REGULATION

To support State policies related to water conservation and other environmental priorities, the California State Legislature passed Assembly Bill 1572. This law prohibits using potable (drinking) water to irrigate non-functional grass at public properties, commercial, industrial and institutional properties, and the common areas at common interest developments (CID) like homeowner associations (HOA), mobile home parks, and senior communities. By the compliance dates below, listed property types will need to stop using potable water to irrigate NFT areas.

APPLICABILITY

Situations where this rule does not apply:

• Active use areas of parks, sports fields, golf courses, and cemeteries
• Single family properties
• Areas within a CID that are assigned or allocated to the exclusive use of the occupants of an individual dwelling unit
• When used to ensure the health of trees and other perennial non-turf plantings
• Areas irrigated with recycled water

NEXT STEPS - Landscape Approaches

• The City encourages you to remove the non-functional turf you stop watering and replace it with low water use plants.  Learn about plants suited for our climate here: Nifty 50, Happy 100, Calscape.org, UC Plant Resource, California Friendly Plants. 

• There are rebates for turf removal projects and for irrigation upgrades.  Be sure to review the program requirements before killing the grass or starting any work at your site.  www.Socalwatersmart.com

• Additional landscape resources are available here: Conservation  and here: Water Efficient Landscaping Resources | Oceanside, CA
  
  
• Artificial turf is not recommended as a replacement for non-functional turf.  The typical method of installation compacts the earth underneath and does not allow for stormwater infiltration.  Synthetic turf does not provide any benefit as habitat or for pollination.  It can be hot to the touch and heat up its surroundings. After its useful life, it’s considered hazardous waste and needs to be discarded accordingly. 

NEXT STEPS - Other Options

• If you’re looking to remove turf and replace it with impervious cover, like pavement or concrete, or if your project will change the grading on your site beyond something like the small stormwater feature required for the turf replacement rebate program, you will need to contact the City of Oceanside Planning Department regarding your design before starting any work.

• While turning off irrigation will comply with AB1572, leaving the area unmaintained, or allowing overgrown weeds or erosion, may make the property subject to code enforcement.  Chapter 17 - NUISANCE ABATEMENT | Code of Ordinances | Oceanside, CA | Municode Library

• Recycled water is currently available in limited areas of the City. Learn more here: Recycled Water | Oceanside, CA

NEXT STEPS -Additional Resources

• For rebates and other information about AB 1572 visit BeWaterWise.com.
  
  
• Visit CalWEPs new non-functional turf resource hub for handouts, information, and helpful tools all broken down into the four main categories. You can find the website here: nonfunctionalturfca.org.

COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING DEADLINES

All properties must comply as required in AB1572.  Property owners must report to the State of California the status of any property with more than 5,000 square feet of irrigated area.  Reporting continues every 3 years from the initial date.  Additional details are pending further clarification from the State Water Resources Control Board.

ENFORCEMENT

There is the potential for civil liability and penalties to be imposed.  Additional details are pending further clarification from the State Water Resources Control Board.

Contact WaterEfficiency@oceansideca.org with any questions.