AB 1572 and Your HOA: What You Need to Know About Turf and Water Rules

 

California's always been serious about saving water, but with Assembly Bill 1572 (AB 1572) now law, HOAs across the state are being pulled directly into the conservation conversation. If you're managing a homeowners association in the North Bay, this new rule is about to change how you think about your HOA landscape maintenance Fairfield and Marin County, and how you water it.

Let’s break it down and talk about what it means for your property, your landscape, and your residents.

 

So, What’s AB 1572 All About?

Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1572 to crack down on water waste. The big thing it does? It bans using potable (aka drinkable) water to irrigate what they call “nonfunctional turf.” That’s just a fancy way of saying grass that’s purely decorative.

If no one plays on it, walks on it, or uses it for events, it’s nonfunctional.

This applies to commercial properties, institutions, and yes, HOAs. Starting January 1, 2027, you won’t be allowed to water that kind of grass with potable water anymore.

The State Water Resources Control Board is going to be in charge of making sure everyone follows the rules, and there will be inspections, audits, and consequences for those who don’t.

 

What This Means for Fairfield and Marin County HOAs

If you’re dealing with HOA Landscape Maintenance in Fairfield, Marin County, or anywhere else in the North Bay, this law matters big time. These areas have tons of medians, greenbelts, slopes, and common spaces that fall right into that “nonfunctional turf” category. To keep your property protected, you’ll need to start making changes sooner rather than later.

 

Here’s What HOAs Should Be Doing Right Now

AB 1572 isn’t something you want to put off until the last minute. There’s a real deadline here, and converting turf, updating irrigation, and working with your community takes time. Here's how to get moving:

1. Take Inventory

Grab your landscaper and do a walk-through. You want to spot all those grassy spots that aren’t serving any purpose. Think:

• Strips along the sidewalk
• Slopes no one walks on
• Medians that are just for show

Once you see how much of your landscape is considered nonfunctional, you’ll have a much better idea of what needs to change.

2. Plan a Better Landscape

You’ve got options. This is where working with a seasoned team (like Landesign) really helps. We often suggest:

• Native or drought-tolerant plants
• Sheet mulch for moisture retention and weed control
• Dry creek beds to make it look good and handle runoff
• Smart drip irrigation systems

It doesn’t have to look dry or boring. Done right, it can be a huge upgrade.

3. Fix That Irrigation

No more old-school sprinklers blasting drinkable water on grass that just sits there. What you need is:

• Recycled or reclaimed water systems (where available)
• Drip emitters instead of spray heads
• Weather-based timers
• Moisture sensors

This is a good time to future-proof your system and lower your water bill while you’re at it.

4. Keep Your Residents in the Loop

People like to know what’s going on, especially when you’re taking out grass. Host a meeting or send a newsletter explaining:

• What AB 1572 is
• What you’re changing and why
• What the new landscape will look like

Throw in some renderings or “before-and-after” concepts. People will get on board faster when they can picture the outcome.

5. Start Small

Don’t try to make all these changes at once. Go section by section through your property. Taking a phased approach will give you wiggle room to adjust and can make budgeting easier.

 

Why You Want the Right Team on Your Side

Landesign has been helping HOAs in the North Bay since 1990, and we’ve already been leading the way when it comes to water-wise design and maintenance. We know the terrain, the code, and the best practices.

Whether you need a full turf-to-native redesign or just want a smart plan to get compliant without blowing your budget, we’ve got your back. From HOA Landscape Maintenance in Fairfield to HOA Landscape Maintenance in Marin County, we’re already helping communities like yours get ahead of this.

 

Ready to Get Compliant and Look Good Doing It?

AB 1572 doesn’t just mean change, it means opportunity. It’s your chance to cut waste, lower costs, and create a landscape your residents will enjoy. Start now, and let’s turn your HOA into a model of sustainability and smart design.

Contact us online today or give us a call at (707) 578-2657. Let’s transform your turf into something beautiful, and AB 1572 compliant.