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
non-functional Turf Waiver
Important: Turf areas may only be irrigated with potable water if a non-functional turf waiver has been approved by the City.
To apply, property owners or managers must:
1.Complete a Non-Functional Turf Waiver form online.*
- Upload documentation (e.g., detailed map and photographs)showing that each turf area is regularly used for recreation or community purposes.
- Clearly identify the locations of turf areas being considered.
2.Submit payment.
- Request online payment. Click HERE to register for a TO/24 account. After you set up an account, City staff will generate an invoice. Once payment is received, your application will be processed; OR
- Mail a non-refundable fee ($306) made out to the “City of Thousand Oaks” with a copy of your completed Non-Functional Turf Waiver form.
Address:
City of Thousand Oaks Attn: Sustainability Division 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
3.Within 30 days of receiving your information, the City will contact you to schedule a site visit to your property.
4.If the City determines that your area has functional turf, you will be issued a letter that designates which areas are authorized for irrigation.
For more information on rules and requirements, visit the Thousand Oaks Municipal Code (TOMC) Section 10-2.1104(I).
*You may email the form and documentation to gogreen@toaks.gov with the subject line, “Turf Waiver," although the application will not be processed until the fee is received. If you are unable to complete the form online or by email, you may mail the form along with documentation and payment to the City.
No irrigation of turf with potable water may occur until the waiver has been granted in writing.
[button text="Download the Non-Functional Turf Waiver "]
If your turf is irrigated with non-potable water, you do not need a waiver for those areas, even if they are non-functional. Instead, complete the Non-Potable Turf Irrigation Verification form and provide documentation demonstrating that the turf is served by a non-potable irrigation source.
[button text="Download the Non-Potable Turf Irrigation Verification Form"]
I live in an HOA property. Can the HOA water its turf/lawn areas?
Are there any rebates available for replacing lawn/turf or helping to reduce water use?