Have questions about how the State's non-functional turf requirements may apply to your property? Here are answers to some of the most common questions about deadlines, irrigation, trees, rebates and compliance. If your situation is unique or you are not sure what applies, our water efficiency staff can help you review your options.
No. The State requirement does not specifically require non-functional turf to be removed. It prohibits the use of drinking water to irrigate non-functional turf after the applicable deadline. Some property owners may choose to replace the turf with water-wise landscaping rather than leave it unwatered.

For the State's non-functional turf requirement, stopping the use of drinking water on the affected turf is the key requirement. However, other property-maintenance, fire, weed, landscape or HOA requirements may still apply. Also consider whether trees or other perennial plants depend on the same irrigation system before shutting it off.

Yes. The State requirement specifically restricts the use of drinking water on non-functional turf. Grass that is regularly used for recreation or community activities may continue to be irrigated with drinking water, subject to Roseville's normal watering rules and other applicable requirements.

Yes. The State restriction applies to potable, or drinking, water. Turf irrigated with recycled or other nonpotable water is not subject to this particular prohibition, although Roseville recycled-water and site-specific requirements still apply.

No. The restriction on using drinking water to irrigate non-functional turf applies regardless of the size of the affected area. The 5,000-square-foot threshold applies to a separate State self-certification requirement for certain larger properties.

Certain larger properties must also certify their compliance directly to the State Water Resources Control Board. Commercial, industrial and institutional properties with more than 5,000 square feet of irrigated area must begin certifying by June 30, 2030. HOAs and similar properties with more than 5,000 square feet of irrigated common area must begin certifying by June 30, 2031. Certification is required every three years thereafter. The State is still developing the certification process and forms.

Roseville can provide technical assistance and help customers review their landscape, irrigation and available options. Roseville assistance or a site review should not be considered a formal State compliance certification or legal determination.

Roseville's approach is focused on education, technical assistance and helping customers prepare for compliance. The City is not planning a separate local AB 1572 enforcement program and will rely on the State for enforcement of the State requirement.

State law allows the State Water Resources Control Board to postpone certain compliance deadlines for up to three years when specific conditions are met, such as economic hardship, critical business need or potential health and safety impacts. Roseville does not approve these State extensions.

A single property can have both. For example, grass regularly used for recreation, sports or community activities may be considered functional, while decorative turf elsewhere on the same property may be non-functional. Each landscaped area should be evaluated based on how it is actually used.

The State definition focuses on whether the area is regularly used for recreation or community activities. Occasional or incidental use may not necessarily make an area functional. If the use is unclear, Roseville can help you review the State guidance and available resources.

It depends on how the property and landscaped areas are owned and used. AB 1572 applies to HOA and common-interest-development common areas, but not to private residential landscaping allocated for the exclusive use of an individual home. Apartment, condominium and HOA arrangements can vary, so contact Roseville Water Efficiency if you are unsure how the requirements may apply to your property.

Possibly. The State requirement focuses on where drinking water can be used, but complying may require changes to the irrigation system. That could include capping spray heads, converting appropriate areas to drip irrigation or creating separate irrigation zones for trees and other plants that still need water.