City staff brief Hanford council on state bill limiting potable irrigation of nonfunctional turf

City staff presented an overview of California Assembly Bill 15-72 at the council's July 21 study session, describing which turf is "functional" (recreation, schools, sports fields, playgrounds, civic gathering areas) and which is considered "nonfunctional" (decorative strips, medians, entry lawns, some HOA common areas).

A staff presenter explained the bill authorizes the State Water Resources Control Board to create compliance certification and schedules phased compliance for various property classes, including requirements applicable to state-owned properties and local public agencies. Staff said the law would prohibit the use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf on many commercial, industrial and institutional properties and would require local agencies to assist with enforcement.

Councilmembers asked how existing landscape-assessment districts would pay for irrigation retrofits and whether school athletic fields would qualify as functional turf. Staff said single-family residential lawns and cemeteries are exempt and that fields used for physical education and community recreation are typically considered functional and may be eligible for waivers; the state has not yet finalized waiver details.

Councilmembers also raised the cost of converting older landscapes to drought-tolerant plants and the irrigation retrofits (switching overhead sprays to bubblers or drip systems) that drive expenses. Staff noted prevailing-wage requirements and likely construction and irrigation upgrades could increase costs for districts that currently lack CPI escalators or reserve balances.

Next steps: staff will return before the end of the year with municipal-code language needed to implement the state requirements locally and with an outreach plan for LADs and other affected property owners.

(Attributions are to city staff and council members as recorded in the public meeting transcript.)