Pasadena's City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance Tuesday, Oct. 27, that will phase out the use of drinking water on decorative lawns at businesses, government buildings and homeowners associations over the next three years.

The measure passed without debate during a meeting that lasted roughly 14 minutes, Pasadena Now reported. Councilmember Jason Lyon joked after adjournment: "I didn't get through my cup of coffee."

The ordinance amends Chapter 13.10 of the Pasadena Municipal Code, which governs water waste prohibitions and water supply shortage plans. It will prohibit using potable water to irrigate what the city defines as nonfunctional turf, meaning grass that serves an ornamental purpose rather than recreation or other activities. The ban covers commercial, industrial and institutional properties, public facilities and certain common areas maintained by homeowners associations.

Single-family homes, multifamily buildings without an HOA, recreational grass and cemeteries are not affected, according to Hoodline. The law does not require anyone to tear out a lawn. It prohibits watering decorative turf with drinking water once the applicable deadline arrives.

The council approved the first reading at its Oct. 20 meeting, according to Colorado Boulevard. The Oct. 27 vote completed the second and final reading.

State mandate sets the clock

The changes are required under Assembly Bill 1572 (AB 1572), a California law aimed at conserving drinking water by phasing out irrigation of purely decorative grass, Pasadena Now reported ahead of the vote. Under state law, public water systems must incorporate the restrictions into local ordinances and notify customers by Jan. 1, 2027.

Compliance deadlines are staggered by property type, Hoodline reported. California Department of General Services properties face the restriction first, beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Other commercial, industrial and institutional properties follow on Jan. 1, 2028. HOA common areas and similar entities have until Jan. 1, 2029.

The City Council directed staff on Aug. 31 to update Pasadena's water conservation regulations to comply with the legislation, according to Pasadena Now. Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) staff have been informing customers about the coming requirements since 2023 through workshops, emails, flyers, bill inserts and site visits, Hoodline reported.

No budget hit expected

City officials said the ordinance would have no immediate impact on the Water Fund's annual budget. Any education programs, incentives or classes developed to support compliance would be financed through existing Water Fund appropriations. The general fund would not be affected.

PWP will oversee implementation, including public education and potential incentive programs for affected property owners.

The City Clerk's Office reported receiving correspondence requesting consideration of a landscape exemption district to preserve landscaping along Orange Grove Boulevard. Restrictions on irrigating nonfunctional turf at commercial, industrial and institutional properties take effect Jan. 1, 2028.