By Susan Miller and Debra Kiddoo for LOMAA
In November 2025, LOMAA hosted representatives from the City of Santa Rosa Water-Use Efficiency Team to learn more about State law AB1572. (Note that AB1572 does not apply to the residential lawns of homeowners who are not in a sub-HOA.) Interest in this topic is high—there was standing room only. One of the key takeaways is that much remains to be clarified at the State level before the City of SR will finalize how this bill will be implemented and enforced.
The Water-Use Efficiency Team Coordinator, Lisa Cuellar, gave a helpful and informative presentation, followed by a Question-and-Answer session.
- AB1572 will go into effect on January 1, 2029. At that time, potable water can no longer be used to irrigate nonfunctional turf on common property in sub-HOAs. However, the turf does not have to be removed. (For details on this law, see www.NonFunctionalTurfCA.org.) The purpose of this law is to address persistent drought and climate change impact on water supplies—potable water use for non-functional turf is considered wasteful and unsustainable.
- Key Provisions:
- Non-functional turf is irrigated/mowed lawn that is purely decorative and not “regularly” used for recreation or public community gatherings.
- The State Water Resources Control Board will publish the final compliance and certification requirements by July 1, 2026. At that time, they must provide clarification if turf associated with residential homes in sub-HOAs is exempt and if turf under mature trees can continued to be irrigated to maintain the health of the tree.
- The City of SR is currently updating their Code of Ordinances due January 1, 2027 to reflect this new law.
- Sub-HOAs will need to self-certify compliance with the State Water Resources Control Board, beginning June 30, 2031.
- The City of SR can help support compliance through their Cash for Grass rebate program (www.srcity.org/watersmart). This program will not be available for sub-HOAs after 1/1/2029 for turf removal in areas deemed non-functional.
As we wait for clarification, LOMAA is working with the Sub-HOAs to take the following actions:
- Send an impact statement from OVA and LOMAA to the State Water Resource Board with a recommendation to exclude Oakmont sub-HOAs, residential turf, or extend the compliance deadline.
- Explore common landscape design templates and plants lists
- Continue education as more information is available
- Make suggestions for sub-HOA planning:
- Communicate with community
- Inventory total turf
- Prioritize “no-brainers” for conversion
- Explore financial options for turf conversion