Murrieta's West Side Poised For New Equestrian Community

MURRIETA, CA — Murrieta's west side could see a new upscale equestrian community following recent City Council approvals.

On Sept. 6, the council voted 4-0 to approve a zone change, revise a tentative tract map, and amend a master development plan for the Kalmia Equestrian Estates project that's targeted for 47 acres west of Hayes Avenue and south of Kalmia Street.

The proposed development would bring 35 new estates — each situated on 1-acre lots.

The project site is located just north of the city-owned Murrieta Equestrian Center, 42646 Juniper St. The proposed non-gated community would feature estates lined with equestrian trails and split-rail fencing. Private roads would be maintained by a homeowner's association, according to city documents.

Most residents who turned out to address the project during the Sept. 6 public hearing spoke in favor of the development, citing it as a way to attract high-income earners to Murrieta, raise property values on the west side, and bring trails to the community.

One speaker called it, "one of the best projects this city's ever seen," citing the requirement that the developer bring in sewer and water lines to the site. The developer — Kalmia Equestrian Estates, LLC — also promised that the city could tap into those utilities for use at the Murrieta Equestrian Center.

Not everyone was in favor of the new development, however. Much of Murrieta's west side has a rural feel, with many residences near the proposed project area on large lots.

Building new homes on 1-acre lots isn't the "right fit" for the area, one speaker said. "Where does it end?" he asked, referring to residential density on other vacant lots that are up for sale in the community.

Another speaker was concerned about added traffic in the area, especially on rough stretches of Hayes Avenue.

The Kalmia Equestrian Estates project has been a long-time in the making. The proposal was first brought to the city in 2002 and has since seen a few different iterations. More city signoffs are still required before the developer can break ground, including approval of home designs.

During the Sept. 6 public hearing, City Councilmember Lori Stone recused herself from discussion and voting on the Kalmia Equestrian Estates proposal because she said she owns property within 500 feet of the project site.