Non-Functional Turf Ban (AB 1572)

New Statewide Ban on Irrigating Non-Functional Turf

In fall 2023, California State Legislature passed the Non-Functional Turf Bill, also known as Assembly Bill 1572, which prohibits the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate “non-functional turf” (NFT) at commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties, municipal local and state properties, and HOA common areas and common interest developments.

About Assembly Bill 1572

AB 1572 aligns with California’s statewide efforts to promote efficient water use, conservation, and water-wise sustainable landscaping.

This ban applies to any method of irrigation with drinking water, including automated sprinkler systems, hoses, and watering cans.

This regulation does not apply to artificial turf/grass.

What is Non-Functional Turf?

"Non-Functional Turf (NFT)" is defined as live, decorative grass or lawn areas that are “non-functional” or not used for recreational purposes. This generally includes grass and lawns that are solely ornamental and streetscaped areas such as:

  • Grass along private and public streets, including grass maintained by the City
  • Grass in medians, roundabouts, or entry signage zones
  • Narrow lawn strips in and around driveways and parking lots
  • Decorative lawns along sidewalks, buildings, or fences
  • Grass between buildings with no seating, access, or activity
  • Sloped or oddly shaped areas that are hard to use or irrigate efficiently

What is Functional Turf?

“Functional Turf” is defined as grass or lawn used for recreation or other purposes, such as sport and athletic fields, golf courses, picnic areas, and cemeteries. 

Compliance Deadlines by Property Type

The irrigation ban applies to state and local government properties, CII properties, educational institutions, and HOA communities and common areas. Compliance deadlines vary depending on the property type:

  • January 1, 2027: Municipal (state and local) and other publicly owned properties 
  • January 1, 2028: All commercial, industrial, and institutional properties
  • January 1, 2029: HOA communities and common areas and other common interest developments 
  • January, 1, 2031: Local government properties in disadvantaged communities

Property Owner Requirements

Check back here for updates on compliance certification.

Property owners are required to submit a Compliance Certification Form to certify that their properties comply with AB 1572.

  • June 30, 2030: Owners of CII properties with more than 5,000 SF of irrigated area (other than cemeteries) shall certify that their property is AB 1572 compliant with the State Water Board every three years through 2039
  • June 30, 2031: Owners of HOA and common interest developments with more than 5,000 SF of irrigated area shall certify that their property is AB 1572 compliant with the State Water Board every three years through 2040

Exemptions

  • Single family residential lawns
  • Functional grass or lawns for sports, recreation, and community activities
  • Trees within NFT areas or that are watered without spray or overhead irrigation
  • Grass irrigated with recycled or non-potable water
  • Other functional turf areas

Additional Resources

Questions?

Water Conservation Program Staff Contact: waterconservation@hayward-ca.gov or call (510) 583-4700.