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).
New rules create a chance to rethink outdoor spaces. Many lawns are costly to maintain and rarely used. With the right planning, they can be transformed into attractive, water-wise landscapes that can reduce costs, look great, and help protect local water supplies for the future—and contribute to a higher-quality, more appealing community environment.
Single Family Properties are NOT Included in the Ban.
What is Nonfunctional Lawn?
Nonfunctional lawn refers to irrigated lawn that is ornamental and not regularly used for recreation or public gatherings.
If the only time people walk on the lawn is to mow it, it’s likely nonfunctional.
Common Examples of Nonfunctional Lawn
- Narrow lawn strips in or around parking lots
- Decorative lawn along sidewalks, building edges, or fences
- Lawn between buildings with no seating, access, or activity
- Lawn in medians, roundabouts, or entry signage zones
- Sloped or oddly-shaped areas that are hard to use or water efficiently
Allowed Exceptions
- Single Family properties are not included in the ban
- Parks and public recreational spaces
- Sports fields
- Lawn watered with recycled water
- Health and safety needs
- Cemeteries
- Area within/under the canopy of a tree
- Any other areas where people regularly gather, play, or engage in recreational activities
Compliance Timeline
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 (CII)
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
*You are not required to replace lawn by these dates—only to stop irrigating with potable water *
Certification Requirements
Properties with 5,000+ sq ft irrigated area must self-certify compliance to the State Water Board every 3 years.
- Public Agencies: starting June 30, 2029
- CII: starting June 30, 2030
- Multifamily and HOA common areas: starting June 30, 2031
*The State has not yet issued a form or method to file for self-certification
Lawn to Garden Rebate Program
Our program is designed to encourage low-water-use, aesthetically appealing native landscapes. It is an excellent resource for our customers wanting to reduce their outdoor water use as well as comply with the new legislature. We also offer a robust series of other programs and rebates to help maximize savings both indoor and out.
- Agencies, Multifamily, HOA common areas, & CII:
$1 / square foot of turf converted
*Rebates are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to available funding. Programs may be modified or discontinued at any time.
What Customers Should Do Next
1. Identify and Document Nonfunctional Lawn
Walk your property to assess where lawn is present. Note areas that are unused, narrow, or purely ornamental. Determine which areas are functional and which are not. Take photos, notes, or site maps to document your findings—this record can help track progress and support future self-certification requirements.
2. Coordinate with Your Team and Make a Plan
Work with staff, landscape contractors, or maintenance crews to set goals and explore options. Include input from tenants, residents, or other site users when appropriate. Focus first on areas that are highly visible, difficult to maintain, or use the most water. Use the Cal Water conservation portal to apply for our rebates.
3. Start Small and Build Over Time
Break up the project into manageable phases to fit your budget and take advantage of our rebates. Don’t wait for the deadline. Planning and phasing projects early gives you time to spread out costs and avoid rushed decisions.
*You are not required to replace lawn by the compliance dates—only to stop irrigating lawn with potable water.
Common Questions
AB 1572 affects HOA common areas only. Individual homeowners are not subject to this law for their private lawns or landscaped yards. A common area is an area maintained by the HOA that is not assigned or allocated to the exclusive use of the occupants of an individual dwelling unit within the property.