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# Nonfunctional Turf

A Hub for Information about Nonfunctional Turf in California

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Newest Large Landscape Project Transforms Family Business in San Marcos](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/newest-large-landscape-project-transforms-family-business-in-san-marcos/) - Newest Large Landscape Project Transforms Family Business in San Marcos The latest project completed highlighting the benefits of water smart landscapes is a large commercial business visible on the north side of Route 78 in San Marcos. The replacement of nonfunctional turf at this commercial property has been transformed into a beautiful display that will
- [Danville Begins Non-Functional Turf Replacement Mandated by State Law](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/danville-begins-non-functional-turf-replacement-mandated-by-state-law/) - Danville Begins Non-Functional Turf Replacement Mandated by State Law
- [SoCal businesses and public institutions can get $7 per square foot to ditch their lawns](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/socal-businesses-and-public-institutions-can-get-7-per-square-foot-to-ditch-their-lawns/) - SoCal businesses and public institutions can get $7 per square foot to ditch their lawns
- [Assembly Bill (AB) 1572 (2023–2024): Understanding the New Law on Water Use and Nonfunctional Turf](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/assembly-bill-ab-1572-2023-2024-understanding-the-new-law-on-water-use-and-nonfunctional-turf/) - Provides an overview of AB 1572, definitions, phased implementation dates, and exemptions NBC Palm Springs+13UC Agriculture and Natural Resources+13Coachella Valley Water District+13
- [AB 1572 and the Future of Landscaping in the Coachella Valley](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/ab-1572-and-the-future-of-landscaping-in-the-coachella-valley/) - Discusses planning and compliance strategies tailored for HOAs in the Coachella Valley region Grnway+7CAI-CLAC+7NBC Palm Springs+7
- [California Lawmakers Approve Non‑Functional Turf Ban](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/california-lawmakers-approve-non-functional-turf-ban/) - News-style overview of legislative passage, timeline, and statewide turf acreage estimates California Water Efficiency Partnership
- [New California law updates water restrictions for businesses. What does it mean for you?](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/new-california-law-updates-water-restrictions-for-businesses-what-does-it-mean-for-you/) - Provides an overview of AB 1572, definitions, phased implementation dates, and exemptions New California law updates water restrictions for businesses. What does it mean for you?

## Pages

- [Non Function Turf California Resource Center](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/) - Your one stop resource center for navigating AB 1572 and all updates and improvements related to non-functional turf in California.
- [Find a Resource](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resource/) - We are committed to bringing you the most current and up to date information. Use our resource library for fact sheets, training, and valuable resources all in one place.
- [Find A Landscaper](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/find-a-landscaper/) - Ready to replace your turf but not sure where to start? Finding the right landscape professional can make all the difference. The resources below will help you connect with licensed contractors and certified professionals who specialize in water-wise design, installation, and maintenance.
- [Blog](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/blog/)
- [Events](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/upcoming-events/) - Across California, CalWEP and our member water agencies are hosting webinars and workshops to help commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) property managers, landscapers, and facility staff prepare for the state’s new non-functional turf requirements.
- [Policy & Compliance](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/policy-compliance/) - This page is designed to make AB 1572 easier to understand, but it’s not a substitute for the actual law. When in doubt, check the full legislative text and consider reaching out to legal counsel for clarity.
- [Non Functional Turf](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/about-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.
- [Quiz](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/quiz/)
- [Contact Us](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/contact-us/)
- [Agency](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/agency/)
- [Frequently Asked](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faq/)
- [Home Old](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/home-old/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna.

## Before and After Slider

- [HOA - Countrywood](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/?bafg=hoa-common)
- [La Tercera Elementary School, Petaluma](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/?bafg=educational)
- [MNWD](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/?bafg=mnwd)
- [SBAOR](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/?bafg=sbaor)

