved to maintain necessary access.

The proposed retail project is slated to be constructed between Interstates 15 and 215, on the south side of Murrieta Hot Springs Road. (Image: City of Murrieta)

Long known as the city's "golden triangle," the property has remained largely undeveloped despite decades of planning. The site, familiar to residents for seasonal pumpkin and Christmas tree sales, has long been viewed as a potential source of jobs and tax revenue.

The Planning Commission determined Sept. 23 that abandoning the right-of-way was consistent with the city's General Plan. City engineering staff also determined the right-of-way was no longer needed and recommended proceeding with the abandonment.

The City Council approved a resolution Oct. 6 scheduling the November hearing. Property owners within 500 feet of the site were designated to receive notice and an invitation to comment.

Residents may attend the hearing at Murrieta City Hall, 1 Town Square, or submit written comments to the City Clerk before the meeting. Those requiring accommodations should call 951-461-6030 at least 48 hours beforehand.

A Brief History Of The Project

Development plans for the Triangle date to 1990, when Riverside County approved a specific plan for a proposed shopping mall. Subsequent revisions envisioned an outdoor retail center.

Under the 2025 development agreement, the city agreed to provisions addressing billboard relocation and potential property acquisition needed for off-site traffic improvements.

Traffic and air quality have been longstanding concerns with the development of this project. In approving earlier plans, the city determined that the project's anticipated benefits outweighed certain significant environmental impacts that could not be fully mitigated.

The City of Murrieta estimates the project will create approximately 900 permanent jobs and potential annual sales tax revenue averaging $900,000 at build-out, depending on tenants and economic conditions.