Non-functional turf refers to grassy areas that are purely decorative and not actively used for recreational purposes or for civic or community events. These areas typically serve no practical function beyond looks and are not intended for activities such as sports, picnics, or gatherings. Essentially, it’s grassy areas that no one walks on, except to mow it.
Reimagine non-functional turf
FOR COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, AND INSTITUTIONAL PROPERTIES
Understanding AB 1572
What is non-functional turf?
CII PROPERTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
Shopping centers
Homeowners' Associations (HOAs)
Industrial complexes/warehouses
Educational institutions
NON-FUNCTIONAL TURF INCLUDED BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO:
Turf that is solely decorative
Streetscape turf along:
— Private/public streets and areas maintained by the city/municipality
— Sidewalks
— Driveways/parking lots
— Community and business frontage areas
— Medians and roundabouts
Certain HOA-managed landscape areas without recreational benefit to the community
Turf in front of, between, behind, or adjacent to buildings located on property not zoned exclusively for single-family residence
EXAMPLES OF NON-FUNCTIONAL TURF
Driveways/parking lots
Business frontage areas
EXAMPLES OF FUNCTIONAL TURF
HOA-managed community spaces
Community recreational fields
Non-functional turf legislation
In October 2023, the Governor signed AB 1572, pivotal legislation targeting conservation of potable (drinking) water resources by prohibiting its use for the irrigation of non-functional turf on commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties. This law marks a significant step toward sustainable water management practices in the state. Besides substantial water savings, AB 1572 encourages the adoption of California-friendly landscaping, which is more sustainable and environmentally beneficial. California-friendly landscapes support local ecology, reduce landscape maintenance costs and efforts, and decreases reliance on pesticides. The bill’s implementation will occur gradually in phases over five years starting in 2027.
*Please note, the irrigation of turf with recycled water or harvested rainwater is not limited by the legislation.
AB 1572 Implementation
Irrigation with potable water on non-functional turf will be prohibited for specific areas on the following dates:
2027
Properties owned by local governments, except those in disadvantaged communities (DAC)*
2028
Commercial and industrial properties
2029
Common areas of homeowners’ associations, except those in DACs*
2031
Multifamily residential affordable housing properties, all municipal properties and HOAs in DACs*
*DAC: A community with an annual median household income that is less than 80 percent of the statewide annual median household income.
RESOURCES
Available rebates
Stay ahead and take advantage today! Rebate amounts are subject to change at any time and are based on availability.
PUBLIC AGENCY TURF REPLACEMENT AND PROJECT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM*
*For any governmental entity, agency or department located within Metropolitan’s service area.
Enforcement
Calleguas provides awareness, education, and support for this new law.
For details on enforcement and fines, please contact your local water provider and/or municipality.
