The California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (Williamson Act), Government Code 51200-51297.4, allows landowners to enter contracts with counties restricting land to agricultural use for ten-year minimum terms in exchange for reduced property tax assessment based on farming income.
Government Code 51200-51297.4 establishes the Williamson Act framework under which county boards of supervisors may form agricultural preserves and contract with landowners to restrict parcels to agricultural and compatible uses for renewable ten-year terms (twenty for Farmland Security Zones). In exchange, parcels are taxed based on agricultural income capacity rather than market value. The state partially reimburses counties for foregone property tax. Local governments must follow uniform statewide procedures for contract entry, renewal, nonrenewal, and cancellation. While participation by counties is optional, the contract framework, valuation method, and cancellation rules are state-mandated and uniform.
Premature contract cancellation triggers cancellation fees of 12.5 percent of the parcel's unrestricted fair market value under Government Code 51283.
Kern County, CA
Kern County Code Chapter 8.36 (Noise Control) governs unincorporated areas. § 8.36.020 prohibits construction noise audible at 150 feet between 9:00 p.m. and...
Kern County, CA
Kern County Zoning Code § 19.08.210 limits fences in residential (E and R) districts to 4 ft in front yards and 6 ft in side and rear yards. Through-lot rear...
Kern County, CA
Kern County Code § 7.08.150 (Dogs at large prohibited—Confinement) requires dogs to be leashed and under handler control or confined when on public property ...
Delano, CA
The City of Delano allows the use of state-approved 'Safe and Sane' fireworks within city limits during a specific permitted window around July 4, sold by no...
Kern County, CA
Kern County Code Chapter 19.82 (Off-Street Parking) sets minimum parking for residential uses in unincorporated areas; STRs follow the dwelling-unit parking ...
Kern County, CA
Unincorporated Kern County has no published numeric occupancy cap specific to short-term rentals; STRs operate under general residential zoning in Title 19 a...
See how Delano's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
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