San Marcos's Water Use Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles water use rules a little differently. In San Marcos, California, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Turf Replacement Rebates

San Marcos bans turf on steep slopes under its Water Efficient Landscape Standards: Municipal Code Section 20.330.060(D)(1)(c) prohibits turf on any slope steeper than 25 percent where the base of the slope meets impermeable hardscape, a rule enforced through the city's landscape documentation and plan-review process.

Key details: Slope threshold: Turf banned above 25% slope. Applies when: Toe of slope meets impermeable hardscape. Project size trigger: 500 sq ft new, 2,500 sq ft rehab. Governing section: SMMC § 20.330.060(D)(1)(c). Penalty: Fine under Chapters 1.12/1.14, per day.

Installing turf on a prohibited slope, or removing or damaging landscaping required by an approved plan, is a violation under Section 20.330.200 punishable by a fine under Chapters 1.12 and 1.14 of the Municipal Code, with each day of continuing violation treated as a separate offense. The City can also seek injunctive relief and other remedies in addition to any fine.

Recycled Water Rules

San Marcos requires landscape irrigation systems on qualifying projects to be built and operated to allow current and future recycled water use, and treats any landscape irrigated with recycled water as a Special Landscape Area with its own water budget ceiling under Municipal Code Section 20.330.120.

Key details: Governing section: SMMC § 20.330.120. ETAF cap for recycled-water areas: 1.0 (vs. 0.55 residential default). Applies to: New ≥500 sf or rehab ≥2,500 sf landscape. Reviewing office: Planning Division. Sign-off document: Certificate of Completion, § 20.330.070.

A project that fails to design its irrigation system for recycled water compatibility, or that miscalculates its water budget by omitting the Special Landscape Area ETAF adjustment, will have its Landscape Documentation Package denied by the Planning Division under Section 20.330.070.C, delaying issuance of the building or landscape permit. Occupancy or final sign-off can be withheld until the irrigation audit required by Section 20.330.100 confirms the system was installed and is operating as approved.

The Bottom Line

San Marcos's water use rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming San Marcos is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that San Marcos can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.