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Hemet council adopts ordinance to phase out potable irrigation of nonfunctional turf on public and commercial properties
Summary
Hemet voted to amend its water-conservation code to implement AB1572, phasing out potable watering of nonfunctional turf on government properties (2027) and commercial/CI properties (2028) with rebates available via EMWD for turf removal and drought-tolerant replacements.
The Hemet City Council on June 9 adopted Ordinance No. 2077, amending the municipal code to implement state rules (AB1572) that prohibit potable irrigation of nonfunctional turf on specified property types on a staggered timeline.
Travis Holio, water/wastewater superintendent, explained the amendment updates Chapter 82, Division 3, reflecting state compliance timelines: government properties by Jan. 1, 2027; commercial, industrial and institutional properties by Jan. 1, 2028; homeowners association common areas and mobile-home parks by Jan. 1, 2029; and certain disadvantaged-community properties by Jan. 1, 2031.
A member of the public, Aaron Nash, asked whether the city has a plan to replace grass areas so public spaces remain attractive and functional. Holio said the city partners with Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) and Metropolitan Water District (MWD) rebate programs; homeowners and institutions can apply through EMWD's portal for turf-removal rebates (staff cited a current rebate level of about $4 per square foot, varying by category).
Council members discussed exemptions (functional turf such as sports fields, picnic areas, cemeteries and residential lawns) and enforcement (water districts have authority over dedicated irrigation meters). After public input, council approved the ordinance and authorized the city manager to approve the annual water-supply and demand assessment.
Why it matters: AB1572 restricts potable watering of decorative turf on many public and commercial properties; the ordinance aligns Hemet with state timelines and makes rebate information available to property owners to support drought-tolerant replacements.
Next steps: Staff will publish guidance, link rebate applications on the city site, track affected city properties and pursue available rebate funding for government-owned landscaping conversions.
