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What AB 1572 Means for Your HOA – Turf Water Restrictions Now Law in California

April 14, 2025

North County San Diego HOAs—Are You Ready? Here’s What You Need to Know and How Greenway is Already Helping Communities Like Seven Oaks in Rancho Bernardo.

California’s Fight Against Water Waste Hits HOAs

On October 13, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1572 into law, officially putting into motion the AB 1572 HOA Requirement—a major step in California’s ongoing commitment to water conservation.

AB 1572 prohibits the use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf—grass that is purely decorative and not used for recreation or civic events—on properties owned or maintained by homeowners associations (HOAs), commercial, and institutional landscapes.

This change will impact many common areas managed by HOAs throughout North County San Diego, from medians and parkways to greenbelts and unused lawn zones.

AB 1572 prohibits the use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf—grass that is purely decorative and not used for recreation or civic events—on properties owned or maintained by homeowners associations (HOAs), commercial, and institutional landscapes.
AB 1572 prohibits the use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf—grass that is purely decorative and not used for recreation or civic events—on properties owned or maintained by homeowners associations (HOAs), commercial, and institutional landscapes.

What Is the AB 1572 HOA Requirement?

In short, the AB 1572 HOA Requirement:

  • Bans the use of potable (drinkable) water for irrigating nonfunctional turf
  • Applies to all HOAs, as well as commercial and institutional landscapes
  • Targets decorative grass that serves no recreational or civic use
  • Takes effect January 1, 2027
  • Gives enforcement authority to the State Water Resources Control Board

If your HOA maintains lawns that are rarely used—such as greenbelts, narrow turf strips along sidewalks, or medians—they will soon fall under this water ban.

A visual example of the AB 1572 impact: This HOA-managed slope transitioned from nonfunctional turf—once irrigated with potable water—to a drought-tolerant landscape featuring native plants, mulch, and dry creek elements. AB 1572 prohibits the use of potable water for purely decorative grass on HOA, commercial, and institutional properties across California.
A visual example of the AB 1572 impact: This HOA-managed slope transitioned from nonfunctional turf—once irrigated with potable water—to a drought-tolerant landscape featuring native plants, mulch, and dry creek elements. AB 1572 prohibits the use of potable water for purely decorative grass on HOA, commercial, and institutional properties across California.

Timeline for Implementation

The AB 1572 HOA Requirement gives HOAs until January 1, 2027 to comply. But don’t wait—planning and redesign take time.

Here’s what should happen now:

  1. Audit your landscape to identify nonfunctional turf
  2. Design a water-wise conversion using native and drought-tolerant plants
  3. Update irrigation systems for efficiency and compliance
  4. Engage your board and residents with visuals and community meetings
  5. Start phased implementation with expert guidance
Enforcement of AB 1572 will be led by the State Water Resources Control Board, which will develop regulations, conduct audits, and oversee compliance to ensure HOAs and other property managers eliminate potable water use on nonfunctional turf by the 2027 deadline.
Enforcement of AB 1572 will be led by the State Water Resources Control Board, which will develop regulations, conduct audits, and oversee compliance to ensure HOAs and other property managers eliminate potable water use on nonfunctional turf by the 2027 deadline.

Enforcement: How Will It Be Regulated?

The law assigns the State Water Resources Control Board the task of developing and enforcing the new regulations. This includes:

  • Defining what qualifies as nonfunctional turf
  • Setting inspection and audit protocols
  • Potential penalties for noncompliance

For HOAs, the AB 1572 HOA Requirement is more than a guideline—it’s a legally binding obligation with real consequences if ignored.

Seven Oaks HOA in Rancho Bernardo is leading the way in AB 1572 compliance. With guidance from Greenway, this community has started the process of designing replacement of non-functional decorative turf with a sustainable, low-water landscape—reducing potable water use while enhancing aesthetics and long-term value.
Seven Oaks HOA in Rancho Bernardo is leading the way in AB 1572 compliance. With guidance from Greenway, this community has started the process of designing replacement of non-functional decorative turf with a sustainable, low-water landscape—reducing potable water use while enhancing aesthetics and long-term value.

Real-World Local Example: Seven Oaks HOA in Rancho Bernardo

One North County San Diego community already taking action is Seven Oaks HOA in Rancho Bernardo. Greenway is currently working with their board to:

  • Assess nonfunctional turf areas
  • Provide 2D and 3D renderings of updated, compliant landscape options
  • Apply for rebates and incentive programs
  • Begin phased replacement with drought-tolerant and climate-appropriate solutions

Seven Oaks is proving that the AB 1572 HOA Requirement isn’t just about compliance—it’s an opportunity to modernize, beautify, and conserve.

Why Greenway?

Greenway has been working with North County San Diego HOAs for over 30 years, offering:

  • Expert landscape design and build services
  • Knowledge of state water mandates and local rebates
  • HOA presentation support
  • Full-service planning, permitting, and installation

With the AB 1572 HOA Requirement fast approaching, your community needs a trusted, licensed partner who understands both the law and the landscape.

Let’s Future-Proof Your HOA Together

Don’t wait until 2026 to start planning your HOA’s compliance strategy. Greenway can help you lead your community into a more sustainable, beautiful, and compliant future.

📞 Call us at (858) 486-8277
🌐 Click Here to Schedule Your Free HOA Consultation
📍 Serving Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Escondido, and all of North County San Diego

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