San Marcos, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- Annual license fee
- $1,000
- Buffer from homes/schools/churches
- 1,500 feet
- Buffer from I-35 centerline
- 1,000 feet
- Licensing authority
- Chief of Police
- Zoning eligibility
- Only R-numbered parcels
Summary
San Marcos requires a $1,000 annual license for adult oriented businesses and bans them within 1,500 feet of churches, schools, homes, parks, bars, and other adult businesses.
It shall be unlawful for a person to operate or cause to be operated an adult oriented business on any property that is located: (1) In the central business area; (2) On a parcel of land other than those identified by R number on the map attached as Exhibit A; (3) Within 1,000 feet of the centerline of I-35; or (4) Within 1,500 feet of: a. A church; b. A public or private elementary or secondary school...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 41).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code Sec. 18.246, an adult oriented business cannot locate in the central business area, within 1,000 feet of I-35's centerline, or within 1,500 feet of a church, school, residential district or use, park adjoining a residential district, bar, or another adult oriented business, and it must sit on a parcel identified by R number on the city's exhibit map. Sec. 18.286 separately requires a police-issued license before operating, and Sec. 18.287 sets the annual fee at $1,000. Operating without a license is a criminal offense and also grounds for an injunction under Sec. 18.244.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a license or in violation of the spacing rules is a criminal offense; the city can also sue for an injunction and administrative penalties under Sec. 18.244.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an adult business locate anywhere zoned commercial in San Marcos?
What happens to a business that was already operating before the spacing rule applied?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Marcos
Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Marcos to another location·View the Texas business licensing & operations overview
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