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Murrieta Homes with ADU, Casita & Guest House

This page is your guide to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), casitas and guest houses in Murrieta, CA — an inland Southwest Riverside County city known for its master-planned neighborhoods, strong schools and commuter access to both I-15 and I-215.

Murrieta has leaned into ADUs as part of its housing strategy, publishing a dedicated Information Bulletin 108 – Accessory Dwelling Units and a 2024 Pre-Approved ADU Program (IB-113) that outline by-right ADU standards, max sizes, parking reductions and pre-approved plan options for local homeowners.

Fun Fact: Murrieta’s ADU bulletin confirms that detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft are allowed by-right when they meet state and local standards — and that ADUs may be rented long term (over 30 days), but short-term rentals are not allowed.

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⭐ Local ADU & Senior Living Expertise — Antoinette Nichols: Antoinette focuses on Murrieta ADU and casita feasibility for multi-gen families, seniors and investors — including how to use the City’s ADU bulletin, pre-approved plan program and AB 2533 legalization guide for older units. She regularly reviews lot layout, driveway and parking options, garage conversions, and long-term rental strategy for Murrieta properties before clients commit to a build or purchase.

Why ADUs Work in Murrieta’s Inland Neighborhoods

Murrieta’s location and development pattern make ADUs a high-leverage upgrade:

  • By-right ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft. Murrieta’s ADU standards allow attached units up to 50% of the main home (capped at 1,200 sq ft) and detached units up to 1,200 sq ft, when they meet the City’s development code and state law.
  • Multiple ADU formats are on the table. Homeowners can build detached backyard ADUs, add-on suites, or conversions of existing space such as garages and portions of the main house.
  • Parking reductions in the right locations. The City’s bulletin confirms that ADUs may not need extra parking if they are within a half mile of transit or meet other state parking exemptions — key for tighter lots in central Murrieta.
  • Pre-approved ADU plans can speed up permitting. Murrieta’s Pre-Approved ADU Program gives designers a path to have plans reviewed and listed for reuse, helping owners move faster from concept to permits on compliant designs.
  • Legalization path for older unpermitted units. A 2025 homeowner guide explains how ADUs and JADUs built before January 1, 2020 can be evaluated and legalized under AB 2533 — an important path for “bonus rooms” and legacy guest units in Murrieta.

Murrieta ADU, Casita & Guest House Listings

🎯 Live MLS feed — focused on homes with detached casitas, guest houses or ADU-style separate units:

New Murrieta ADU-capable listings and casita homes appear as the local market updates — check back often.

Where Is Murrieta, CA?

Murrieta is a fast-growing Inland Empire city in southwestern Riverside County, bordered by Temecula, Menifee and Wildomar and served by both I-15 and I-215 — a classic “bedroom community” with strong commuter demand and multi-gen living needs.

Murrieta ADU & Financing FAQs: What Should Owners Know?

Q: What kinds of ADUs does Murrieta allow?

A: Murrieta’s ADU bulletin explains that owners can build attached or detached ADUs, convert existing space inside the home, or convert garages and other qualifying accessory structures, as long as they meet state law and the City’s development standards.

Q: How big can a detached ADU be in Murrieta?

A: Detached ADUs in Murrieta can be up to 1,200 square feet, and attached ADUs are limited to 50% of the main home’s floor area, also capped at 1,200 square feet, provided all other code requirements are satisfied.

Q: Is owner-occupancy required for my ADU in Murrieta?

A: Recent changes to California’s ADU laws significantly limit local owner-occupancy requirements for most standard ADUs, and cities like Murrieta have updated their ordinances to stay in line with state rules. Many typical ADUs no longer require an owner to live on-site, but you should always confirm the latest requirements directly with the City or a qualified professional before you build or buy.

Q: How does Murrieta handle parking for new ADUs?

A: Murrieta generally requires one on-site parking space for a new ADU, but the bulletin lists several state-law exemptions — including ADUs within a half mile of public transit, within certain parking permit districts, or created inside existing structures — where no extra parking is required.

Q: Can I use an ADU in Murrieta as a short-term rental?

A: No. The City specifies that while an ADU may be rented, it cannot be used as a short-term rental for 30 days or less. ADUs are intended to support long-term housing in Murrieta’s neighborhoods.

ADU Planning & Strategy with Solve Lending & Realty

Solve Lending & Realty helps Murrieta owners and buyers evaluate zoning, ADU feasibility, parking layout, rental projections and build-cost strategy before you commit to construction or a purchase.

Antoinette Nichols leads ADU and senior-focused planning in Riverside County, with integrated lending support and broker oversight from Kenji Inui at Solve Lending & Realty.

How Can I Finance an ADU or Second Unit in Murrieta?

Watch the video, then line up the right loan structure for your Murrieta ADU purchase or build.

Financing Your ADU Investment: Purchase, Refinance & Build Loans

Use your existing equity or structure a new purchase loan around projected ADU income. Our team matches Riverside County homeowners with loan options built for ADU construction and casita upgrades.

Cash-Out to Build ADU Purchase Loans Second Mortgages

Own a Home in Murrieta? Check Your ADU Equity Potential

The first step is understanding how much equity you have to work with. A quick home value check can show whether a refinance, second mortgage or ADU-ready move-up purchase makes the most sense for your household.

Check My Home Equity & ADU Potential

Talk to Antoinette Nichols About ADU Properties in Murrieta