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Santa Rosa outlines phased implementation and enforcement challenges for AB 15 72 nonfunctional‑turf ban
Summary
Santa Rosa Water staff briefed the subcommittee on AB 15 72, explaining staged deadlines (beginning 01/01/2027), the law’s definition of nonfunctional turf, exceptions (trees, artificial turf), enforcement pathways (local ordinance amendments and state fines of up to $1,000/day), and costs/rebate limitations that may make compliance difficult for some commercial and HOA accounts.
Lisa Cuellar, Santa Rosa’s water use efficiency coordinator, told the Water Conservation Subcommittee that AB 15 72 — described in the presentation as signed into law in 2023 — prohibits irrigation of nonfunctional turf on specified account types and has a staged implementation schedule beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
Cuellar said the law targets irrigated, mowed lawns that are purely decorative (not used for recreation or gatherings) and is phased so that state entities and local government obligations begin in 2027, commercial and industrial properties follow in subsequent years, and HOAs and common interest developments have later deadlines. She noted artificial turf is excluded from the statute’s definition.
Staff emphasized practical challenges of applying…
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