Nonfunctional Turf:
Assembly Bill
(AB)1572
In fall of 2023, Assembly Bill 1572 was passed prohibiting
the use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf located on commercial, industrial, and institutional properties (Cll). The legislation will replace a temporary non-functional turf irrigation ban enacted during the last drought and will be phased in beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
What is Changing?
Non-functional turf is ornamental grass not used for recreation, civic and/or other community events. It includes turf irrigated for aesthetics such as street medians and parking lots.
Functional turf can include sports fields, parks, or other turf used for recreation, such as golf courses, playgrounds, picnic grounds, or pet exercise areas.
Examples of nonfunctional turf
What properties are affected?
The irrigation ban applies to commercial, industrial, and institutional
(Cll) properties including those below, but not limited to:
- City and county land
- Educational institutions
- Government, public agency buildings
- Grocery and retail stores
- Homeowner association owned properties and common interest developments
- Hospitals
- Office, warehouse, and industrial buildings
- Religious institutions
- Restaurants
When will this ban take effect?
Compliance will be phased in beginning January 1, 2027
January 1, 2027
January 1, 2028
January 1, 2029
January 1, 2031
State-owned properties, local governments, and public agencies
Commercial, industrial, & institutional properties
HOA common areas
& similar entities
(or when state funding is made
available, whichever is later):
Government properties located in
disadvantaged communities
January 1, 2027
State-owned properties, local governments, and public agencies
January 1, 2028
Commercial, industrial, & institutional properties
January 1, 2029
HOA common areas
& similar entities
January 1, 2031
(or when state funding is made
available, whichever is later):
Government properties located in
disadvantaged communities
Be Best In Grass:
Beautiful Landscapes.
Less Water. More Value.
Removing nonfunctional turf doesn’t have to mean leaving an area bare or simply turning off the irrigation. Replacing turf with a water-wise landscape can create an attractive, low-maintenance space while reducing water use and supporting a healthier local environment. Want to learn more about how to Be Best in Grass? Click here (hyperlink to fact sheet PDF) for more ideas and resources to help transform your landscape.
Rebates and other resources may also be available to help make the transition easier, including turf replacement, irrigation upgrades, and other water-wise landscaping improvements. Visit SoCalWaterSmart.com for more information.
Need Inspiration?
Beautiful. Functional. Water-wise.
Helpful
resources
- nonfunctionalturfca.org
- Turf Replacement Program for Public Agencies (hyperlink to PDF, attached)
- Commercial Replacement Program (hyperlink to PDF, attached)
For questions, contact:
Katherine Vazquez, Water Resources Analyst I Katherine@usgvmwd.org