Assembly Bill (AB) 1572 was signed into law in 2023 and it gives all homeowner associations until January 1, 2029 to remove decorative grass in all common areas, medians and parkways and replace them with drought tolerant, sustainable landscaping. First, let’s dig into what is “decorative”.
What Is Considered “Decorative” Turf?
Decorative turf is defined as “non-functional” and “Non-functional” turf is defined as decorative grass areas with no other functions, such as recreation. The prohibition includes turf on road medians and outside businesses not used for recreation.
Exemptions
- Functional grass areas, such as sports fields, picnic areas, cemeteries, and areas irrigated with non-potable water, are exempt from the ban.
- It is important to note that residential lawns are exempt from the regulation.
Compliance Timeline
Common Interest Developments (CIDs) are not the only type of property impacted by this law. Here are the compliance timelines for the different entities:
- January 1, 2027 – State and local government
- January 1, 2028 – Commercial, industrial, and institutional
- January 1, 2029 – HOA common areas, mobile home parks, retirement communities
- January 1, 2031 – Government properties in disadvantaged communities
Why Think About Implementation Now?
If the deadline is not until January 1, 2029, why even think of implementing it now?
- Just like the balcony inspection fiasco, many communities waited until the bitter end to have a landscaper provide a quote for replacing their non-functional areas and the cost to do so increased considerably. You might as well have your community inspected and obtain a few bids to bring you into compliance.
- Also, there are many local water districts offering financial incentives to comply with this requirement, but these funds will be exhausted prior to 2028, so the early bird gets the available funds. Few if any associations have a reserve balance for this endeavor, so the more “free” money you can obtain, the better.
Next Steps for Communities
Your management company should have any number of landscapers more than willing to visit your community and provide an estimate to get you in compliance with law. For landscapers, it is a new source of business and revenue. For associations, the conversion of grass to drought tolerant landscaping may save money in the long term with the reduction in water and the lower maintenance that this type of landscaping brings.
