AB 1572 Nonfunctional Turf Ban
In 2023, AB 1572 was passed. The legislation calls for the banning of irrigation of nonfunctional turf with potable (drinking) water. This legislation is set to go into effect in stages, beginning in 2027 and will impact commercial, industrial, and institutional properties as well as HOA common areas.
The goal of the law is to ensure a resilient water supply for California communities in the face of increasing climate and water uncertainty.
What is Nonfunctional Turf?
Nonfunctional turf is any lawn area that is purely ornamental and is not used for recreational or public gathering purposes.
Examples of nonfunctional turf include (but are not limited to):
Street medians, rights of ways, and parking lots.
Decorative lawn strips along parking lots
Unused patches near signage or building entries
Lawn between buildings with no clear use
Decorative lawn along sidewalks, building edges, or fences
Who Does it Apply To?
The legislation applies to only commercial, institutional, and industrial properties as well as communal properties managed by HOAs or similar entities. This law does not apply to areas owned and managed by individual homeowners.
The legislation only applies to areas defined as nonfunctional turf. Nonfunctional areas are typically areas that are purely ornamental and not used for recreation, sports, or public gatherings.
Nonfunctional Turf Resources and Information Website
Check out Turf Nonfunctional Turf website for a full suite of resources to help you navigate the new law. This includes resources for HOAs, commercial businesses, and landscape professionals.
When Does It Go Into Effect?
The legislation goes into effect in tiers.
January 1, 2027– Public properties owned or managed by state and local governments, including public school districts
January 1, 2028-Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties
January 1, 2029– Common areas managed by homeowner associations, common interest development, and community service organizations.
January 1, 2031– Public properties in Disadvantaged Communities, contingent upon available state financial assistance or when state funding for lawn replacement becomes available.
Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Landscape Rebates
SCWA offers rebates for CII properties for landscape transformations. Get up to $7500 to remove your lawn and replace it with water-efficient landscaping.
Examples of Nonfunctional Turf
