The California Land Conservation Act of 1965--commonly referred to as the Williamson Act--enables local governments to enter into contracts with private landowners for the purpose of restricting specific parcels of land to agricultural or related open space use. In return, landowners receive property tax assessments which are much lower than normal because they are based upon farming and open space uses as opposed to full market value. Local governments receive an annual subvention of forgone property tax revenues from the state via the Open Space Subvention Act of 1971.
new and frequently requested information
- In October 2011, Govenor Brown signed Senate Bill 618. The bill authorizes parties to a Williamson Act contract, under specific circumstances, after approval by the Department of Conservation, and in consultation with the Department of Food and Agriculture, to mutually agree to rescind the contract in order to simultaneously enter into a solar-use easement. In most cases, the easement will require that the land be used for solar photovoltaic facilities for a term no less than 20 years.
- The Department of Conservation has developed some general advice for parties interested in pursuing the potential use of a solar easement on lands currently under a Williamson Act contract. Click on the links to read the provisions of the Government Code, SB618, and to view the initial advice the Department has developed to assist those interested in applying for a solar-use easement.
- Considerations in Citing Solar Facilities on Land Enrolled in the Williamson Act (PDF, updated 3/11/11)
- Frequently Asked Questions about Open Space Subventions
- Effectively Administering the Williamson Act (9 MB PDF)
In fall 2009, the Department provided regional training workshops to promote effective local government administration of the Williamson Act Program. The handout topics include the following: Compatible Uses, Contract Termination, Current Fair Market Valuation & Formal Review Process, CEQA Mitigation Measures, Subdivisions, Lot Line Adjustments, Public Acquisition Notification Process, Eminent Domain, Recent Legislative Changes, Subvention Funds, Audits, Material Breach, Open Space Contracts on contracted lands.