Planning Commission - October 14, 2026 - 6pm

The City of Murrieta Planning Commission met on October 14, 2026, and unanimously voted 4-0 to recommend that the City Council designate Murrieta Hot Springs Resort as a local cultural resource under Chapter 16.26 of the Murrieta Development Code. The designation would make the property eligible for consideration of a Mills Act contract; it does not itself approve a contract. The historic boundary focuses on resources primarily dating from 1902 to 1933 and covers about three of the resort’s nine parcels. If a Mills Act contract is later pursued, it would involve a minimum 10-year term, while the County Assessor would determine any property-tax reduction; staff and the consultant cited typical reductions of approximately 40–60% on the assessed portion, subject to county discretion.

Commissioners discussed preservation, the resort’s cultural and economic significance, tribal outreach, and the distinction between the permanent cultural designation and a future Mills Act agreement. The commission also received notice of proposed November meeting dates and an upcoming staff review of new state land-use laws, including changes related to ADUs and CEQA. No procurement activity, contract award, or purchasing decision was identified.