Assembly Bill 1572 - Nonfunctional Turf

Background

Assembly Bill 1572 (AB 1572) was signed into law in October 2023 with the goal of promoting water efficiency and preserving the State’s water supply. AB 1572 prohibits the use of potable water-- also known as drinking water--for irrigation of decorative lawns at commercial, industrial and institutional locations, and within Homeowner Associations (HOAs). 

What is Non-functional Turf? 

Pictured:Example of NFT in the public right-of-way 

Non-functional Turf (NFT) is ornamental grass not used for recreation, civic and/or other community events. NFT also includes turf that is irrigated for aesthetics such as street medians and parking lots.

Functional turf is grass located in a recreational area or community gathering space not enclosed by fencing to prevent human access including areas for civic, ceremonial, or other community events and social gatherings; functional turf can also serve as areas for recreation, including sports fields, golf courses, playgrounds, and pet exercise.

Which type properties are affected by AB 1572? 

The irrigation ban applies to all commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties across the state of California including the following but not limited to:  

  • City and county land

  • Educational institutions

  • Government, public agency buildings

  • Grocery and retail stores

  • Homeowner association owned properties, and common areas of apartment, condominiums, and townhomes

  • Hospitals

  • Office, warehouse, and industrial buildings

  • Religious institutions 

  • Restaurants 

Important: AB 1572 does not apply to:  

  • Any grass or landscaping irrigated with recycled water

  • Residential landscapes

  • School sports fields, community parks, athletic fields and cemeteries Grass watered directly beneath tree canopies or shrubs

When will AB 1572 take effect? 

California AB 1572 took effect January 1, 2024. The schedule below identifies the phased timeframe for various customer groups to comply with the law.  

 

Customer Groups

 

Compliance Date

State government properties

Local government properties

January 1, 2027

Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties

January 1, 2028

Homeowners’ association common areas

Mobile parks

Retirement Communities

January 1, 2029

Local government properties in disadvantaged communities (DAC)    

January 1, 2031

* All CII properties over 5,000 square feet must self-certify compliance with the state by January 1, 2030. 

Self-certification

CII properties with 5,000+ square feet of irrigated turf must self-certify to the State Water Resources Control Board that their property complies every three years beginning June 30, 2030.

HOA properties with 5,000+ square feet of irrigated area must self-certify that their property complies every three years beginning June 30, 2031.

The State Water Resources Control Board is in the process of developing the self-certification form. 

Getting Started 

Long Beach Utilities aims to partner with our customers by prioritizing education, engagement and turf replacement program support. Here are few recommendations to get started: 

1. Request an AB 1572 meeting with Long Beach Utilities staff to discuss your pathway to compliance and develop a compliance plan. 

2. Begin your Lawn-to-Garden Commercial Application to replace your non-functional turf with a climate-resilient garden.  

3. Request an AB 1572 education presentation.

4. Request an AB 1572 site assessment to determine which areas are considered non-functional turf and which areas are functional turf.

Email waterconservation@lbutilities.org to schedule a meeting and/or presentation. 

 

 

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