Fire Regulations in San Marcos, TX (2026)
3 verified fire regulations for San Marcos, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
San Marcos allows recreational fires and permanent outdoor fire pits, but a fixed pit must sit at least 10 feet from any structure or combustible material.
San Marcos Fire Pit Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsSan Marcos Code of Ordinances § 38.033 (amending IFC §§ 307.1, 307.4.3)
307.1. General. A person shall not kindle or maintain or authorize to be kindled or maintained any open burning, bonfire, recreational fire, or portable outdoor fireplace, unless conducted and approved in accordance with Sections 307.1.1 through 307.5. ... 307.4.3 Permanent Outdoor Firepit. Permanently installed outdoor firepits for recreational fire purposes shall not be installed within 10 fe...
Outdoor Burning
San Marcos requires a fire code official permit before any open burning, and folds in state, county, and TCEQ burn bans as grounds to prohibit fires.
San Marcos Open Burning Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsSec. 38.033 (amending IFC § 307.2)
307.2 Permit Required. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official... prior to kindling a fire for... open burning. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land... Examples of state or local law...include...1. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) guidelines and/or restrictions. 2. State, County, or Local temporary or...
Smoke Detectors
San Marcos requires working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in every short-term rental unit as a condition of the city's short-term rental permit, on top of the smoke-alarm standard built into the adopted building code.
San Marcos Smoke Alarm Rule for Rentals
Some RestrictionsSec. 34.809(d)(3), San Marcos City Code
(3)Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed and conform to all applicable city-adopted codes, regulations, and ordinances.