California’s water conservation requirements continue to evolve, and Assembly Bill 1572 (AB 1572) represents one of the most significant landscape-related regulations affecting commercial properties, institutions, and HOAs in recent years.
AB 1572 establishes a phased prohibition on using potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf on many commercial, industrial, institutional, and homeowner association properties throughout California. While previous emergency drought restrictions have expired, the compliance deadlines outlined in AB 1572 are approaching, making now the ideal time for property owners and managers to evaluate their landscapes and develop a strategy.
At Landesign, we provide landscaping services Marin County property managers, HOAs, and commercial owners depend on to maintain attractive, functional landscapes while preparing for changing regulations. Understanding AB 1572 today can help you avoid costly last-minute decisions tomorrow.
Understanding AB 1572
The key question under AB 1572 is not whether your property has turf—it is whether that turf serves a functional purpose.
The law distinguishes between:
- Functional Turf: Turf located within recreational use areas or community spaces where people actively gather, play, exercise, or recreate.
- Nonfunctional Turf: Turf that serves no recreational or community purpose and is primarily decorative. This includes many landscape areas found in parking lots, medians, street rights-of-way, monument signage, and ornamental strips.
AB 1572 phases in compliance requirements based on property type:
Compliance Deadlines
Local Government and Public Water System Properties
The use of potable water on nonfunctional turf is prohibited beginning January 1, 2027, with modified timelines for certain disadvantaged community properties.
Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Properties
Potable irrigation of nonfunctional turf is prohibited beginning January 1, 2028.
HOA Common Areas
The prohibition takes effect on January 1, 2029, for HOA common areas not assigned to the exclusive use of an individual homeowner.
Certification Requirements
In addition to irrigation restrictions, larger properties must certify compliance:
- Covered commercial, industrial, and institutional properties with more than 5,000 square feet of irrigated area must begin compliance certification by June 30, 2030.
- HOA properties with more than 5,000 square feet of irrigated common area must begin certification by June 30, 2031.
Limited Exceptions
AB 1572 includes several narrowly defined exceptions, including water necessary to:
- Protect established trees and perennial non-grass plantings
- Address immediate health and safety concerns
- Accommodate approved deadline extensions under qualifying circumstances
Property owners should review the full legislation and consult with qualified landscape professionals to determine how these provisions apply to their specific sites.
What Qualifies as Nonfunctional Turf?
In many cases, nonfunctional turf is easy to identify. Common examples include:
- Parking lot landscape islands
- Decorative lawns surrounding monument signs
- Narrow turf strips adjacent to sidewalks
- Perimeter turf areas behind fencing
- Turf areas with little to no pedestrian use
By contrast, turf areas that support recreation, community gatherings, active play, or other meaningful use may continue to qualify as functional turf under the law.
The goal is not to eliminate every lawn. Instead, AB 1572 encourages property owners to evaluate whether landscape areas provide value beyond appearance and to prioritize water-efficient alternatives where appropriate.
Steps Property Owners Should Take Now
Although compliance deadlines may seem several years away, early planning provides the greatest flexibility and often reduces overall project costs.
Conduct a Turf Assessment
Identify and map all turf areas on the property. Determine which areas are actively used and which are primarily decorative.
Evaluate Irrigation Infrastructure
Document irrigation zones, controllers, valves, and water sources. Understanding how irrigation systems are configured is essential, particularly where turf shares zones with trees or other permanent plant material.
Address Irrigation Inefficiencies
Correcting water waste is one of the fastest ways to improve compliance readiness. Common issues include:
- Broken sprinkler heads
- Overspray onto pavement
- Poorly designed hydrozones
- Excess irrigation in low-use landscape areas
Develop a Phased Conversion Strategy
Prioritize areas that consume significant water while providing little functional value. A phased approach allows property owners to spread costs over time while minimizing disruption.
Explore Available Incentives
Many California water agencies offer turf replacement rebates and water conservation incentives. Identifying these opportunities early can help offset conversion expenses and improve project economics.
Common Misconceptions About AB 1572
“We Can Wait Until the Deadline Gets Closer”
Delaying planning often limits options and increases costs. Public water suppliers are required to update water service rules and communicate requirements to customers before many compliance deadlines take effect.
“The Law Only Applies to Properties Over 5,000 Square Feet”
The irrigation restrictions apply based on property type and turf classification—not property size alone. The 5,000-square-foot threshold relates primarily to certification requirements.
“Any Landscape Conversion Will Solve the Problem”
Replacing turf with another high-maintenance, water-intensive landscape may not deliver the long-term savings property owners expect. Well-designed native and climate-adapted landscapes typically provide greater water efficiency, lower maintenance requirements, and improved sustainability.
Plan Ahead with Landesign
The most successful properties will be those that begin evaluating their landscapes now rather than waiting until compliance deadlines approach.
Landesign Construction & Maintenance, Inc. partners with HOAs, commercial properties, institutional facilities, and community associations throughout the North Bay to assess existing landscapes, improve irrigation efficiency, and develop practical turf conversion strategies that align with operational goals and regulatory requirements.
Whether you are planning for future compliance or looking to improve water efficiency today, our team can help you create a landscape strategy that protects your investment while enhancing long-term performance.
For professional landscaping services Marin County property owners trust, contact Landesign today.
Call: (707) 578-2657
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does AB 1572 apply to private HOA yards?
In most cases, no. AB 1572 primarily applies to HOA common areas rather than areas designated for the exclusive use of individual homeowners. However, shared irrigation systems can create complications, making a professional site review advisable.
Does AB 1572 prohibit all turf?
No. The law restricts the use of potable water on nonfunctional turf within covered properties. Functional turf located in recreational or community-use areas may continue to be irrigated.
What if turf helps support nearby trees?
The law provides exceptions allowing potable water when necessary to protect trees and other established perennial plantings. Proper irrigation system design is critical to meeting these requirements.
Does AB 1572 apply if our property uses recycled water?
AB 1572 specifically addresses potable water use. Properties utilizing recycled water should review local water supplier regulations and site-specific conditions to determine how compliance requirements apply.
Does AB 1572 apply if we use recycled water?
This statute is aimed at potable water. The Water Code separately defines potable water and recycled water, so owners need to look at water source, local supplier rules, and site design before assuming they are clear.
COO
John “JJ” Fitzgerald is the Chief Operating Officer of Landesign Construction & Maintenance, a leading commercial landscaping firm in Northern California. Raised in the family business, he has spent over a decade applying his expertise in business management and analytics to foster innovation within the company. A graduate of Cal Poly–San Luis Obispo, his writing focuses on the intersection of modern business strategy and traditional craftsmanship, particularly how sustainable technology can reshape the future of legacy industries. He lives in the Bay Area with his family.