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Public Properties

By January 1, 2027, California law will prohibit the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate nonfunctional turf— like grass strips in parking lots, lawns under signs, or along street medians —on public properties owned and maintained by a government entity.

These new rules provide an opportunity to create welcoming new spaces that showcase the beauty of low-water use native plants, highlight your commitment to a sustainable future, and provide a vision for others in your community to follow.

AB 1572 applies to nonfunctional lawn on public properties, including, but not limited to:

  • Government Buildings
  • Streets and Highways
  • Libraries and Schools
  • Courthouses
  • Public Utilities & Utility Yards
  • Police and Fire Stations
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FEATURED PUBLIC PROPERTY RESOURCES

Resources Library
Public Properties General Fact Sheet

Public Properties General Fact Sheet

Public Properties Community Flyer

Public Properties Community Flyer

Public Properties Grant Funding Guidance

Public Properties Grant Funding Guidance

Public Properties Planning & Plan Check Guidance

Public Properties Planning & Plan Check Guidance

Case Study: Loomis Library & Community Learning Center

Case Study: Loomis Library & Community Learning Center

Inspiring Alternatives

Municipalities are using this opportunity to create colorful, sustainable, water-wise landscapes that establish a striking and memorable visual identity around government buildings and public agencies and inspire residents to do the same.

Find a Landscaper

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Loomis Library & Community Learning Center

Loomis, CA

The UC Master Gardeners of Placer County—supported by the Placer County Water Agency, Town of Loomis, and the Loomis Library and Learning Center — converted 11,000 square feet of nonfunctional lawn into a regionally inspired demonstration garden.

Before and After

Use the slider to see how Moulton Niguel Water District transformed nonfunctional turf on a street median into a beautiful water-wise landscape.

Use the slider to see how Moulton Niguel Water District transformed nonfunctional turf on a street median into a beautiful water-wise landscape.

PUBLIC 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.

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.

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.

Does the new law require ALL lawn on Public Properties to be replaced?

No. The law does not apply to parks, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, event lawns, cemeteries, or other areas where people gather.

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.