Agricultural Land Preservation

The Williamson Act is a State program that preserves agricultural and other open space lands. In exchange for committing land to agricultural uses for at least 20 years, landowners receive significant tax breaks. In Sacramento County the Office of Planning and Environmental Review initiates and processes applications to establish Williamson Act land conservation agreements. The same department processes applications to "non-renew" agreements. The County Assessor's Office is responsible for calculating and assessing tax reductions related to the Williamson Act contracts.

Forms

Prior to submitting either of the following form, you are advised to first speak with the Planning and Environmental Review staff member listed below, regarding the process and fees.

Request to Create an Agricultural Preserve. This form will initiate the process for establishing an Agricultural Preserve through a Williamson Act contract.
Notice of Non-Renewal for a portion of Land Conservation Agreement. Use this form to remove existing Agricultural Preserves from the Williamson Act.

More Information

For information regarding Williamson Act initiation or non-renewal process and fees in Sacramento County contact: Leanne Mueller at (916) 874-6155, muellerl@saccounty.gov.

For more information you may visit the following websites:

County Assessor's Office: Williamson Land Conservation Act page provides information on Williamson Act taxt benefits, including a link to frequently asked questions.
California Department of Conservation for detailed background information on the Williamson Act including links regarding basic contract provisions, farmland security zones and open space subventions.

Planning and Environmental Review