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
Data and maps
- 2010 Williamson Act Status Report
- 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. Topics include: 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.
- FTP download site