San Marcos Concrete Permits and City Rules

San Marcos sets clear rules for work near the street and for digging. Here is what the city's own pages say, and what to ask before a concrete job.

Right of Way Work

The city's land development FAQ says any work in the right of way needs a ROW permit issued by the city. It lists curb cuts, driveways, sidewalk replacement, curb cores and landscape planting.

Typically the first ten feet from the face of the curb is public right of way. The city suggests a registered land surveyor for the exact line on your lot.

Grading

A grading permit is required for an excavation two feet or more in depth, or one that creates a slope greater than five feet in height and steeper than 1.5 to 1.

Retaining Walls

The Engineering Division's applicant guide, effective June 8, 2001, says walls less than three feet tall from the top of the footing are exempt from its retaining wall policy. Walls built to Section C of the San Diego Area Regional Standard Drawings may skip calculations but must drain. Walls under a building permit fall outside the Engineering policy. See retaining walls.

Patios and Slabs on Your Lot

We did not find a San Marcos page that says when a patio or slab on private land needs a building permit. Ask the city before work starts and note who you talked to.

Digging Notice

Under Government Code 4216.2, the person digging must notify the regional notice center at least two working days and not more than 14 calendar days before the dig. The notice day does not count. Call 811.

Questions