## Faq

- [Does the new law require lawns on Public Properties to be replaced?](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs/does-the-new-law-require-all-lawn-on-public-properties-to-be-replaced/) - No. The law does not require any lawn be replaced, it only requires that irrigation with potable water be turned off. Furthermore, this law does not apply to recreation areas in parks such as soccer fields or baseball diamonds, event lawns, cemeteries, or other areas where people gather.
- [Does the new law require lawns on CII Properties to be replaced?](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs/does-the-new-law-require-all-lawn-on-cii-properties-to-be-replaced/) - No. The law does not require any lawn be replaced, it only requires that irrigation with potable water be turned off. Furthermore, this law does not apply to lawn areas used for play, sports, recreation, or community events.
- [Does the new law require lawns at HOAs to be replaced?](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs/does-the-new-law-require-all-lawn-at-hoas-to-be-replaced/) - No. The law does not require any lawn be replaced, it only requires that irrigation with potable water be turned off. Furthermore, this law does not apply to individual residential properties or to lawn areas used for recreation or community events.
- [Does the new law require lawn on Educational Institutions to be replaced?](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs/does-the-new-law-require-all-lawn-on-educational-institutions-to-be-replaced/) - No. The law does not require any lawn be replaced, only that irrigation be turned off. The irrigation ban does not apply to soccer fields, baseball diamonds, or other areas used for play, sports, recreation, or community events.
- [What is Nonfunctional Turf (NFT)?](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs/what-is-nft/) - Nonfunctional lawn refers to an irrigated lawn that is purely decorative 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.
- [If a residential front lawn is managed by an HOA, is it subject to AB 1572?](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs/if-a-residential-front-lawn-is-managed-by-an-hoa-is-it-subject-to-ab-1572/) - No. AB 1572 does not apply to the residential properties within an HOA, only the "common areas." AB 1572 contains the following definition for "common areas": “Common area” means that portion of a common interest development or of a property owned or managed by a homeowners’ association or a community service organization or similar entity that
- [If my lawn appears to be nonfunctional but has trees, is it considered functional?](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs/if-i-have-trees-on-my-lawn-is-it-considered-functional/) - No, nonfunctional lawn around trees is still considered nonfunctional, however, there is an exemption that allows for watering to continue around the tree to ensure the health of existing trees and other perennial nonturf plantings. Similarly, planting new trees does not make an area functional lawn. New trees must be placed on separate irrigation systems.
- [Who needs to comply?](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs/nonummy-nibh-euismod/) - 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.
- [How much are the fines?](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs/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.
- [What is the deadline for compliance for Educational Institutions?](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs/what-is-the-deadline-for-compliance-for-educational-institutions/) - Public schools must stop irrigating nonfunctional turf with potable water by January 1, 2027 and private schools must stop irrigating nonfunctional turf with potable water by January 1, 2028.
- [What is the deadline for compliance for HOA Common Areas?](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs/what-is-the-deadline-for-compliance-for-hoa-common-areas/) - Common areas managed by Homeowner Associations (HOAs) must stop irrigating nonfunctional turf with potable water by January 1, 2029.
- [What is the deadline for compliance for CII Properties?](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs/what-is-the-deadline-for-compliance-for-cii-properties/) - Commercial, Industrial, & Institutional (CII) properties must stop irrigating nonfunctional turf with potable water by January 1, 2028.
- [Why was this law passed?](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs/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
- [What is the deadline for compliance for Public Properties?](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs/what-is-the-deadline-for-compliance-for-public-properties/) - Public properties owned or managed by local governments, including public school districts, must stop irrigating nonfunctional turf with potable water by January 1, 2027.
- [What are the deadlines for compliance?](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs/lorem-ipsum-dolor-nonummy-nibh-euismod/) - 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

