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.
Santa Paula, CA
Vehicle noise on public streets is governed by CA Vehicle Code §27007 (95 dBA exhaust limit). CVC preempts local ordinances for vehicles on public roads. SPM...
Santa Paula, CA
Santa Paula establishes maximum noise levels measured at the property line, with lower limits for residential zones and nighttime hours. Agricultural operati...
Santa Paula, CA
Santa Paula Airport (SZP) is a public general aviation airport managed by the City of Santa Paula. The airport has voluntary noise abatement procedures reque...
Santa Paula, CA
Santa Paula restricts construction activity in residential areas to 7 AM–7 PM Monday through Saturday. No construction work is permitted on Sundays or federa...
Santa Paula, CA
Santa Paula follows California AB 1236 requiring streamlined residential EV charger permitting. The city processes EV charging station installations through ...
Santa Paula, CA
Santa Paula regulates driveway parking to maintain safe access and neighborhood standards. Vehicles must not block sidewalks, and agricultural equipment park...
See how Santa Paula's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
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