Agriculture · Glossary
Williamson Act
Updated 2026-07-18
Williamson Act is California's program allowing local governments to contract with landowners to restrict land to agricultural or compatible open-space uses in exchange for property-tax assessment based on restricted use. A contract can constrain development and usually continues until nonrenewal, cancellation, or another lawful termination process is completed.
What it means
Contracts generally renew automatically each year for a rolling term unless a notice of nonrenewal is filed. Farmland Security Zone contracts use longer terms.
Why it matters for land decisions
Contract status affects allowable use, valuation, subdivision, and development timing.
- Obtain the recorded contract and map.
- Confirm status with the county program administrator.
People also ask
Does a sale end a Williamson Act contract?
No. The restriction generally runs with the land and binds successors.
Can a Williamson Act contract be cancelled immediately?
Cancellation is a discretionary process requiring statutory findings and fees; nonrenewal is a separate phased expiration process.
Official sources
Related terms
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