What Is a Williamson Act Contract

The California Land Conservation Act of 1965 – commonly known as the Williamson Act – allows local governments to enter into contracts with private landowners to preserve land for agricultural purposes. In return, landowners receive reduced property tax assessments because the assessments are based on agricultural uses and open spaces and not on total market value. For forms to apply for a contract under the Williamson Act or not to renew a contract, please see: www.acgov.org/clerk/forms.htm. If a property is currently the subject of a contract under williamson law, any subsequent purchaser of the property is bound by the terms of the contract. It can be good or bad! The intended use of the property determines whether the Williamson Law is beneficial to you or not. Buyers interested in buying land under the Williamson Act should check AB1492 and check with the county where the property is located to determine what they can or cannot do with the property. In July 2006, the California Department of Conservation (DOC) completed an audit of Alameda County`s Williamson Act program. The review analyzed the uniform williamson Act rules and procedures of the county`s Williamson Act for compliance with state law and current interpretations of the Williamson Act. The State noted that several areas of the county`s current programme needed to be revised. On 11 October 2011, after numerous public meetings before the District Agricultural Advisory Council and the Planning Commission, the Council of Supervisors adopted revised uniform rules and procedures. These new documents identify specific steps for dealing with new and amended Williamson Act contracts and set standards for the development of Williamson Act properties.

The purpose of the revised documents is to reconcile the legal requirements of the state with the needs and interests of the district`s agricultural population. Liz McElligott, Deputy Director of Planning, Department of Planning Phone: (510) 670-5400 If you`re thinking of buying 100 acres or more in California, you need to be familiar with California`s Williamson Act. For more information about the Williamson Act program, visit the California Department of Conservation web site at www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/wa. One of the first questions you should ask the real estate agent or landowner: „Is this property under the Williamson Act?“ On the other hand, if you intend to develop the property into a subdivision, retreat center, multiple residences, etc., then under the Williamson Act, any property will generally not allow these (non-agricultural) uses. You`ll want to look for a property that isn`t included in the law. . If you intend to purchase the property and essentially proceed with agricultural or open-plan use, the Williamson Act is beneficial to you because it offers a lower tax rate. .