California Assembly Bill 1572 was passed into law last year and took effect on January 1, 2024. The bill prohibits the use of potable water for the irrigation of nonfunctional turf located on commercial, industrial, and institutional properties, homeowners’ associations, common-interest developments, and community-service organizations. Residential lawns are exempt. 

Nonfunctional turf (NFT) is defined as a lawn that is decorative only and not used for gatherings, walkways, or other activities. Street medians are considered NFT, but exceptions may be made if trees are present. The details of enforcement are still being worked out, but the message is clear: Decorative lawns are on the way out in California. 

Luckily, many Bay Area water districts still offer incentives in the form of rebates per square foot of lawn replaced with drought-adapted landscaping. Contact your Area Manager to find out more about these programs and help your property avoid problems (and penalties!) in the future.

Our Design and Horticulture Department can help you explore ways to convert your thirsty lawns into water-conserving landscapes. See accompanying examples of lawn replacements.