What Is AB 1572? Californias New Non-Functional Turf Law

AB 1572 Landscaping Compliance Guide for California Properties (2026 Update)

California’s landscapes are entering a new era of water conservation. With the passing of Assembly Bill 1572 (AB 1572), property owners across the state must begin preparing for significant changes in how decorative lawns are irrigated.

For commercial properties, HOAs, and institutional facilities, this new law means that many nonfunctional turf areas will need to be converted into water-efficient landscapes in the coming years.

If you manage a property in California, understanding AB 1572 compliance requirements now will help you avoid rushed landscape renovations and potential penalties later.

At Malagon Legacy Landscaping, we work with HOA boards, property managers, and commercial clients across the Bay Area to design and implement sustainable landscapes that meet AB 1572 requirements while enhancing property value and curb appeal.

What Is AB 1572?

AB 1572, commonly referred to as California’s Nonfunctional Turf Irrigation Law, was signed into law in October 2023 to reduce unnecessary water use.

The legislation prohibits the use of potable drinking water to irrigate decorative turf areas that serve no functional purpose.

For decades, ornamental lawns have been widely used in:

Commercial office parks.
HOA common areas.
Parking lot medians.
Street landscaping.
Decorative building frontages.

While these lawns create a traditional green aesthetic, they also consume large amounts of treated drinking water. With California facing long-term water shortages, lawmakers identified decorative turf irrigation as an area where significant water savings could be achieved statewide.

Functional vs. Nonfunctional Turf Under AB 1572

One of the most important parts of the law is the distinction between functional turf and nonfunctional turf.

Understanding this difference is critical when evaluating your property.

Functional Turf (Still Allowed)

Functional turf refers to grass areas that support recreation, community use, or organized activities.

Examples include:

Sports fields.
Parks and playgrounds.
Dog parks.
Community gathering lawns.
Areas used for events or public recreation.

These spaces remain exempt from the law because they serve a clear purpose for public or community use.

Nonfunctional Turf (Restricted)

Nonfunctional turf refers to grass areas that are primarily decorative and not actively used.

Common examples include:

Grass in parking lot islands.
Decorative lawns around commercial buildings.
Narrow turf strips along streets.
HOA lawns that are fenced off or rarely used.
Roadway medians and landscaping buffers.

Under AB 1572, these areas can no longer be irrigated with potable water after the compliance deadlines.

AB 1572 Compliance Deadlines

The law introduces a phased implementation schedule depending on property type.

January 1, 2027

State government properties and many public facilities must stop irrigating nonfunctional turf with potable water.

January 1, 2028

Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties must comply.

This includes:

Office buildings.
Retail centers.
Hospitals.
Universities.
Hotels.
Industrial campuses.

January 1, 2029

Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and common interest developments must eliminate potable water irrigation for nonfunctional turf in shared areas.

2031 or Later

Properties in disadvantaged communities receive extended deadlines once state funding becomes available.

Certification Requirements for Large Landscapes

Properties with more than 5,000 square feet of irrigated landscape will also need to certify their compliance with the State Water Resources Control Board.

Certification deadlines begin in 2030 and must be renewed every three years.

This makes documentation and proper planning extremely important for property managers and HOA boards.

Landscaping Solutions That Meet AB 1572 Requirements

Complying with AB 1572 does not mean sacrificing landscape quality. In fact, many properties are discovering that water-efficient landscaping can significantly improve both appearance and sustainability.

Here are some common alternatives to decorative turf.

Native California Plants

Native plants are adapted to California’s climate and require significantly less irrigation once established.

Benefits include:

Reduced water use.
Lower maintenance requirements.
Support for local wildlife and pollinators.
Year-round seasonal interest.

Popular choices include native sages, California fescue, manzanita, and flowering perennials.

Decorative Stone and Mulch Areas

Replacing turf with decorative materials can create clean, modern landscape designs while eliminating irrigation needs.

Examples include:

Decorative gravel.
Decomposed granite pathways.
Mulch planting beds.
Accent boulders and stone features.

These materials provide structure and texture while significantly reducing maintenance.

Drought-Tolerant Plant Designs

Many landscape designers combine drought-tolerant plants with hardscape elements to create attractive, layered designs.

Succulents, ornamental grasses, and Mediterranean plant species are often used to create low-water landscapes that remain visually dynamic year-round.

How Malagon Legacy Landscaping Helps Properties Achieve Compliance

Transitioning a property to meet AB 1572 requirements requires thoughtful planning and experienced landscape professionals.

At Malagon Legacy Landscaping, we help property owners and managers navigate every stage of the process.

Landscape Compliance Assessments

We begin by evaluating the property to identify:

Areas classified as nonfunctional turf.
Existing irrigation infrastructure.
Opportunities for landscape improvements.
Potential water savings.

This assessment helps determine the best conversion strategy for each property.

Sustainable Landscape Design

Our design team develops customized plans that incorporate:

Drought-tolerant plant palettes.
Decorative stone and mulch areas.
Hardscape features.
Efficient irrigation systems.

The goal is to create landscapes that are beautiful, functional, and compliant with California water regulations.

Turf Conversion and Landscape Construction

Our installation services include:

Turf removal and site preparation.
Soil amendments and grading.
Irrigation system upgrades.
Plant installation and ground cover placement.
Decorative rock and mulch installation.

All projects are completed according to industry best practices and safety standards.

Ongoing Landscape Maintenance

After installation, proper maintenance ensures that new landscapes continue to thrive.

Our maintenance services include:

Irrigation monitoring and adjustments.
Seasonal plant care and pruning.
Weed control and soil health management.
Routine landscape inspections.

This ensures long-term sustainability while maintaining compliance with water conservation regulations.

Benefits of Converting Nonfunctional Turf

Although AB 1572 introduces regulatory requirements, converting decorative turf provides several long-term advantages.

Significant Water Savings

Many properties reduce irrigation needs by 50–70%.

Lower Maintenance Costs

Reduced mowing, fertilization, and turf repair expenses.

Improved Landscape Aesthetics

Modern landscape designs often provide greater visual interest than traditional lawns.

Environmental Responsibility

Water-efficient landscapes demonstrate environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Increased Property Value

Sustainable landscapes are becoming the preferred standard across California.

Why Property Owners Should Start Planning Now

While some compliance deadlines may seem far away, landscape conversions often require time for:

Budget planning.
HOA board approvals.
Design development.
Construction scheduling.
Rebate Programs.

Beginning early allows property owners to develop well-designed landscapes instead of rushing into last-minute conversions.

Work With Malagon Legacy Landscaping

At Malagon Legacy Landscaping, we specialize in helping Bay Area properties transition to sustainable landscapes that meet California’s evolving water regulations.

Our services include:

Landscape maintenance.
Landscape construction.
Irrigation and water management.
Turf conversion and drought-tolerant landscape design.
HOA landscape enhancements.
Commercial property improvements.

Our mission remains at the center of everything we do:

“Transforming landscapes, nurturing nature, and protecting the planet for future generations.”

If your property may be affected by AB 1572, our team would be happy to evaluate your landscape and discuss potential solutions.

Early planning ensures a smooth transition and allows your property to benefit from beautiful, water-efficient landscaping designed for California’s future.