Williamson Act
Overview of Williamson Act
If you own ten or more acres of eligible land and are considering a conservation easement, the Williamson Act can help. Also known as the California Land Conservation Act of 1965, the Williamson Act enables local governments to enter into contracts with private landowners to keep rural lands in production in return for a reduction in property taxes. Farms and ranches on the Central Coast are considered valuable properties for their open space views and ecological benefits such as water storage and wildlife habitat. Scroll down to learn more about individual counties land conservation easement programs. Landowners may apply for land conservation easements through the county planning department. Williamson Act contracts are voluntary. Once signed, landowners agree to restrict their land to agricultural and compatible uses. Restrictions are enforced through a county-by-county basis.
Williamson Act Information by County
San Benito County
San Benito County considers applications for conservation easements based on the parcel number and zoning designation. Learn more about how land conservation easements work.
Santa Clara County
The County of Santa Clara contracts with owners of certain properties to preserve land for agricultural uses pursuant to the California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (the Williamson Act). The County only has jurisdiction over Williamson Act contracts for lands located within unincorporated Santa Clara County.
Santa Cruz County
There is currently a moratorium on applications for new contracts. As directed by the Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors, the County shall maintain the Williamson Act program for existing contracts only and will not accept or take action on applications for new contracts until such time the State resumes making subvention payments.
San Mateo County
San Mateo County provides tax incentives to protect agricultural and open space uses defined in the Act. Contracts and agreements must be filed with the Planning and Building Department by the first Friday in June. The application, Review and Approval Process, and Public Notification process is described in the Williamson Act Regulations.