San Marcos does not impose specific municipal restrictions on residential holiday displays. Standard electrical, fire, and nuisance codes apply. HOAs may have their own seasonal decoration policies.
San Marcos does not have a specific ordinance regulating residential holiday displays. Seasonal decorations on private property are generally permitted year-round, though extended displays may be addressed as property maintenance issues under SMMC nuisance provisions. Electrical decorations must use outdoor-rated equipment and should not create fire hazards per San Marcos Fire Department standards; contact (760) 744-1050 x3411 for fire safety guidance. Displays must not obstruct public sidewalks, roadways, or driver sight distance. Illuminated displays must comply with SMMC noise and light standards, with lights generally not creating glare or light trespass onto neighboring properties. Inflatables and large displays must not encroach into the public right-of-way. HOAs within San Marcos may impose additional restrictions on the timing, type, and duration of holiday displays, subject to CC&R provisions.
Displays creating safety hazards or nuisance conditions may be addressed through Code Enforcement at (760) 744-1050 x3234. Fire hazards enforced by San Marcos Fire.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle holiday displays.
See how San Marcos's holiday displays rules stack up against other locations.
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