Non-Functional Turf Ban (AB 1572)

In October 2023, the State of California passed Assembly Bill (AB) 1572, which prohibits using potable (drinking) water to irrigate non-functional turf at non-residential and homeowner association-owned properties. AB 1572 is one way California is striving to become more drought resilient.

Though the first phase of this bill will not go into effect until January 2027, Dublin San Ramon Services District has provided the summary below to assist our customers with understanding how AB 1572 could impact their property. It is important to note that since many of our community’s non-residential properties use recycled water for irrigation, only a very small number of our customers are expected to be affected.

What does the State of California consider to be “non-functional” turf?

“Non-functional” turf is any grass that is purely for decoration and not used for sports, recreation, or events. Turf enclosed by fencing or barriers that prevent human access is also considered non-functional. Common examples of non-functional turf include lawns in road medians, street rights-of-ways, parking lots, and thin strips along buildings.

“Functional” turf actively used for sports, recreation, or events is not affected by AB 1572. Common examples of functional turf include sports fields, parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, and pet exercise areas.

What properties will be affected by AB 1572? When will the ban take effect?

Compliance with this bill will be phased in, beginning in 2027. Each phase affects a different property category.

• January 1, 2027 - Government Properties: Properties owned by the State of California, cities, counties, and other public agencies must comply with AB 1572.
• January 1, 2028 - Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Properties: Properties such as stores, restaurants, office buildings, warehouses, industrial facilities, schools, medical facilities, and places of worship must comply with AB 1572.
• January 1, 2029 - Common Areas Owned by Homeowner Associations (HOAs) & Similar Organizations: All common areas owned by HOAs, common interest developments, mobile home parks, senior/retirement communities, community service organizations, and similar entities must comply with AB 1572. This category does not apply to landscaping at individual residential properties, even if the residence is governed by an HOA.

What turf will not be affected?

AB 1572 does not apply to:

• Turf at residential properties (even those governed by an HOA)
• Turf that is irrigated with recycled water
• Turf that has trees or perennials planted within the grass

In summary, what does this mean for my grass?

Your turf will only be affected by AB 1572 if it meets all four of the criteria below:

1. The grass is located at a non-residential property or within an HOA-owned common area.
2. The grass is irrigated with potable water, not recycled water.
3. The grass is decorative only and is not actively used for sports, recreation, or events.
4. There are no trees or perennials planted on the grass that would be impacted if the area is no longer irrigated.

Who decides if grass is non-functional?

HOAs, property managers, and/or property owners should consult with residents, employees, and/or tenants to determine if the grass on their property is currently being used for sports, recreation, or events.  Dublin San Ramon Services District will defer to the customer’s determination on whether its turf is functional. However, Dublin San Ramon Services District retains the authority to enforce the watering ban if there is a documented violation.

What can be planted instead of turf?

Dublin San Ramon Services District encourages its affected customers to replace their non-functional turf with low-water, drought-tolerant landscaping.

All property types affected by AB 1572 qualify for our Lawn Conversion Rebate Program, which provides up to $20,000 towards purchasing low-water plants, mulch, and drip irrigation supplies. Additionally, our Smart Irrigation Controller Rebate Program provides up to $3,000 towards new weather-based irrigation controllers.

Learn more about rebates

Questions?

If you are unsure if your property will be affected by AB 1572, please email waterconservation@dsrsd.com.