Folsom staff explains law restricting lawns

Folsom institutions can keep ornamental lawns as long as they don't irrigate with drinking water. City staff recently explained Assembly Bill 1572, the new law targeting decorative public lawns across the state. The conservation effort aims to replace unused grass with water-wise landscaping. Beginning next year, the legislation generally phases out drinking water to irrigate nonfunctional turf. The law does not apply to single residential homes, authorities stressed. "The change is designed to preserve California's water resources, prepare for long-term water shortages and more effectively manage our state's drinking water supply," said water chief Marcus Yasutake at the March 24 City Council meeting. The Folsom Director of Environmental and Water Resources gave an overview to the City Council with steps planned for outreach to affected property owners. The law basically bans potable water to irrigate unused turf on public, commercial and homeowner association land, said the director. That includes road medians, fenced areas, parking lots and street right of ways. Besides private homes, many iconic Folsom lawns are exempt from the law, including sports fields, picnic areas and cemeteries, said Yasutake. " 'Functional turf' means a ground cover surface of turf located in a recreational use area or community space," he said. Specifically, the law also applies to HOA common areas such as grass along sidewalks, buildings and fences. Other HOA areas include medians, roundabouts, entry sign zones, parks and parking lot strips, staff said. As far as public spaces go, the law includes state schools and colleges, public utilities, some parks and rec areas, courthouses and police and fire, authorities said. Commercial, industrial and institutional properties under the law include banks, offices, restaurants, retail, hospitals, hotels, churches, warehouses and private schools, according to the report. Yasutake said common misconceptions abound around town about the law. "It doesn't technically ban turf, it just says you can't irrigate with potable water," he said. Those affected also don't have to replace non-functional turf by each deadline but must stop watering the grass with potable water by then. Turf irrigation can continue on affected properties as long as it's recycled water, staff said. The law has no size threshold. "It's not not just 'larger' developments," said Yasutake. Apartment and condo complexes not part of an HOA are however exempt, he pointed out. Timeline to conform: · 2027 – Properties owned by local governments. · 2028 – Commercial and industrial properties. · 2029 – Common areas of homeowners associations. · 2031 – Properties owned by local governments in disadvantaged communities. Officials said jurisdictions "may" enforce the law. State law allows fines up to $1,000 a day, Yasutake said. "The bill doesn't say agencies have to enforce," he said. Property owners with more 5,000 square feet of grass must self-certify compliance to the state every three years. "My biggest frustration with this is that we become the messenger for the state," said Councilmember Sarah Aquino. "And people think it's us making these regulations." Folsom offers extensive details, options and resources for locals to respond to the law on the city website.