In 2023, the California Legislature enacted Assembly Bill 1572, which prohibits using potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf at commercial, industrial and institutional properties, beginning January 1, 2028. It also bans irrigating nonfunctional turf in common areas of Homeowners Associations, beginning January 1, 2029.
The State defines nonfunctional turf (NFT) as any turf that has no recreational function, and includes turf located within street right-of-way and parking lots. This can be thought of as any patches of grass that are purely decorative and/or not used for human activity.
The use of potable water is not prohibited to the extent necessary to ensure the health of trees and other perennial nonturf plantings, or to the extent necessary to address an immediate health and safety need.
Here you can read the AB 1572 Bill Text.