… Unless You Put a Picnic Table on It
California says we’re not in a drought—for now. But Sacramento just made it clear: if no one uses your grass, you shouldn’t be watering it.
So the question for Eastridge Hills isn’t PANIC—it’s strategy.
What’s Really Changing? Under Assembly Bill 1572 (Water Code §10608.14):
HOAs must stop watering “nonfunctional turf” with drinking water by 2029.
And here’s the key distinction:
• Functional turf = people use it
• Nonfunctional turf = looks nice… but off-limits
Translation: If residents can’t enjoy it, the State calls it waste.
Reality Check (and a Little Creativity): Most of our green spaces are safe—but what about areas like the back gate lawn? Here’s where things get interesting…
What if we make the space usable?
• Add a few picnic tables
• Place trash receptacles
• Create a welcoming, park-like setting
Suddenly, that same grass isn’t “decorative”—it’s functional community space. And just like that, the law starts working for us instead of against us.
The Common-Sense Case (a.k.a. Why This Matters)
Let’s be honest about what’s already invested:
• Years of landscaping and maintenance
• Thousands spent on fertilizers and irrigation
• Ongoing costs for mowing, water, and treatments by the landscaper
And replacing it all with hardscape?
• Expensive upfront cost -continuing maintenance costs – possible special assessment?
• Minimal real water savings (we still irrigate trees and plants)
• Potential loss of erosion control and fire protection
Those trees and ground cover aren’t just pretty—they’re defensive infrastructure.
Turning Compliance into Community: Now here’s where it gets fun…Some neighbors have suggested:
Food Truck Fridays at the back gate. Think about it:
• A functional gathering space ✔️
• Community engagement ✔️
• Supports compliance ✔️
• Adds value to the neighborhood ✔️
A picnic table today… Tacos tomorrow.
That’s what we can call a win-win—with salsa.
The Part We Can’t Ignore
• Compliance deadline: January 1, 2029 (just three short years ahead)
• Reporting required starting: June 30, 2031 (every 3 years)
• Applies to us (over 5,000 sq ft irrigated area)
And if ignored?
Up to $500 per day in fines
Yes – DAILY FINES. The meter runs faster than our irrigation system.
What We’re Doing About It
• Evaluate all potential “nonfunctional” areas
• Explore low-cost conversions to functional space
• Preserve landscaping that protects against erosion and fire risk
• Calendar compliance deadlines (so we never meet that $500/day penalty)
Call to Action: Let’s Be Smart About This
Why rip out something beautiful…
when a couple of benches can make it compliant?
Why spend thousands on hardscape…
When can we create a space people actually use?
And why not turn a regulation into a reason to gather?
What do you think?
Should we activate the back gate lawn with seating—and maybe even Food Truck Fridays?
Because sometimes the best way to follow the rules…
is to rethink the space.
Eastridge Hills HOA
