Non-Functional Turf Restrictions for CII Properties

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DEFINITIONS OF FUNCTIONAL AND NON-FUNCTIONAL TURF

As of June 16, 2022, commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) customers are prohibited from irrigating non-functional turf grass with potable water. The ban does not apply to turf irrigated with recycled water, nor school fields, sports fields, and parks. This ban applies to homeowners’ associations (HOAs). The board of an HOA or similar government body may determine what is functional and non-functional based on the usage of the turf.

A permanent ban begins on January 1, 2027 for public agencies and January 1, 2028 for all commercial, industrial, institutional properties, and HOA common areas.

Functional turf is defined as turf grass that is:

Needed to serve a human function, including, use for recreational purposes, civic or community events
On the property of a single-family home
On the property of a park used for sports, gathering, or recreation
On a golf course used directly for sport activities (driving ranges, chipping, and putting greens, tee boxes, greens, fairways and rough)
On a school field used for sport, gathering, or recreation
Needed for pet relief at veterinarian offices, boarding facilities, and animal shelters
Within cemeteries used for visitation and gathering
A species of turf that has a plant factor ≤ 0.3 per the California Code of Regulations Section 491 Title 23
Located directly beneath tree canopies

Non-functional turf includes, but not limited to:

Along the public right-of-way, including turf owned and maintained by the city/municipality (e.g. mow strips)
Along driveways and parking lots
Within community, and business streetscape frontage areas
Within medians and roundabouts
Turf that is solely ornamental

example-of-CII-non-functional-turf

CII properties include, but not limited to:

Homeowner Association owned property, common areas of mobile home parks, and apartment, condominium, and townhome complexes
Manufacturing plants and facilities
Industrial and commercial construction sites
Retail and shopping malls
Hospitals
Religious institutions
Government facilities (including medians, but not sports fields)

Restaurants
Grocery stores
Education institutions
Sporting arenas
Office buildings
Other properties that provide commercial, industrial, and institutional services

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What is the non-functional irrigation ban?

It is a state mandate that bans the irrigation of non-functional turf (grass) with potable water for all commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) customers. More information is available here.

Who will enforce the ban?

The enforcement of the ban is by the State Water Resources Control Board, failure to comply may result in a fine of up to $500 from the State Water Board.

What is non-functional turf?

Non-functional turf is turf that is solely ornamental and not regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events. For example: Ornamental lawns common to office parks, street medians, and housing developments that require irrigation, but provide no recreational or functional purpose.

How long will the ban last?

For up to a year unless otherwise notified by the State Water Board. The ban may be in effect for longer than one year.

Are there exemptions to the ban?

Yes, commercial turf may still be watered, if the property owner or account holder determines that one or more of the is true:

The turf is used for human recreation, civic purposes, sports, or play.
The turf is irrigated with recycled water.
The turf is irrigated with non-potable water (water that is not permitted for use as drinking water).
The turf is at a residential location, not a commercial, industrial, or institutional location.

The exception to this is common areas in Homeowner’s Association sites. Unless one of the above exemptions applies, HOA common areas are included in this turf irrigation ban.

Who issued/determined this ban?

During the last drought, Governor Newsom issued an executive order and the State Water Resources Control Board adopted the emergency drought regulations and is appointed with the enforcement of the ban. The City of Glendora is responsible for informing our customers of these new drought regulations and for providing resources to use water wisely.

What is turf?

Turf is grass or various species of ground cover designed to be mowed regularly and stepped on repeatedly.

What about homeowner’s association (HOA) common areas?

This ban applies to HOA common areas. It is up to the HOA board or similar managing body to determine what is functional and non-functional.

Will the City of Glendora fine me for violating the ban?

It is the City of Glendora’s goal to promote the efficient use of water by educating its customers on cost-saving practices. However, the City reserves the right to send a courtesy notice to customers if a report of a potential violation is received. Likewise, the City reserves the right to enforce the current Stage 3 watering restrictions adopted by the City Council.

How do I report water waste?

To report water waste, a violation of Stage 3 watering restrictions, and/or violation of the non-functional turf ban please click here. You may also contact a customer service representative to report a water waste violation at (626) 852-4838.

What about trees?

Irrigation priority should be given to trees to keep them alive. Although most mature trees often require little to no irrigation, some species do. The State Water Board urges people to continue to water trees, even while reducing or stopping the irrigation of turf. Irrigation of trees and non-turf plantings is permitted.

What programs are available to financially assist customers to remove the turf for commercial properties?

The Turf Replacement Program is available for turf removal projects through Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). Eligible projects must receive approval before commencement from MWD. Visit socalwatersmart.com for more information.