Larkspur Isle replaced more than 65% of its decorative grass with native plants and drought-tolerant landscaping, getting a head start on state watering restrictions that take effect for homeowners associations in 2029.

The Larkspur condominium community used Marin Municipal Water District’s Cash for Grass program to reduce project costs by 25%, according to an Oct. 19 profile published by Marin Water. Board member Andrew Cohen said the association is budgeting to convert the remaining grass in the coming years.

California’s Assembly Bill 1572 prohibits using drinking water to irrigate decorative grass in HOA common areas beginning Jan. 1, 2029. The restriction generally starts Jan. 1, 2027, for public properties and Jan. 1, 2028, for commercial, industrial and institutional properties.

Certain local-government properties in disadvantaged communities have until Jan. 1, 2031. The law requires affected properties to stop watering nonfunctional turf with drinking water, rather than requiring grass removal, according to Marin Water’s compliance guidance.

Violators could eventually face fines of up to $1,000 a day, the Marin Independent Journal reported in September.

The newspaper also reported that a June survey of landscape and property companies at the Central Coast Water Summit found 80% said their clients “are still waiting for direction or avoiding the subject.”

At Larkspur Isle, the neighborhood’s landscaping committee worked with Sol Landscapes on roughly 10,000 square feet of new landscaping. Marin Water describes the project as including 50% native plantings, including ‘Valley Violet’ ceanothus and manzanita.

The project uses drip irrigation and river rock selected to keep high tides from washing mulch away. Sheet mulching beneath the rocks helped improve the soil, according to the district.

Committee members include Meg and Stephen Conner. Stephen Conner also coordinates volunteers for Larkspur Community Garden.

Cohen said butterflies appeared soon after planting.

“On the second day we planted, I’m going ‘Am I imagining things, or did butterflies just show up?’” he said in the district’s profile.

Board members said they could not yet quantify water-bill savings but expect lower maintenance expenses, including mowing costs.

Marin Water’s Cash for Grass program offers $2.18 per square foot for qualifying base conversions and $3.68 for projects meeting additional landscaping requirements.

Qualifying best-practice projects can receive another $1 per square foot for diverting downspout runoff into a rain garden, bringing the maximum to $4.68. The bonus is available while funds last.

The program lists caps of 1,000 square feet for residential properties and 5,000 for commercial properties. Customers must obtain approval before starting work. Artificial turf replacements are ineligible.

California excludes qualifying turf replacement rebates from taxable income for tax years 2022 through 2026, according to the Franchise Tax Board. Federal tax treatment may differ.

Cohen encouraged other associations to begin planning.

“Do it sooner rather than later. Don’t be forced to do it at the last minute.”