In an effort to conserve water and promote sustainable landscaping, California has enacted Assembly Bill 1572 (AB 1572), which prohibits the use of potable water for irrigating non-functional turf on specific property types, including commercial, industrial and institutional properties, and common areas of homeowners’ associations (HOAs).

Signed into law in 2023, it begins to take effect for different property categories from 2027 through 2031.

The City of San Marcos and the Vallecitos Water District applied to the San Diego County Water Authority’s Commercial Direct Install Program, a grant-supported pilot program accepting seven large-scale projects countywide. Eligible projects focus on nonfunctional turf replacement at commercial sites located in income qualifying neighborhoods.

Two sites in San Marcos were selected for this pilot program, along with two schools and three other locations in San Diego County.

“We’re very grateful to the Water Authority and Vallecitos Water District for reaching out about this program,” said Amanda Haas, City of San Marcos park maintenance supervisor.

“They came to us, shared the idea and the concept. We instantly thought about Bradley Park having the turf removed and a drought-tolerant landscape installed. We hope it inspires the community to do the same thing, and we hope that other cities follow our lead,” explained Haas.

Bradley Park Project Leading The Way

Haas said Bradley Park was an ideal candidate. It is located in an income-qualifying neighborhood and is highly visible along busy Rancho Santa Fe Road, with 11,000 square feet of turf needing replacement. “It’s a good location to showcase a project like this because it is so visible,” said Haas.

Haas says the Bradley Park project helps the City of San Marcos meet ambitious goals to reduce water use in municipal landscapes.

“We’re reducing our turf print and we’re increasing beautiful plants, reducing our water use, taking advantage of good partnerships with the (Vallecitos) water district and the Water Authority,” said Haas.

Haas says having a program help subsidize the costs of turf replacement makes it an ideal time to pursue projects. “This helps us get ahead of the curve when it comes to fulfilling the state mandate to remove nonfunctional turf. We hope that it helps inspire the community to do the same thing in their landscapes.”

The second proposed project in the City of San Marcos is for a commercial building in operation since 1979 and well-known in the community, with more than 10,000 sq. ft. of turf to be replaced with watersmart landscaping. This 12,000 sq. ft. site, highly visible from the 78 freeway, will be replaced with a colorful watersmart plant palette.

For information on these plants and more, check out the Water Authority’s Nifty 50 and Happy 100 plant lists.

Watch a video review of the Bradley Park turf replacement project.

 

Who Must Comply With AB 1572?

• Properties owned by state or local governments
• Commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties
• Common areas of HOAs and common interest developments

What is Nonfunctional Turf?

Nonfunctional turf is grass that serves only an aesthetic purpose, not used for recreation, and is irrigated with potable (drinking) water. Examples include:

• Medians: Grass on medians and parking lots that serve no active purpose.
• Commercial: Decorative grass areas on commercial and industrial properties, such as office buildings or hotel landscaping.
• Entrances: Grass near commercial buildings, school grounds, and building entrances, used only for aesthetic purposes, is not allowed.

Properties using recycled water are exempt from AB 1572.

What is Considered Functional Turf?

Functional turf is grass that serves a useful purpose beyond just looking nice. It is turf or lawn actively used for recreation, sports, or community events.

It’s grass that people and pets walk, play, or gather on.

Examples include public parks, school fields, sports fields, and golf courses, used for recreation or civic events. Pet relief areas, veterinary offices, boarding facilities, animal shelters, and within cemeteries used for visitation and gathering are also considered functional turf.

This new law does not apply to residential properties and apartment buildings. There are also exemptions for trees and all non-turf plants.

Property maintenance staff must attend a training on proper maintenance, adhere to maintenance recommendations, and agree to maintain the landscape long term to participate in the Water Authority’s Direct Installation Landscape Program.

Each project includes a professional landscape design, irrigation upgrades, storm water retention features, Watermart plants included in the Water Authority’s “Happy 100” list, and trees where possible. It must comply with local city ordinances, including the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.

For more information about the Direct Installation Landscape Program or nonfunctional turf regulations, please contact Debby Dunn at or 858-522-6745.