Yes. Under state law AB 1572, as the Seal Beach staff report describes it, common areas of homeowners associations and condominium complexes must stop watering decorative grass with drinking water starting January 1, 2029. The documents published so far do not show the City Council’s October 12 vote on the local ordinance.
What the city is deciding
The City Council was asked to introduce Ordinance 1731, the proposed first reading. It would update Chapter 9.37 of the municipal code to match state requirements for nonfunctional turf irrigation. Nonfunctional turf is ornamental grass that does not serve a recreational, civic or community purpose.
Where and who it affects
The rules cover common areas of homeowners associations, condominium projects, planned developments and similar organizations. They also cover commercial, industrial, institutional and government properties on earlier schedules.
Single family homes, duplexes and small apartment buildings without an HOA are not covered. Cemeteries are also excluded.
What it could mean for your property
Starting January 1, 2029, covered shared areas cannot use potable water, meaning water suitable for human consumption, to irrigate nonfunctional turf. Recycled water is allowed for turf watering.
Grass used for sports fields, golf courses, playgrounds, picnic grounds or pet exercise areas can qualify as functional turf. An area does not qualify as a pet exercise area merely because pets may walk on it or relieve themselves there.
Potable water may still be used as necessary to protect trees and other perennial plants, or to address an immediate health and safety need. The documents do not state what landscaping conversion would cost an HOA.
The restrictions begin January 1, 2028, for other institutional, commercial and industrial properties. Government and public water system properties generally face a January 1, 2027, date.
Questions to ask before you buy or build
- Is the property part of an HOA, condominium project or other common interest development?
- Does the property use drinking water on ornamental grass in a shared area?
- Is the grass considered functional because it supports recreation or community use?
- Does the property have recycled water available for turf irrigation?
What happens next
The documents published so far do not show the October 12 vote, or an adoption date. The draft ordinance says it would take effect 30 days after City Council adoption. State law requires the city, as a water supplier, to update its rules and tell customers about them by January 1, 2027.