Non-Functional Turf AB 1572

AB 1572 requires local water suppliers to adopt their own policies around the prohibition of potable water on nonfunctional turf.  District Ordinance No. 61 prohibits wasteful water use, including medians irrigated with potable water. An upcoming amendment to the ordinance will include all new guidelines surrounding AB 1572 and non-functional turf compliance.

What is Non-functional Turf (NFT)?

Nonfunctional lawn refers to irrigated lawn that is ornamental and not regularly used for recreation or public gatherings. If the landscaper is the only person who ever walks on the lawn, it’s likely nonfunctional. Some examples include:

  • Decorative lawn along sidewalks, building edges, or fences
  • Unused patches near signage or building entries
  • Lawn in medians, roundabouts, parking lots, or entry signage zones
  • Sloped lawn areas
A sidewalk with a lawn on one side, where sprinklers are watering the grass, and cars visible on the road nearby.
A divided road with vehicles on one side and a grassy median featuring a small tree in the center.
An asphalt parking area with a grassy median, showing a vehicle parked nearby and some fallen leaves on the ground.
A sidewalk with a lawn on one side, where sprinklers are watering the grass, and cars visible on the road nearby.
A divided road with vehicles on one side and a grassy median featuring a small tree in the center.
An asphalt parking area with a grassy median, showing a vehicle parked nearby and some fallen leaves on the ground.

What is functional turf? Lawn regularly used for organized sports, school activities, events, or other recreation.

This would include:

  • Athletic fields
  • School playfields
  • Event lawns
  • Golf course tees and greens (playing surfaces only)
  • Pet exercise areas
  • Playground areas within parks or schools
  • Cemeteries and memorial lawn areas
  • Community parks and game areas

When do customers need to comply?


PUBLIC, LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROPERTIES
Compliance Required January 2027

  • Parks and Recreation Areas
  • Public Utilities
  • Military Bases
  • Streets and Highways
  • Libraries and Schools
  • Government Buildings
  • Court Houses
  • Police and Fire Stations
     

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Compliance Required Starting January 2027

  • Elementary Schools
  • Junior High Schools
  • High Schools
  • Colleges
  • Community Colleges
  • Universities
     

COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES

Compliance Required January 2028

  • Office Buildings
  • Hotels
  • Restaurants
  • Religious Institutions
  • Retail Spaces
  • Gas Stations
  • Manufacturing Facilities
  • Hospitals
  • Banks
     

    HOA COMMON AREAS

    Compliance Required January 2029

    • Parking lots
    • Sidewalks
    • Stairways
    • Shared outdoor spaces
    • Gardens
    • Parks