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San Marcos, TX Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Sec. 86.529, MS4 ordinance
Small-site threshold
1 to 5 acres disturbed
Large-site threshold
5+ acres, NOI to TCEQ
Inspection frequency
Every 7 calendar days
Enforcement
Field correction notice, stop-work order

Summary

San Marcos requires every construction site to use best management practices controlling sediment, silt, and soil discharges to the municipal storm sewer system under the city's MS4 stormwater ordinance.

All operator(s) of construction activities shall use best management practices to control and reduce the discharge, to the MS4 and to surface water in the state, of sediment, silt, earth, soil, and other material associated with the demolition, clearing, grading, excavation, and other construction activities to the maximum extent practicable under the circumstances.

View official code

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

Every construction site in San Marcos must control sediment, silt, and soil discharge to the municipal storm sewer using best management practices such as silt fences, vegetative buffer strips, and sediment traps (Sec. 86.529(a)). Sites disturbing one to five acres must file a small construction site notice and prepare a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP); sites of five acres or more must submit a TCEQ notice of intent. A qualified inspector must check disturbed areas, storage sites, and vehicle entry points at least once every seven calendar days until the site reaches final stabilization.

Violations & Fines

Failure to comply triggers a field correction notice with a deadline to fix; unresolved violations bring inspection holds, stop-work orders, citations, or civil injunctive action under Sec. 86.535.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does San Marcos require an erosion control plan for home construction?
Yes: any site disturbing one acre or more, including single-family lots that are part of a larger development, must follow the city's BMP and SWPPP requirements under Sec. 86.529.
How often must a builder inspect erosion controls on a San Marcos site?
At least once every seven calendar days, on a fixed schedule, regardless of whether rain has fallen since the last inspection, per Sec. 86.529(b)(9).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Marcos

Stormwater ManagementSome RestrictionsFlood Elevation RequirementsSome RestrictionsVehicle Idling RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFlood ZonesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSignificant Restrictions

All San Marcos rules

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