Commercial Landscape
Thanks to the tremendous water-saving efforts by our community, the City of Thousand Oaks successfully met the challenge of the 2022 drought. However, with droughts becoming more severe and frequent due to climate change, the City must transition toward more resilient, low-water landscaping.
Eliminating non-functional turf—ornamental grass that serves no active use—is a key part of this effort. To support this goal, the City has incorporated a permanent ban on the irrigation of non-functional turf with potable water into its Municipal Code [Section 10-2.1103(i)]. This applies to commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) properties, including Homeowner Association (HOA) common areas in condominiums, townhomes, and apartment complexes.
What Is Non-Functional Turf?
Non-functional turf is defined as:
"Turf that is ornamental and not regularly used for recreational purposes, or for civic or community events."
Examples include turf in:
- Parking lot medians
- Roadside strips
- Decorative landscape areas with no active use
- Dog relief areas
What Is Functional Turf?
Functional turf refers to turf areas that are:
- Actively and regularly used for recreation (e.g., sports, exercise, or play)
- Designated gathering spaces for civic or community events
Functional Turf Waiver — Required Before Irrigation
Important: Turf areas may only be irrigated with potable water if they are approved as functional turf through a City-issued waiver.
To apply, property owners or managers must:
- Submit a Functional Turf Waiver application
- Pay non-refundable application fee
- Provide documentation showing that each turf area is regularly used for recreation or community purposes
- Clearly identify the locations of turf areas being considered
No irrigation of turf with potable water may occur until the waiver has been granted in writing.
Download the Functional Turf Waiver application HERE.