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Santa Cruz, CA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)

Some Restrictions

Source: California Government Code 51200 →

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Key Facts

Statute: Gov Code 51200-51297.4
Minimum Contract Term: Ten years
Farmland Security Term: Twenty years
Cancellation Fee: 12.5% market value

California state rule: Santa Cruz does not have a local ordinance for agricultural zoning protection. This topic is governed by California state law and applies uniformly across the state.

Summary

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.

Full Breakdown

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.

Violations & Fines

Premature contract cancellation triggers cancellation fees of 12.5 percent of the parcel's unrestricted fair market value under Government Code 51283.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Williamson Act in California?

A statewide land conservation program under Government Code 51200-51297.4 allowing landowners to receive reduced property tax assessments in exchange for ten-year contracts restricting land to agricultural use.

Can a city or county opt out of statewide procedures?

No. Counties choose whether to offer Williamson Act contracts, but contract terms, tax valuation rules, and cancellation procedures are uniform statewide and cannot be locally modified.

How does Santa Cruz compare?

See how Santa Cruz's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.

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Santa Cruz, CA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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