Nonfunctional Turf Resource Hub

This internal agency guidebook helps water suppliers interpret and apply the new requirements locally. It breaks down the law into clear, actionable steps.

The following resources are available to CalWEP members to help with the implementation of Assembly Bill 1572 (AB 1572). These resources are provided as a guide. Each agency is responsible for consulting with its own legal counsel to determine the applicability, appropriateness, and enforceability of any recommendations, sample language, or policy options contained below.

These General Guidance tools apply across all property types and are designed to help all sectors and the public understand what’s changing, identify nonfunctional lawn, protect trees, and access funding and support for compliance.

Commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties represent some of the biggest opportunities to achieve meaningful water savings quickly.

Homeowner Associations (HOAs) represent a high-opportunity segment within the CII landscape due to the scale and visibility of their common-area turf. These areas, often medians, entryways, parkways, and decorative lawns, frequently meet the criteria for non-functional turf and are typically irrigated with potable water.

Local governments, including cities, counties, and special districts, are both major land managers and public influencers within the Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional (CII) sector. City halls, public parks, libraries, courthouses, civic plazas, road medians, parks, and government building landscapes often contain large areas of decorative turf—many of which meet the definition of non-functional turf (NFT) under AB 1572.

Landscaping companies are essential partners in implementing water-efficient landscape practices across the Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional (CII) sector. They directly influence the design, installation, and maintenance of irrigated landscapes at a wide range of property types—including HOAs, business parks, schools, retail centers, office complexes, hospitals, and places of worship.

Educational institutions—including K–12 schools, community colleges, and universities—are classified as institutional properties within the Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional (CII) sector and are subject to AB 1572. These campuses often include large areas of decorative, underused turf such as entryways, medians, narrow strips, and parking lot islands—many of which meet the definition of non-functional turf (NFT). These areas are typically irrigated with potable water. As of January 1, 2028, the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional turf is prohibited on institutional properties under AB 1572. Many campuses will need to assess and redesign their landscapes to eliminate unnecessary turf or switch to non-potable sources.

Developers play a critical role in shaping long-term water use across the Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional (CII) sector. Landscape and irrigation decisions made during design and construction establish the baseline for a property’s outdoor water demand, making the development phase a key opportunity to embed water-efficient practices from the start.

Property Management Companies (PMCs) oversee a wide array of commercial, industrial, and institutional properties, including HOAs, office parks, apartment complexes, shopping centers, and civic campuses.