## Resources

- [HOA General Factsheet](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/hoa-general-factsheet/) - Curious how California’s new turf ban impacts HOAs? This fact sheet breaks down what counts as nonfunctional turf, what the law requires, and how associations can stay compliant.
- [Commercial & Industrial General Fact Sheet](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/commercial-industrial-general-fact-sheet/) - Managing a commercial, industrial, or institutional property? This fact sheet explains California’s new turf rules, the penalties for noncompliance, and how properties can turn unused lawns into vibrant, water-wise landscapes that cut costs and save water.
- [Lawn Alternative Quick Reference Guide](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/lawn-alternative-quick-reference-guide/) - Designed for landscapers but helpful to all, this guide showcases a range of inspiring design ideas to help you transform lawns with vibrant, water-wise plants.
- [Case Study: UC Master Gardener Demonstration Garden at the Loomis Library & Community Learning Center](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/case-study-loomis-library-community-learning-center/) - Curious how one city tackled nonfunctional turf? This case study walks through the City of Loomis’s strategy to convert public lawns into water-wise landscapes—showing lessons learned, design choices, cost outcomes, and community impact.
- [How to Care For Your Trees (BeWaterWise.com)](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/how-to-care-for-your-trees-bewaterwise-com/) - Produced by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, this guide covers everything you need to know about planting, watering, mulching, and maintaining healthy trees—plus details on rebates available when adding trees as part of turf replacement projects.
- [How to Water Trees (City of Santa Barbara)](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/how-to-water-trees-city-of-santa-barbara/) - Developed by the City of Santa Barbara, this factsheet offers simple, practical tips for watering young and mature trees. The principles apply statewide—helping you keep trees healthy, save water, and protect these vital community assets during drought.
- [Best Practices for Existing Trees During Lawn Conversion](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/best-practices-for-existing-trees-during-lawn-conversion/) - Trees are some of the most valuable parts of our landscapes, offering shade, beauty, and habitat. This guide shows how to protect them during turf removal—covering irrigation updates, mulching, and tree-friendly design—so you can save water without sacrificing your trees.
- [Landscaping Companies General Fact Sheet](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/landscaping-companies-general-fact-sheet/) - Want landscaping clients to understand the ‘why’ behind turf removal? This fact sheet gives contractors clear talking points on California’s new rules, cost savings, performance benefits, and best practice design strategies.
- [Landscaping Companies Marketing Toolkit](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/landscaping-companies-marketing-toolkit/) - This marketing toolkit equips landscaping companies with ready-to-use graphics, social media copy, and blog content to promote lawn-to-landscape services—helping you attract clients, explain California’s turf rules, and showcase the beauty and value of water-wise design. Social Media Graphics:
- [Public Properties Planning & Plan Check Guidance](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/public-properties-planning-plan-check-guidance/) - This guidance helps city planners and plan check staff integrate AB 1572 into project reviews—covering updates to applications, codes, and site plan requirements—so municipalities can ensure new developments comply with California’s turf restrictions while promoting water-wise landscapes.
- [Public Properties Grant Funding Guidance](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/public-properties-grant-funding-guidance/) - Transforming public lawns into water-wise landscapes? This guidance helps municipalities identify funding opportunities—state, federal, and nontraditional—and provides best practices for planning, partnerships, and grant success.
- [Public Properties Community Flyer](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/public-properties-community-flyer/) - Does your city or county manage public parks, rights-of-way, or municipal lawns? This flyer guides public agencies through California’s new turf rules—showing how to repurpose nonfunctional lawns into attractive, water-smart landscapes that cut costs and support community sustainability.
- [Public Properties General Fact Sheet](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/public-properties-general-fact-sheet/) - Curious how California’s new turf ban impacts public properties? This fact sheet breaks down what counts as nonfunctional turf, what the law requires, and how public properties owned or managed by local governments can stay compliant.
- [Developers Fact Sheet](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/developers-fact-sheet/) - Developers, take note: California’s new turf rules (AB 1572) restrict the use of potable water on nonfunctional lawns. This fact sheet explains what’s changing, how AB 1572 aligns with MWELO, and why early planning can save time, reduce risk, and boost long-term project value.
- [Educational Institutions Tips For Student & Community Engagement](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/educational-institutions-tips-for-student-community-engagement/) - Want to involve students and the local community in your school’s turf-to-landscape project? This resource offers fun, creative tips and strategies for engagement—from garden clubs and art installations to volunteer planting days—so everyone can be part of the transformation.
- [Educational Institutions Compliance Checklist](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/educational-institutions-compliance-checklist/) - Need a clear path to compliance? This checklist helps educational institutions identify nonfunctional turf, plan phased removal, meet reporting requirements, and ensure your outdoor spaces align with California’s new turf-ban rules.
- [A Compliance Checklist for Property Managers](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/a-compliance-checklist-for-property-managers/) - Property managers, stay ahead of California’s turf ban with this step-by-step compliance checklist. From identifying nonfunctional lawns to upgrading irrigation, documenting changes, and educating staff, this tool helps ensure your properties meet AB 1572 requirements while creating water-wise landscapes.
- [Template Memo/FAQ for Property Managers](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/template-memo-faq-for-property-managers/) - Need to explain turf changes to tenants? This customizable memo and FAQ gives property managers ready-to-use language to communicate why lawns are being replaced, what residents can expect, and the benefits of vibrant, water-wise landscapes.
- [HOA Newsletter Story Templates](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/hoa-newsletter-templates/) - Looking for ready-to-use content for your HOA newsletter? These sample stories explain California’s turf ban in plain language and highlight the benefits of water-wise landscapes—helping boards keep residents informed, inspired, and on board with the changes.
- [Sample Landscaping Contract Language for Property Managers](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/sample-landscaping-contract-language-for-property-managers/) - Hiring a contractor to replace turf? This resource provides sample contract language for installation and maintenance of water-wise landscapes—covering plant selection, irrigation upgrades, tree protection, and rebate compliance—so property managers can set clear expectations and ensure long-term success.
- [Educational Institutions Infographic: Rooted In Pride](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/educational-institutions-infographic-rooted-in-pride/) - Want to see how schools can replace thirsty turf with landscapes that teach, inspire, and save water? This infographic shows creative, climate-smart alternatives that nurture learning spaces and build community pride—while cutting maintenance and costs.
- [Educational Institutions Lawn Alternatives Quick Reference](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/educational-institutions-lawn-alternatives-quick-reference/) - Looking to replace turf at your school or campus? This guide shows creative, water-wise alternatives—native plantings, rain gardens, multifunctional hardscapes—and walks you through planning, implementation, and maintenance so you can create beautiful, sustainable outdoor spaces.
- [Property Management Companies Fact Sheet](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/property-management-companies-fact-sheet/) - Property managers, are you ready for California’s new turf rules? This fact sheet explains what AB 1572 means for your properties, the penalties for noncompliance, and how transforming nonfunctional lawns into water-wise landscapes can cut costs, boost curb appeal, and showcase sustainability.
- [Case Study: Zion Church](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/case-study-zion-church/) - See how Zion Lutheran Church and Preschool in Fallbrook turned over 21,000 square feet of unused lawn into kid-friendly play areas, outdoor classrooms, and colorful water-wise gardens—saving 1 million gallons of water each year while creating spaces for learning and community.
- [Commercial & Industrial By The Numbers](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/commercial-industrial-by-the-numbers/) - From shopping centers to churches and hotels, properties across California are cutting costs and saving water by replacing nonfunctional turf. This fact sheet shows the numbers—real savings, reduced maintenance, and healthier landscapes that benefit businesses and communities alike.
- [Educational Institutions Grant Support Guide](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/educational-institutions-grant-support-guide/) - Planning to remove turf at your school or campus? This guide highlights grants, rebates, and funding opportunities to help educational institutions transform lawns into sustainable, water-wise landscapes while keeping costs manageable.
- [Educational Institutions Campus Guide For Identifying Nonfunctional Turf](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/educational-institutions-campus-guide-for-identifying-nonfunctional-turf/) - Not sure which lawn area on campus is considered nonfunctional? This step-by-step guide walks school leaders & facilities managers through California’s new turf rules, helping you quickly determine what’s functional, what’s exempt, and where action is required.
- [Educational Institutions General Fact Sheet](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/educational-institutions-general-fact-sheet/) - Curious how California’s new turf ban impacts Educational Institutions? This fact sheet breaks down what counts as nonfunctional turf, what the law requires, and how associations can stay compliant.
- [Case Study: Countrywood HOA](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/case-study-countrywood-hoa/) - Discover how Countrywood HOA in Walnut Creek transformed 130,000 square feet of lawn into vibrant, water-wise gardens—saving time, money, and water while preserving more than 1,000 mature trees and creating a showcase landscape for the whole community.
- [Case Study: Jamacha Park HOA](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/case-study-jamacha-park-hoa/) - See how Jamacha Park HOA in San Diego transformed 58,000 square feet of thirsty lawn into vibrant, water-wise landscapes—saving millions of gallons of water, winning awards, and creating beautiful spaces for residents to enjoy.
- [HOA Tips for Getting Started](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/hoa-tips-for-getting-started/) - Wondering how to get your HOA ready for California’s turf ban? This flyer walks you through the law, penalties, and practical steps for transforming decorative lawns into beautiful, water-wise landscapes that boost curb appeal and save resources.
- [HOA Guide for Identifying Nonfunctional Lawn](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources/hoa-guide-for-identifying-nonfunctional-lawn/) - Not sure if your HOA lawn is considered nonfunctional? This step-by-step guide walks boards, managers, and residents through California’s new turf rules, helping you quickly determine what’s functional, what’s exempt, and where action is required.

