San Marcos, TX Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Illicit discharge fine
- $200-$2,000 per violation
- Civil penalty ceiling
- up to $5,000/day
- Stormwater fee basis
- impervious cover / ERU tier
- Enforcing authority
- City Manager's designees / TCEQ / EPA
Summary
San Marcos bans illicit discharges into its storm sewer system and funds drainage work through a monthly stormwater utility fee on every property.
Illicit discharges are prohibited into the MS4 and/or surface water in the state. No person shall release discharges into the MS4 containing any pollutants that cause or contribute to a violation of water quality standards.
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
City Code § 86.526 prohibits releasing anything but stormwater into the city's MS4 storm sewer system, backed by the city's TPDES Phase II MS4 permit. Every property in the service area also pays a monthly stormwater charge under § 86.505, billed by impervious cover and residential tier (R1/R2/R3) or non-residential square footage, to fund drainage maintenance and water-quality treatment.
Violations & Fines
Illicit-discharge violations are misdemeanors: $200-$2,000 fine per violation under § 86.535(c)(1), with each day a separate offense, plus civil penalties up to $5,000/day under Local Government Code Ch. 54. The city can also issue stop-work orders, revoke permits, or terminate utility service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dump anything besides rainwater into a street storm drain in San Marcos?
Does every San Marcos property pay a stormwater fee?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Marcos
Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Marcos to another location·View the Texas environmental rules overview
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