NonFunctionalTurf

PUBLIC PROPERTIES

Compliance Required January 2027

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

COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL

Compliance Required January 2028

Office Buildings
Hotels
Restaurants
Banks
Retail Spaces
Warehouses
Religious Institutions
Gas Stations
Hospitals

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Compliance Required starting January 2027

Elementary Schools
High Schools
Junior High Schools
Colleges
Universities

HOA COMMON AREAS

Compliance Required January 2029

Shared outdoor spaces
Medians, roundabouts, or entry signage zones
Parks
Narrow strips in parking lots
Decorative lawn along sidewalks, buildings, or fences

California law (AB 1572) will prohibit the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate nonfunctional turf—lawns that serve no recreational or community purpose—at most commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties, including common areas managed by homeowner associations (HOAs).

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

Does My Property Have NFT?

Why does it matter?

Smarter Water Use

AB 1572 helps California prepare for long-term water shortages by eliminating unnecessary irrigation on useless grass.

Cost Savings

Removing thirsty ornamental lawn cuts down on water and maintenance bills for businesses, HOAs, and public institutions.

Stay Compliant

AB 1572 is now state law. Planning your lawn transition early helps take advantage of available rebates and avoid future fines.

Resources For Landscapers

From innovative installation and irrigation upgrades to strategies for protecting and preserving trees
during the transition, the new requirements open up fresh avenues for skilled landscape professionals.

Learn More

Get Started

Select your property type to find resources

PUBLIC PROPERTIES

Compliance Required January 2027

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

Learn More

COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL & INSTITUTIONAL

Compliance Required January 2028

Office Buildings
Retail Spaces
Hotels
Warehouses
Restaurants
Banks
Religious Institutions
Hospitals
Gas Stations

Learn More

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Compliance Required starting January 2027

Elementary Schools
Junior High Schools
High Schools
Colleges
Community Colleges
Universities

Learn More

HOA COMMON AREAS

Compliance Required January 2029

Medians, roundabouts, or entry signage zones
Shared outdoor spaces
Narrow strips in parking lots
Parks
Decorative lawn along sidewalks, buildings, or fences

Learn More

Best Practices for Existing Trees During Lawn Conversion

Trees offer big benefits for neighborhoods and the environment—often saving more water than they use. Learn more about how to protect your existing trees while creating a more water-wise landscape.

Learn More

FAQ

What is Nonfunctional Turf (NFT)?

Nonfunctional lawn refers to an irrigated lawn that is purely decorative and not regularly used for recreation or public gatherings. A general rule of thumb is if the landscaper is the only person who ever walks on the lawn, it's likely nonfunctional.

Who needs to comply?

Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties (offices, retail centers, schools, hospitals, etc.), common areas of HOAs, and public agency landscapes (parks, civic campuses, medians) are all required to comply with the new rules.

What are the deadlines for compliance?

January 1, 2027 - Public properties owned or managed by local governments, including public school districts
January 1, 2028 - Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties
January 1, 2029 - Common areas managed by homeowner associations, common interest development, and community service organizations
January 1, 2031 - Public properties in Disadvantaged Communities, contingent upon available state financial assistance or when state funding for turf replacement becomes available.

Why was this law passed?

Drought is a way of life in California, and periods of drought are becoming more frequent and intense as the climate continues to warm. By transforming areas of lawn that serve no purpose into water-wise landscapes, California can save millions of gallons of drinking water a year. This will help strengthen California’s ability to endure future droughts and protect this precious resource, so that it’s always available when you need it.

How much are the fines?

Failure to comply with AB 1572’s nonfunctional lawn irrigation restrictions can result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day (California Water Code §1846). Enforcement specifics may vary; please get in touch with your local water provider for details.