City Council Bans Watering Decorative Grass at Businesses, Public Properties

The City Council implemented an ordinance that places new restrictions on watering decorative grass.

The ordinance applies to local businesses, government agencies and homeowners associations.

The ordinance prohibits the use of drinking water to irrigate nonfunctional turf at commercial, industrial and institutional properties, along with public facilities and certain common areas maintained by homeowners associations.

The restrictions target nonfunctional turf, generally defined as grass that serves an ornamental purpose rather than being used for recreation or other activities.

The ordinance amends the Pasadena Municipal Code, which governs water waste prohibitions and water supply shortage plans.

Pasadena Water and Power will oversee implementation, including public education and potential incentive programs designed to help affected property owners comply.

The changes are required under Assembly Bill 1572, a California law aimed at conserving drinking water by eliminating irrigation of grass that serves primarily decorative purposes.

Under state law, public water systems must incorporate the restrictions into local ordinances, regulations or policies and notify customers by Jan. 1.

Pasadena Water and Power officials have been working with customers since 2023 to prepare them for the requirements.

City officials said the ordinance will have no immediate impact on the Water Fund’s annual budget.

Any educational programs, incentives or classes developed to support compliance will be financed through existing Water Fund appropriations.