Williamson Act
How many parcels and acres are in Butte County's Land Conservation (Williamson) Act Program? As of 2017, 1,425 parcels and 210,155 acres are enrolled in the Williamson Act.
Butte County participates in the State of California Land Conservation Act agricultural land preservation program. The purpose of the Act is to preserve agricultural and open space lands by discouraging premature and unnecessary conversion to urban uses. Williamson Act contracts are established between the landowner and the County.
- Butte County Administrative Procedures and Uniform Rules for Implementing the Williamson Act - Revised January 14, 2020 (PDF)
- View Map of All Williamson Act Parcels in the County (PDF)
- Williamson Act (LCA) Meetings and Agendas
- View the Assessors Office Page for Williamson Act
Limitations to Williamson Act Land Use
The Williamson Act contract influences a landowner's ability to use, subdivide or separately sell any parcel of land subject to the contract. Subdividing or selling a parcel under the Williamson Act that does not comply with the minimum parcel size required by the County's Williamson Act Program, or using property in a manner not compatible with the Williamson Act has serious consequences.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Development of divided or sold property subject to the Williamson Act contract could be considered a breach of the contract. This could result in contract non-renewal and a related increase in the property tax rate. A material breach of contract, as specified under Government Code Section 51250 (b), can result in a monetary penalty of up to 25% of the unrestricted fair market value of the land, plus 25% of the value of any incompatible building and related improvements on the contracted land.
Additional Information
For additional information on the Williamson Act program, click here for the California State Department of Conservation, Williamson Act Program website. It is important for landowners subject to a Williamson Act contract to understand the terms of the contract and the consequences of non-compliance. Should you have any questions about land potentially under the Williamson Act contract, please contact the Butte County Department of Development Services at 530-552-3701.