Local businesses in San Marcos

San Marcos takes residential, commercial, plumbing, site, subdivision and zoning applications online through MGO Connect, and inspections are scheduled in the same portal. Questions go to planninginfo@sanmarcostx.gov or 512.393.8230, and the city's Permit Center page has the links. Ask any contractor which permit their job needs and get the number before work starts. Ask the permit center, too, whether the city requires contractors to register.

San Marcos historic districts

The city has 7 locally designated historic districts: six residential and one covering the commercial center. Downtown and part of Belvin Street are also on the National Register. Exterior work on a property in a local district falls under historic preservation rules, so call the city before a roof, window or siding job.

San Marcos electricity

SMTX Utilities publishes city electric rates; from October 1, 2026 the residential minimum charge is $12.94 plus $0.03934 per kWh and a power cost recovery factor. PEC also lists San Marcos among its primary cities. Which one serves you depends on location, and neither municipal nor co-op areas have retail electric choice.

San Marcos water and Stage 3

SMTX Utilities pumps groundwater from the Edwards Aquifer and is a partner in Alliance Water with Kyle, Buda and the Canyon Regional Water Authority. As of October 22, 2026, the city was in Stage 3: hose-end and automatic sprinklers one day every other week on your designated weekday, before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m. The Edwards Aquifer Authority returned its San Antonio Pool permit holders, including parts of Hays County, to Stage 2 effective October 5, 2026, when the San Marcos Springs 10-day average was 89 cubic feet per second. That EAA stage governs well permit holders; city customers follow the city's stage.

San Marcos flooding

The city says floodwaters from its three waterways can cover many blocks three or four feet deep, and in November 2001 the Blanco River flooded within an hour of a thunderstorm starting. The city provides elevation certificates and flood map information, which are worth asking for before you buy or build.

Brush and appraisal in San Marcos

Residential garbage customers can drop off brush free on the second Saturday of each month, weather permitting, and pick up free mulch. Homes are appraised by the Hays Central Appraisal District, which takes protests online.

San Marcos had 67,553 residents in the 2020 Census.

Home systems in San Marcos

• Plumbers and AC repair
• Electricians and pest control
• Cleaning services and movers

Outdoor work in San Marcos

• Roofing companies, with historic district rules in some neighborhoods
• Tree service and pool service

Professional services in San Marcos

• Attorneys and realtors
• Dentists and gyms

San Marcos is part of the Austin area. Kyle is the next city north and New Braunfels lies to the south.