San Marcos, TX Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)

City Code § 34.104 bars camping in any public area except where official signs permit it. "Camping" is defined broadly in § 34.100 to include sleeping or laying out bedding, storing personal belongings, erecting a tent or shelter, making a fire, or cooking, so bedding or gear left on a sidewalk or in a park can trigger the ordinance even without an arrest for trespassing. Police or park rangers may remove and store any tent, shelter, vehicle, or property left in violation, at the owner's expense. It is an affirmative defense if the person owns the property or has the property owner's written permission to camp there.