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.
Walnut Creek, CA
Walnut Creek restricts RV, boat, and trailer parking in residential zones. These vehicles cannot be stored in front yards or on public streets for extended p...
Walnut Creek, CA
Walnut Creek enforces the California Vehicle Code 22651(k) statewide 72-hour street parking limit. Downtown has metered parking and timed zones. Residential ...
Walnut Creek, CA
Walnut Creek restricts overnight parking of commercial vehicles in residential zones. Vehicles with commercial plates exceeding specified weight or length li...
Walnut Creek, CA
Properties in Walnut Creek's Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and State Responsibility Area — including the city's eastern hills near Mount Diablo and alo...
Walnut Creek, CA
Walnut Creek is served by East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) and Contra Costa Water District (CCWD), both of which enforce permanent statewide water...
Walnut Creek, CA
Noxious weeds on the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner's list — including yellow starthistle, artichoke thistle, and various broom species — must...
See how Walnut Creek's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.