Public Works

Report a problem with streets including street lights, street signs, sidewalks, traffic signals, and dead animal and graffiti removal. The division also coordinates the department-wide team of rotating call-out crews and contractors that respond to service requests and emergencies after normal business hours.

Report concerns like graffiti, sidewalk cracks, parks maintenance, code violations and more through our San Marcos city app:

• Create an account to track your request
• Upload a photo or location 

To report a landscaping maintenance concern, download our San Marcos City App or use the desktop version.

Request tree removal

If you would like to request the removal of any city trees, please fill out the Tree Removal application(PDF, 367KB) and submit to Public Works via email at PublicWorks@sanmarcosca.gov. All applications will be reviewed by a city arborist and will be responded to within five business days.

Email a request

Tree maintenance and inspections

The City of San Marcos adopted a Tree Maintenance and Inspection policy(PDF, 253KB) to establish guidelines for the care and protection of trees in order to promote health, safety, and quality of life within San Marcos. 

Landscaping and irrigation standards

The documents below outline landscape and irrigation standards and approved materials for community facility districts and capital improvement projects.

Approved Materials List(PDF, 149KB)  
Approved Tree List(PDF, 268KB) 
Landscape and Irrigation Design Standards(PDF, 149KB) 
Landscape and Irrigation Plan Notes for Capital Improvement Projects(PDF, 171KB) 
Landscape and Irrigation Plan Notes for Privately Construction CFDs (PDF, 149KB)
Landscape and Irrigation Special Provisions (PDF, 2MB)
Landscape and Irrigation Standard Drawings(PDF, 7MB)

Pesticide use in San Marcos

San Marcos follows an Integrated Pest Management policy, prioritizing non-chemical methods first, such as using mulches, ground covers and other strategies. Pesticides are used only when necessary and are primarily limited to the category deemed least toxic by the EPA. We follow California State Law to ensure all pesticide applications on city-maintained properties are reported monthly to the Department of Pesticide Regulation.

All applications are performed by trained City staff or contractors under the supervision of a State-licensed Qualified Pesticide Applicator. The city uses a variety of products, including:

• Selective pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides
• Non-selective herbicides
• Selective fungicides and insecticides

To protect public health and safety, the city:

• Applies pesticides when public use is minimal
• Avoids applications during windy conditions

The City of San Marcos does not provide water and sewer service to residents and businesses. These services are handled by one of three agencies, depending on the location. 

For service or to report a problem, please contact your agency directly. 

Vallecitos Water District

Vallecitos website 
Water service area map 
Sewer service area map

Vista Irrigation District

Vista Irrigation District website
Water service area map

Rincon Diablo Water District

Rincon Diablo website
Service area map