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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Fremont, CA
Fremont limits leaf blower use to daytime hours and must comply with California AB 1346 banning sales of new gas blowers statewide as of 2024.
Fremont, CA
Fremont limits industrial noise to 70 dBA at commercial property lines and 55 dBA at abutting residential lines under FMC Chapter 5.30.
Fremont, CA
Fremont treats persistent dog barking as a public nuisance under FMC Chapter 6, with Animal Services investigating complaints and issuing citations.
Fremont, CA
Fremont permits wood, masonry, vinyl, and metal fences but restricts barbed wire, electric fencing, and combustible materials in fire-hazard zones.
Fremont, CA
Retaining walls over 3 feet high require engineered permits in Fremont, with extra scrutiny for Mission Peak and Hayward Fault slope areas.
Fremont, CA
Fremont prohibits exotic and wild animals under California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671 and FMC Chapter 6, preempting most exotics.
See how Fremont's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
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