## Water

- [Los Altos Suburban](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/water/los-altos-suburban/)

## Categories

- [Blog](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/category/blog/)

## Faqs Topics

- [Home Topic](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs-topics/home-topic/)
- [HOA FAQ](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs-topics/hoa-faq/)
- [TREE FAQ](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs-topics/tree-faq/)
- [IRRIGATION FAQ](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs-topics/irrigation-faq/)
- [MAINTAINCE FAQ](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs-topics/maintaince-faq/)
- [LANDSCAPING FAQ](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs-topics/landscaping-faq/)
- [PUBLIC FAQ](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs-topics/public-faq/)
- [EDUCATIONAL FAQ](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs-topics/educational-faq/)
- [COMMERCIAL FAQ](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/faqs-topics/commercial-faq/)

## Resources Category

- [Content type](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources-category/content-type/)
- [Checklist](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources-category/checklist/)
- [Training](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources-category/training/)
- [Case Study](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources-category/case-study/)
- [Property Type](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources-category/property-type/)
- [Public Properties](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources-category/publicproperties/)
- [Commercial & Industrial](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources-category/cii/)
- [Educational Institutions](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources-category/educational/)
- [Homeowners Associations](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources-category/hoa/)
- [Topics](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources-category/topics/)
- [Irrigation](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources-category/irrigation/)
- [Caring for Trees](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources-category/trees/)
- [For Professional Landscapers](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources-category/landscapers/)
- [Factsheet](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources-category/factsheet/)
- [Flyer](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources-category/flyer/)
- [Template](https://nonfunctionalturfca.org/resources-category/template/)