AB 1572 General Overview
Legislation, signed into law on October 13, 2023 AB 1572. California’s AB 1572 limits the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate non-functional turf on commercial properties, government facilities, and certain homeowner association (HOA) common areas. The law supports California’s long-term efforts to improve water efficiency and reduce potable water use.
The following property types must comply by the dates listed below for more information click on each :
These new rules provide an opportunity to create welcoming new spaces that showcase the beauty of low-water use native plants, highlight your commitment to a sustainable future, and provide a vision for others in your community to follow.
AB 1572 applies to nonfunctional lawn on public properties, including, but not limited to:
- Government Buildings
- Courthouses
- Public Utilities
- Police and Fire Stations
- Public Schools and Universities
- Parks and Recreation Areas
- Libraries
- Streets and Highways
By January 1, 2028 California law will prohibit the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate nonfunctional turf—lawns that serve no recreational or community purpose—at commercial & industrial properties.
AB 1572 applies to nonfunctional lawns on commercial & industrial properties, including, but not limited to:
- Office Buildings
- Hospitals
- Private Schools & Universities
- Grocery & Retail Stores
- Religious Institutions
- Hotels
- Banks
- Restaurants
- Golf Courses
- Gas Stations
By January 1, 2029 California law will prohibit the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate nonfunctional turf—lawns that serve no recreational or community purpose— at common areas managed by homeowner associations (HOAs).
The new law provides an opportunity to create attractive new spaces that showcase the beauty of water-wise and native plants, increase curb appeal, and provide a vision for others to follow.
Beginning January 1, 2031 Properties owned by local governments in Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) or when state funding for turf replacement is available
Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional properties (CII) with more than 5,000 square feet of an irrigated area will be required to self-certify to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) every three years beginning June 30, 2030.
HOA properties with more than 5,000 square feet of an irrigated area will be required to self-certify with the SWRCB every three years beginning June 30, 2031.
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A visual example of the AB 1572 impact: This HOA-managed slope transitioned from nonfunctional turf—once irrigated with potable water—to a drought-tolerant landscape featuring native plants, mulch, and dry creek elements.
NON-FUNCTIONAL TURF POLICY
The customer whose name is on the account shall be the party responsible for compliance. This policy does not limit any other policy or resolution of the company, for water conservation and/ or drought restrictions.
Non-functional Turf is described as any common area that is decorative and has no other function. Nonfunctional turf includes but not limited to:
1) Turf or ground cover within the street right of ways or parking lots.
2) Common areas is an area that is not assigned for exclusive use of the occupants of an individual dwelling unit within a property
3) Common areas of Homeowners associations
4) Turf which is enclosed by fencing or other barriers to permanently preclude human access for recreation or assembly. Functional Turf is defined as common turf located in a recreational use areas or community gatherings. These might include sporting fields, picnic areas, and cemeteries. This also includes single family residential properties.
Functional Turf is defined as common turf located in a recreational use areas or community gatherings. These might include sporting fields, picnic areas, and cemeteries. This also includes single family residential properties.
1) The use of potable water to ensure the health of trees and other perennial vegetation or to the extent necessary to address immediate health and safety needs.
2) Turf that has been designated by a property or government agency to accommodate human foot traffic for civic, ceremonial, or other community events or social gatherings; turf located in recreational use or community space; turf located in sports fields, golf courses, playgrounds, picnic areas or pet exercise areas.
3) This policy shall not apply to private residential properties, including residences located within a homeowner’s association or common interest development.
Failure to comply with AB 1572’s nonfunctional lawn irrigation restrictions can result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day (California Water Code §1846). Enforcement specifics may vary by water agency; please get in touch with your local water provider for details.
visit Non Functional Turf to find tools, rebates, and guidance for your property type.
Transform your outdoor space into a beautiful, sustainable, and water-efficient landscape with Metropolitan’s Turf Replacement Program. Residential and commercial customers may qualify for rebates starting at $2 per square foot when replacing grass with California Friendly® and native plants. Customers may also receive an additional $100 for each eligible tree added to the project, up to five trees.
Turf Replacement Program additional incentives are available for weather-based irrigation controllers, rotating sprinkler nozzles and rain barrels. Visit SoCal WaterSmart or call 888.376.3314 for program details!
Click below to download our flyer for AB 1572
AB 1572 Flyer.pdf