Historic Murrieta Plan Could Be Altered to Allow Auto-Related Businesses

The City of Murrieta will likely make it easier for businesses once ruled out of the Historic Murrieta Specific Plan to set up shop again.

Under the current plan established in 1997, businesses such as car washes, auto sales and repair and drive-through's became non-conforming to the City's vision for the downtown area—a pedestrian-friendly commercial area.

If such businesses lapsed in operation for more than six months, they were not permitted to reopen. City Planner Cynthia Kinsey said there are three operating non-conforming businesses still in operation, and three that have been non-operating for longer than six months.

A proposed waiver would have allowed them to reopen but with a 10-year limit.

Charles Covello, owner of Murrieta Plaza on Washington Avenue where The Mill Restaurant is located, spoke in opposition of the time limitation. He told Council he has been trying to lease out a self-service car wash on the property, but that the lessee would not likely agree to the 10-year limit.

"The specific plan did not take into account the great recession," Covello said, adding that not allowing auto-related businesses to operate indefinitely would contribute to a "ghost-town Murrieta."

Business owners who neighbor the car wash said allowing it to open would enhance the whole area.

"I definitely see potential for more business," said Lonnie Calhoun, owner of Calhoun's Texas BBQ.

Elizabeth Whittington also runs a nearby business.

"It doesn't seem like the specific plan is economically driven," Whittington said. "I would strongly ask that you do not limit it to a 10-year, or 20-year or 30-year."

City Council directed staff to prepare an amendment without a time limit, as the revamping of the Historic Murrieta Specific Plan was put on hold while the City prepares its General Plan.

Councilman Rick Gibbs said the economic climate in downtown Murrieta was equivalent to a natural disaster.

"We are a business-friendly community," Gibbs said. "We have a vision but it hasn't worked until now."

City Community Development Director Mary Lanier said the vision for downtown "is in flux right now."

"We need to have that dialogue with the community and with the Council," Lanier said.

But amending the plan could be risky, according to City Attorney Leslie Devaney. By allowing these types of non-conforming businesses to operate, it could open doors for other types of businesses not allowed under the plan to sue the City.

"We don't know who else is out there ready to sue," Devaney said. "I understand how emotional this all is. It is a risk, and I'm not here to tell you you can't do it."

Councilman Doug McAllister said he made the motion for an amendment understanding there was a risk.

"We may be making it harder than it is. I don't think we need to break the law to get this done," McAllister said.

Business and property owners like Covello may have to wait a while before they get their answer. Staff said it could take a few months to draft an amendment, due to having to do an environmental review.