CALIFORNIA WILLIAMSON ACT
The California Williamson Act is a state land use law that allows private landowners to voluntarily enter into a 10-year contract with a local government to keep their land in agricultural or open space use. In exchange for restricting their property to farming or compatible open space uses, landowners receive a reduction in property taxes, which are then assessed based on their actual use rather than their market value. The “rolling term” contract automatically renews each year unless a notice of non-renewal is filed, ensuring long-term protection of these lands from urban sprawl.
How it works
Voluntary contract: A landowner voluntarily enters into a contract with a city or county government to restrict their land to agricultural and compatible open space uses.
Property tax reduction: The primary benefit for the landowner is lower property taxes. The land is assessed based on its agricultural income-producing value, not its potential market value, which is often much higher due to urban development pressure.
Rolling term: The contract is for a minimum of 10 years. Each year, the contract automatically renews for another year unless a party files a “notice of non-renewal”.
Notice of non-renewal: If a landowner wants to end the contract, they must file a notice of non-renewal, which triggers a 9-year cancellation period before the contract terminates.
Enforceable restriction: The contract is a legally binding agreement that is enforceable against successors in interest to the landowner and the local government.
Purpose and goals
Preserve farmland: The Act was created to discourage the conversion of agricultural and open space lands to urban uses.
Plan for urban growth: It allows local governments to integrate the protection of these valuable lands into their urban planning strategies.
Protect California’s economy: By keeping land in production, the program helps support California’s large agricultural industry.
Administration
State level: The California Department of Conservation (DOC) governs the program at the state level.
Local level: The program is administered locally by participating counties and cities, which establish their own rules for enrollment, allowable uses, and enforcement.