New state rules for decorative grass

California is changing where drinking water can be used to irrigate decorative grass, also known as non-functional turf. Beginning in 2027, requirements will phase in for public agencies, businesses, institutions and HOA common areas.

We are here to help affected customers understand what applies, evaluate options and prepare before their deadline. If your property is covered by the new state requirements, now is a good time to understand your deadline and begin considering alternatives to decorative grass.

Helpful resources

Have questions about deadlines, property types or what qualifies as non-functional turf? Find answers to common questions or explore additional statewide information.

A smiling service worker in a navy uniform stands on a sunny street holding a clipboard.

Who is affected?

The State requirements phase in based on property type.

At a glance: compliance deadlines
Jan. 1, 2027
Public agencies and public schools
Most City, county, special district and other public properties.
Jan. 1, 2028
Commercial, industrial and institutional
Businesses, offices, shopping centers, private schools and similar properties.
Jan. 1, 2029
HOA and common-interest common areas
Qualifying common areas maintained by HOAs and similar organizations.
Individual residential yards are not affected. The State's non-functional turf prohibition does not apply to a homeowner's private residential landscape.

Additional State reporting: Larger commercial, industrial and institutional properties with more than 5,000 square feet of irrigated area begin certifying compliance in 2030. HOA and similar properties with more than 5,000 square feet of irrigated common area begin in 2031. The 5,000-square-foot threshold applies to certification, not whether the irrigation restriction applies.

What is non-functional turf?

Non-functional turf is generally mowed, irrigated grass that is decorative and not regularly used for recreation or community activities. A helpful rule of thumb: if the landscaper is the only person who regularly walks on it, the lawn may be non-functional.

Sunny suburban street with a green lawn and sidewalk in the foreground, streetlights along the curb, and cars driving past a grassy median and a red roadside sign.

Common non-functional turf

  • Decorative grass along sidewalks, streets or fences
  • Lawn around signs and building entrances
  • Parking islands, medians and roundabouts
  • Inaccessible or rarely used lawn
   Two soccer players in blue and white sprint toward a black-and-white ball on a sunny grassy field, with other players in the background.

Functional turf

Grass that is regularly used for recreation or community activities may still be considered functional.

You don't have to figure this out on your own

Two people stand on a gravel strip beside a small tree and a landscaped bed near a storefront, talking on a sunny day with parked cars along the street.

Our goal is to help customers understand the State requirements, evaluate their landscapes and develop a practical path toward compliance.

Our Water Efficiency team can help commercial customers review landscape and irrigation conditions, discuss irrigation changes, protect existing trees, explore water-wise landscape options and identify available rebates.

Need help or interested in rebates? Contact Water Efficiency to discuss your property, available options, current eligibility, funding, reimbursement amounts and any preapproval or inspection requirements.

$300K+
allocated for commercial water-efficiency rebates, including support for qualifying private-property landscape conversions.

Protect your trees

Don't simply turn off the irrigation

State law allows drinking water to be used as necessary to maintain the health of existing trees and other perennial plants. Irrigation may need to be adjusted so trees continue receiving the water they need without watering surrounding non-functional turf.

  • Focus irrigation beneath tree canopies
  • Cap spray heads that only water surrounding turf
  • Convert to drip irrigation where appropriate
  • Separate trees onto their own irrigation zone or valve
  • Replace surrounding turf with low-water-use or native plants
Need help? Roseville can help evaluate irrigation and landscape options before changes are made.
Large tree with a thick trunk and wide branches, dense green leaves overhead, with a landscaped garden bed of shrubs and grasses along a curved walkway under a bright blue sky.

Commercial turf conversion projects in action

A landscaped park with purple flowering plants and gravel paths, lined with trees, and a wooden sign in the center with carved text and a large W emblem.
Landscape transformation

Large-scale conversion

150,000+ sq. ft.

of lawn replaced with water-wise landscaping at Westfield Galleria at Roseville, with an estimated 8 million gallons saved each year.

Supported by Roseville's Cash for Grass program.
A roadside sidewalk lined with gray and white gravel and a young leafy tree under a clear blue sky, with a building on the right.
1850 Block Douglas Blvd.

Smaller change, big difference

11,500 sq. ft.

converted to a water-efficient landscape with drip irrigation, water-wise plants, rock and mulch.

Estimated savings: 500,000 gallons annually.
We're doing it too

The State requirements apply to City properties as well. Environmental Utilities is working with Parks, Recreation & Libraries, Fire and other departments to identify affected landscapes and determine the right approach for each site. That may include converting non-functional turf, modifying irrigation, protecting trees and perennial plants, or using another appropriate State compliance or extension process. The City has earmarked dedicated funding for conversion work.