California's Assembly Bill 1572, signed into law in October 2023, prohibits the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties. The law supports the state's long-term water conservation goals and requires property owners to transition decorative turf areas to low-water, climate-adapted landscapes.

Who Does This Apply To?

AB 1572 applies to any property that uses potable water to irrigate non-functional turf, including:

  • Commercial properties — office parks, retail centers, hotels
  • Industrial properties — warehouses, manufacturing facilities
  • Institutional properties — schools, hospitals, government buildings
  • HOA common areas — shared landscaping in homeowner associations, mobile home parks, and retirement communities

Residential properties are not covered by this law. However, homeowners looking to reduce water use can still take advantage of rebate programs and lawn conversion resources listed below.

What Is Non-Functional Turf?

Non-functional turf is grass or lawn area that is purely decorative and not regularly used for recreation, sports, or gatherings. Common examples include:

  • Ornamental grass strips along roads and parking lots
  • Decorative lawns at office buildings and business parks
  • Unused turf areas in HOA common spaces
  • Grassy medians and frontage areas at commercial properties

What's Exempt?

Turf areas that serve a functional purpose are not affected. This includes:

  • Parks and public recreation areas
  • Sports fields (soccer, baseball, etc.)
  • Cemeteries
  • Any area where people regularly gather, play, or engage in outdoor activities

Compliance Deadlines

The law takes effect in phases. Properties must stop using potable water on non-functional turf by these dates:

Property TypeCompliance Deadline
State and local government propertiesJanuary 1, 2027
Commercial, industrial, and institutional propertiesJanuary 1, 2028
HOA common areas, mobile home parks, retirement communitiesJanuary 1, 2029

Properties with 5,000 square feet or more of irrigated turf must also self-certify compliance to the State Water Resources Control Board every three years, starting June 30, 2030 (or June 30, 2031 for HOA-type properties).

Non-compliance can result in penalties of up to $1,000 per day.

Rebates & Financial Assistance

Several programs in the East Bay offer financial incentives for converting turf to water-efficient landscapes:

EBMUD Lawn Conversion Rebate

For EBMUD customers. Rebates of up to $2,000 for residential properties and $15,000 for commercial/municipal properties, with an additional $5,000 bonus for non-functional turf conversions. Projects must include low-water plants, drip irrigation conversion, and at least 3 inches of mulch. Artificial turf and landscape fabric are not eligible.

EBMUD Lawn Conversion Rebate

BAWSCA "Lawn Be Gone" Program

For customers of participating BAWSCA member agencies, including Alameda County Water District. Offers $2 per square foot, up to $3,000 for residential and $20,000 for commercial, institutional, and HOA projects.

BAWSCA Lawn Be Gone Program

Not sure which water agency serves your property? Use the NonFunctionalTurfCA.org rebate finder to look up available rebates and local compliance rules by address.

How to Convert Your Turf

Removing a lawn and establishing a climate-adapted landscape doesn't have to be complicated. Sheet mulching is one of the simplest and most effective methods — it smothers existing turf in place, builds healthy soil, and prepares the area for new plantings without herbicides or sod cutters.

Compost and mulch are essential for any successful turf conversion. A thick layer of compost improves soil health and water retention, while mulch suppresses weeds and reduces irrigation needs long-term.

Sheet Mulching Guide
Find Compost & Mulch

For detailed step-by-step lawn conversion guides, design inspiration, and plant selection help, visit LawnToGarden.org.

Additional Resources