Bay Breeze

California’s commercial, industrial, institutional (CII), and homeowners associations (HOA) properties are all facing significant changes as Assembly Bill 1572 phases in statewide restrictions on watering nonfunctional turf. For landscape professionals, this shift represents one of the largest service and revenue opportunities in years.

Assembly Bill 1572 prohibits the use of potable water on nonfunctional grass which is defined as decorative lawn that serves no recreational or community purpose. These are the familiar areas many of you maintain today: narrow turf strips along sidewalks and building edges, unused patches near signage, medians, roundabouts, sloped lawns, and turf islands that exist purely for aesthetics.

The law rolls out in phases for different property types. CII properties begin transitioning between 2027 and 2031, and HOA common areas are subject to the prohibition starting January 1, 2029. As timelines approach, property owners will increasingly rely on landscape professionals to interpret the rules, assess their sites, and produce compliant, attractive, water‑wise designs.

This is where your landscaping expertise becomes indispensable, and knowledge of available rebates gives you a business edge.

Across Santa Clara County, Valley Water offers substantial financial incentives of up to $100,000 to help CII and HOA properties replace nonfunctional grass with low‑water landscapes. In certain local service areas such as San Jose Municipal Water and the cities of Morgan Hill, Santa Clara, and Palo Alto, rebate caps are even higher, ranging from $110,000 to $135,000.

These rebates make it easier for your clients to start turf‑conversion projects, while allowing you to deliver high‑value design, installation, and irrigation‑efficiency services.

Many business owners, facility managers, and HOA boards might just be learning about Assembly Bill 1572. They will be unsure which turf areas qualify, what the timelines mean for them, and what alternatives are available. By stepping in early as a knowledgeable guide, you position yourself not only as a contractor, but as a strategic partner.

Valley Water offers virtual office hours to support both contractors and property owners with rebate questions and project guidance. This additional support can streamline your work and help ensure projects meet eligibility requirements. Sign-up at WaterSavings.org.

Ultimately, Assembly Bill 1572 is not just a regulatory change, it is a market shift. Properties of all kinds, from offices and retail to industrial sites, schools, civic institutions, worship centers, and HOAs, will need to stop watering  decorative grass areas. Landscape professionals who act early will lead the industry through this transition, while helping California save water, reduce costs, and build healthier, more resilient outdoor environments.

To learn more about the timeline and requirements for nonfunctional turf, visit NonfunctionalturfCA.org. To explore rebates or start an application with Valley Water, visit WaterSavings.org.