Torrance’s proposed ordinance would phase in a ban on watering decorative grass with drinking water for listed property groups, including homeowners’ association common areas. It would also increase penalties for water conservation violations.
What the city is deciding
The Council is considering adopting the ordinance to comply with state law. Potable water means water suitable for drinking. Nonfunctional turf means grass outside recreational areas or community spaces, including grass in street medians and parking lots.
Where and who it affects
The schedule begins January 1, 2027, for properties owned by local governments, public agencies and public water systems, except properties in disadvantaged communities. Other institutional, commercial and industrial properties follow January 1, 2028.
Homeowners’ association common areas and similar shared properties follow January 1, 2029. A common area is space without exclusive use by an individual occupant or owner. The ordinance lists these groups; the report does not explicitly settle coverage of single-family homes.
What it could mean for your property
The proposal exempts watering needed to sustain trees and perennial landscaping other than turf. Other exemptions include functional recreational grass, cemeteries, agricultural irrigation, immediate health or safety needs, and watering with recycled or other water unsuitable for drinking. The documents do not give an HOA landscaping conversion cost.
The water conservation penalties retain a rolling 12 calendar month window. A first violation receives a written warning. Current penalties are a second written warning with no fine, then flat fines of $100, $250 and $500 for third, fourth and fifth violations.
Under the proposal, a second violation could bring up to $500 per day. A third could cost up to $1,000 per day plus cost recovery. A fourth adds possible installation of a device limiting water flow. A fifth or later violation could bring water service disconnection. Penalties would appear on the customer’s water bill.
The documents read do not include the underlying Article 4 watering rules, so they do not establish which household conduct triggers those penalties.
Questions to ask before you buy or build
- Is the grass in a shared common area?
- Does its use qualify for an exemption?
- Which Article 4 watering rules apply to the property?
What happens next
The Council meeting is scheduled for November 3, 2026. The documents read do not show a vote result. If adopted, the ordinance takes effect thirty days after adoption, with the turf restrictions following the phased dates above.