FAQs • City of San Marcos, TX • CivicEngage

How does the Hays County burn ban impact the use of fireworks outside of San Marcos city limits?: Hays County is currently under a burn ban, which prohibits outdoor burning including brush burning, bonfires, and burning household debris. Because of the burn ban, the Hays County Commissioners Court voted to temporarily ban the sale of two types of fireworks: skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins. This means that fireworks other than the restricted varieties can be sold and used in unincorporated areas of Hays County, even with the burn ban in effect.

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2022 July 4th Fireworks

1. What’s the City of San Marcos Code of Ordinances pertaining to fireworks?: “The sale, possession, storage, discharge, or offer for sale of fireworks” is declared a public nuisance according to Chapter 38 of the City of San Marcos Code of Ordinances Sec. 28.054. The owner, lessee or occupant of the property or structure where fireworks are being stored or used are deemed responsible for violations of the ordinance.

2. Are fireworks allowed in San Marcos?: It is illegal to sell, possess, store, discharge, or offer fireworks for sale within the city limits of San Marcos or within 5,000 feet of San Marcos city limits, including sparklers and noisemakers. There are no types of fireworks that can legally be used in San Marcos.

3. What is the penalty for using fireworks within San Marcos city limits, or within 5,000 feet of the city limits?: The ordinance is part of the fire safety code, which carries fines for violations of up to $2,000.

4. I've noticed someone illegally popping fireworks. Who do I call?: To report illegal use of fireworks, call the non-emergency line at 512-753-2108. Please only call 911 if it is a life-threatening emergency so that our dispatchers remain available to respond to other emergency calls.

5. Will there be a public firework display in San Marcos?: Yes! The City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department will host the 42nd annual SummerFest firework show on Monday, July 4. Fireworks will be launched from the Bobcat Stadium west parking lot, located behind HEB, beginning at 9:30 p.m. Patriotic music will simulcast on 89.9 KTSW radio station.

The best places to park for the public firework display include:

• The San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E Hopkins St.

• The San Marcos Public Library, 625 E Hopkins St.

• San Marcos City Hall, 630 E Hopkins St.

• Bobcat Stadium, 1100 Aquarena Springs Dr.

7. I plan to watch the display from a city park. What are the rules?: Prohibited items in city parks include consumption and public display of alcohol, glass containers, Styrofoam containers, and smoking or e-cigarettes/inhaled vapor devices. Unless otherwise posted, park curfew is 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Trash should be properly discarded. We recommend leaving pets safely at home during the firework display. A full list of park rules may be found online at sanmarcostx.gov/parkrules.

8. Will this year’s SummerFest event include the Children’s Patriotic Costume Contest?: This year’s Children’s Patriotic Costume Contest is being held virtually. Submissions were due via email by June 27. The deadline to enter the contest has passed, however voting will continue on the SMTX Community Services Facebook page through Tuesday, July 5 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be announced Wednesday, July 6.

9. I live outside of San Marcos city limits. If I plan to set off fireworks, what rules should I follow?: Fireworks cannot be lit near schools, including colleges or universities, churches, hospitals, licensed childcare centers, gas stations, or near where fireworks are sold. Fireworks cannot be ignited or discharged in or from a motor vehicle or thrown toward a motor vehicle.

10. How does the Hays County burn ban impact the use of fireworks outside of San Marcos city limits?: Hays County is currently under a burn ban, which prohibits outdoor burning including brush burning, bonfires, and burning household debris. Because of the burn ban, the Hays County Commissioners Court voted to temporarily ban the sale of two types of fireworks: skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins. This means that fireworks other than the restricted varieties can be sold and used in unincorporated areas of Hays County, even with the burn ban in effect.

11. I live outside of San Marcos city limits and plan to set off fireworks permitted for use. What safety tips should I follow?: Always follow the instructions listed with the firework and avoid shooting fireworks near dry grass, brush, or other materials that can easily catch fire. Keep fireworks out of the hands of children and never aim a firework where they could land on a house or hit a person. Have a bucket of water, a garden hose, or another water source accessible in case of an emergency. Always pick up and soak firework debris in water prior to disposal.