Why CALC Pursues Turf Removal

Anne Staudhammer, Common Area Landscape Committee

California has new proposed legislation that will drastically affect the ability of commercial owners, including Homeowners Associations, to irrigate ornamental turf.

AB 1572 would ban the use of potable water — water that is safe to drink — to irrigate ornamental lawns or grasses at businesses, institutions, industrial facilities, and certain developments. The grass could only be irrigated with recycled water. If approved, the legislation will be implemented first for government facilities in 2027, rolling out to commercial properties in 2028. Homeowners Associations will be required to follow these new rules starting in 2029.

CALC’s mission is to promote water conservation, fire mitigation, and community aesthetics and to support efficient and cost-effective landscape management. With an eye towards potential legislative changes such as AB 1572, or other irrigation restrictions from our local DWP, CALC is moving forward to selectively recommend turf removal in various areas in the community to the Board. The largest project that we have completed is the signage area at the corner of Beverly Glen and Briarwood. The community will benefit from reduced ongoing watering costs, as well as a $5 per square foot rebate from the DWP towards the cost of landscaping improvements. In addition, our landscaping will be “ready” for future water restrictions or irrigation bans.

Our goal is to implement lawn alternatives over time, to spread the cost out over several years and to acclimatize the community to more current and sustainable landscaping. (Some areas will likely always remain as turf.) All proposed changes are submitted to the Board for approval prior to implementation.

To learn more visit: https://calmatters.org/environment/water/2023/09/california-irrigation