Water Use Rules in San Marcos, CA (2026)
2 verified water use rules for San Marcos, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
San Marcos Turf-on-Slope Restriction
Some RestrictionsSan Marcos Municipal Code § 20.330.060(D)(1)(c)
c.Turf is not allowed on slopes greater than twenty-five percent (25%) where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape and where twenty-five percent (25%) means one (1) foot of vertical elevation change for every four (4) feet of horizontal length (rise divided by run x 100 = slope percent).
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.
San Marcos Recycled Water Irrigation Rules
Some RestrictionsSan Marcos Municipal Code § 20.330.120
A.The installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future use of recycled water.B.Landscape using recycled water are considered Special Landscape Areas. The ET Adjustment Factor for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) Special Landscape Areas shall not exceed 1.0.C.All recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all ap...
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