Historic Preservation

San Marcos is fortunate to have many neighborhoods rich in historic value and citizens committed to retaining the City's heritage. In total, there are 7 locally designated historic districts. The Downtown District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. The districts contain a variety of Victorian, Classical Revival and Craftsman architecture as well as many homes constructed in the 1940s following World War II.

The historic designation does not change the zoning of the property and has no effect on permitted land uses.

Local designation of a historic district encourages the appreciation and preservation of the physical evidence of our past. All structures in a local historic district, as well as structures designated as local landmarks, are placed under the review of the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). The Commission consists of seven citizens appointed by the City Council to serve three-year staggered terms.

Local Historic Districts

• Belvin Street; 1974 (Ordinance 1974-41 (PDF)) 
• San Antonio Street; 1982 (Ordinance 1982-31 (PDF))
• Downtown; 1986 (Ordinance 1986-59 (PDF))
• Dunbar; 2003 (Ordinance 2003-21 (PDF))
• Lindsey-Rogers; 2005 (Ordinance 2005-54 (PDF))
• Burleson Street; 2005 (Ordinance 2005-54 (PDF))
• Hopkins Street; 2008 (Ordinance 2008-4 (PDF))

Local Historic Landmarks

• The Oak Heights Live Oak Tree; 1986 (Ordinance 1986-81 (PDF))
• The Charles S. Cock House; 2004 (Ordinance 2004-16 (PDF))
• The Merriman Cabin; 2004 (Ordinance 2004-16 (PDF))
• The Dunbar School; 2004 (Ordinance 2004-16 (PDF))
• The Old Fish Hatchery; 2004 (Ordinance 2004-16 (PDF))
• The Commemorative Air Force Hangar; 2007 (Ordinance 2007-20 (PDF))
• The Graham Tower; 2007 (Ordinance 2007-20 (PDF))
• The Old African American Baptist Church; 2018 (Ordinance 2018-46 (PDF))
• The Calaboose African American History Museum Building; 2021 (Ordinance 2021-15)