Danville To Replace Non-Functional Turf In Public Areas

DANVILLE, CA — The town of Danville is replacing turf along major roads to comply with State Assembly Bill 1572, which limits the use of potable water irrigation for commercial, industrial, and institutional water users.

Before Jan. 1, 2027, Danville is required to remove what is known as non-functional turf, which is most often grass landscaping strips between sidewalks and streets. Functional turf that does not need to be replaced includes turfs on parks, sports fields, and other recreational and community gathering spaces.

Commercial properties must replace non-functional turf by 2028, and private roadsides managed by homeowner's associations must comply by 2029. Private residential landscaping is not affected by this law.

A plan developed by Danville mandates that areas with trees, like the tree-lined walking path along Camino Tassajara, will still be able to be irrigated. Non-functional turf will begin to brown as it dies off. After that, each area will be re-planted with trees and plants, and bark mulch and other ground covers will be added depending on factors like location and slope.

The town said that it considered alternatives like recycled water irrigation, but the East Bay Municipal Utilities District does not have the necessary infrastructure for Danville to switch to recycled water.

The program will roll out in phases. It will begin with the section of non-functional turf on Camino Tassajara between Tassajara Lane and Sherburne Hills Road, followed by an adjacent site between Tassajara Lane and Hill Meadow Drive. Work will include replanting the area between the sidewalk and street with plants like rose bushes.

See danville.ca.gov/turf for more information, including phased dates for other types of properties. Residents can also use the site to provide feedback on the law directly to state legislators, and subscribe to updates about this and other legislation affecting Danville.