What is the California Land Conservation (Williamson) Act?
The Williamson Act was passed by the California Legislature in 1965 to preserve agricultural and open space lands by discouraging the premature and unnecessary conversion to urban uses. In addition, the Act provides protection for wildlife habitats, marsh lands, salt flats, and scenic highway corridors. The Act authorizes local governments and property owners to (voluntarily) enter into contracts to commit land to specified uses for ten or more years. Once enforceably restricted, the land is valued as open space land pursuant to open space valuation laws (Revenue & Taxation Code Section 421, et seq.) enacted pursuant to the Open Space Amendment to the California Constitution. 2. What is an Agricultural Preserve? An Agricultural Preserve is established in order to define the boundary of an area within which the city or county will enter into contracts with landowners. The boundary of the Preserve will be designated by resolution of the Board or Council presiding over the local jurisdict
