Code Compliance

Step 1.Gather the details

Collect the address, specific location and a description of the issue. If possible, include a photo of the violation. Also, note the time and day, if the violation occurs at a particular time. 

Verify the address is located within the City of San Marcos city limits.  For properties located in unincorporated San Diego County, please contact the county's code compliance team.

Step 2.Report your concern

Submit your request using the city's San Marcos app.

Get the app

Please note we do not accept anonymous reports. We need to have your contact information so we can follow up to get additional information or clarification.

Step 3.City investigates

After a complaint is made, a Code Compliance Officer will visit the site to confirm a violation exists. Contact is made with the property owner to discuss the violation and identify corrective action steps

In most cases, the property owner was simply unaware of the regulations. We give the property owner a reasonable time frame to complete the required corrections, with the goal of voluntary compliance.

Step 1.Overgrown yards

Grass or weeds that are too tall, vegetation blocking sidewalks or growing into the street — San Marcos Municipal Code chapter 10.48 (property maintenance and appearance)

Step 2.Junk or debris

Piles of trash, discarded items, old appliances or broken furniture stored outdoors, loose trash visible from the street — San Marcos Municipal Code chapter 10.48 (property maintenance and appearance)

Step 3.Buildings in bad condition

Peeling paint, broken windows, sagging fences, unsafe sheds or patio structures, rotted wood or visible decay — San Marcos Municipal Code chapter 10.48 (property maintenance and appearance)

Step 4.Unsanitary or unsafe conditions

Items that attract rodents or insects, standing water that can breed mosquitoes, strong odors from trash, accumulated pet waste — San Marcos Municipal Code chapter 10.48 (property maintenance and appearance)

Step 5.Vehicles

Stored improperly on the property, inoperable vehicles stored in the yard, vehicles leaking fluids, cars parked on unpaved areas creating dust or erosion — San Marcos Municipal Code chapter 10.48 (property maintenance and appearance)

Step 6.Fences, walls, or gates

Leaning or broken fences, missing boards, graffiti that is not cleaned, damaged retaining walls — San Marcos Municipal Code chapter 10.48 (property maintenance and appearance)

Step 7.Landscaping not maintained

Dead trees or shrubs left in place, irrigation or drainage that causes flooding or runoff onto neighboring properties — San Marcos Municipal Code chapter 10.48 (property maintenance and appearance)

Step 8.Exterior clutter

Visible from the street, excessive storage in front yards or driveways, tarps, tools, equipment, containers or boxes left out long-term — San Marcos Municipal Code chapter 10.48 (property maintenance and appearance)

Step 9.Unsafe conditions that may affect neighbors

Loose roofing materials, items stacked so they could fall or blow onto other properties, fire hazards from dry vegetation or debris — San Marcos Municipal Code chapter 10.48 (property maintenance and appearance)

Step 10.Lack of basic property upkeep

Broken exterior lights hanging by wires, gutters full of debris, house numbers missing or unreadable — San Marcos Municipal Code chapter 10.48 (property maintenance and appearance)