Starting January 2027, many public and commercial properties must stop using drinking water on grass that serves no real recreational or community use.
California law (AB 1572) will prohibit the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate nonfunctional turf—lawns that serve no recreational or community purpose—at most commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties, including common areas managed by homeowner associations (HOAs).
Nonfunctional lawn refers to irrigated lawn that is ornamental and not regularly used for recreation or public gatherings. If the landscaper is the only person who ever walks on the lawn, it’s likely nonfunctional. Some examples include:
Decorative lawn along sidewalks, building edges, or fences.
Unused patches near signage or building entries.
Lawn in medians, roundabouts, parking lots, or entry zones.
Sloped lawn areas.
Check if your property is affected
Review the timeline below to understand who is affected and when.
Beginning January 1, 2027
Properties owned or leased by the Department of General Services (state government) and other state and local government properties must discontinue the use of potable water on nonfunctional turf.
Beginning January 1, 2028
The ban extends to commercial, industrial, and institutional properties, including business parks, hospitals, educational campuses, and similar locations.
Common areas of homeowners’ associations (HOAs), common interest developments, and community service organizations or similar entities must comply with the prohibition.
The ban applies to local government-managed properties located in disadvantaged communities (DACs), but only once state funding becomes available to support the transition.
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What is Nonfunctional Turf (NFT)?
Who needs to comply?
What are the deadlines for compliance?
Why was this law passed?
How much are the fines?