Stockton, CA Water Use Rules: Turf Replacement Rebates (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Commercial, industrial, institutional sites only
- Banned
- Potable irrigation of "non-functional" turf
- Still allowed
- Watering trees, perennial non-turf plantings
- Exempt turf
- Sports fields, recreation/civic-event turf
- Adopted
- Ord. 2022-07-12-1503 C.S. § 3
- Second violation notice
- $100/day surcharge on water bill
Summary
Stockton bans potable-water irrigation of purely ornamental turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional sites, pushing those properties toward turf replacement. Municipal Code § 13.28.035.B, adopted by Ord. 2022-07-12-1503 C.S., defines "non-functional turf" and prohibits watering it with potable water.
To prevent the unreasonable use of water and to promote water conservation, the use of potable water is prohibited for the irrigation of non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional sites. The use of water is not prohibited by this section to the extent necessary to ensure the health of trees and other perennial non-turf plantings or to the extent necessary to address an immediate health and safety need. Non-functional turf means turf that is solely ornamental and not regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events. Non-functional turf does not include sports fields and turf that is regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events.
Full Breakdown
28 schedule. " Because the ban applies to potable irrigation outright rather than rationing it, a CII property with decorative non-functional turf cannot simply water less; keeping the area green with potable water is no longer an option, which in practice pushes owners toward removing the turf and replacing it with synthetic turf, mulch, or drought-tolerant plantings that need no ongoing potable irrigation. A. The ordinance was added by Ord. § 3.
Violations & Fines
A property irrigating banned non-functional turf with potable water receives a written notice describing the violation (§ 13.28.050.A); a second notice adds a $100-per-day surcharge to the water bill until corrected (§ 13.28.050.D). The Director of Municipal Utilities may issue a cease-and-desist order and, after a noticed hearing, discontinue water service (§§ 13.28.060-13.28.070). Each day of continued violation is a separate infraction (§ 13.28.090), appealable to the City Manager within 10 days (§ 13.28.080).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can commercial properties in Stockton still water ornamental lawns?
Does the turf ban cover sports fields?
Does this turf rule apply to my house?
Can I still water trees on a non-functional turf strip?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stockton
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