California Native Plants Law: Statewide Landscaping Rules Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: AB-1572 Water Code 10608.14
Full effect: By 2031
HOA protection: Civil Code 4735
Landscape standard: MWELO Gov Code 65591

Full Breakdown

Water Code sections 10608.14 and 10610-10610.4 phase in a ban on potable water irrigation of non-functional turf on commercial, industrial, institutional, and HOA-controlled common areas, taking full effect by 2031. The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (Gov Code 65591) sets statewide minimum efficiency for new landscapes and requires climate-appropriate plant palettes. Civil Code section 4735 prevents HOAs from forbidding low-water or California-native landscaping.

Violations & Penalties

State Water Board may enforce against suppliers; HOA penalties for native plantings are unenforceable under Civil Code 4735.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my HOA require a green lawn?

No. Civil Code 4735 voids HOA rules that prohibit low-water-using plants or require living turf during declared drought conditions.

Does this ban apply to single-family homes?

No. AB-1572 covers commercial, institutional, industrial, and HOA-common areas. Single-family front and back yards are not subject to the potable-turf ban.

California Bans Potable Irrigation of Non-Functional Turf

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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