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Property Ownership Land Use ControlsLand_use_and_zoningMEDIUM

A California farmer has enrolled 500 acres of farmland in a Williamson Act contract (California Land Conservation Act). The farmer now wants to sell the property to a housing developer. Under California law, what restriction does the Williamson Act impose?

Correct Answer

C) The property is restricted to agricultural or open-space use for the contract period, regardless of the sale

Under the California Williamson Act (Government Code §51200 et seq.), a Williamson Act contract restricts the use of enrolled land to agricultural or compatible open-space use for a minimum 10-year rolling term. The restriction runs with the land and binds all subsequent owners. The farmer can sell the property, but the buyer takes it subject to the existing agricultural use restriction.

Answer Options
A
The farmer cannot sell the property to anyone until the contract expires
B
The Williamson Act restriction is automatically removed when the property is sold
C
The property is restricted to agricultural or open-space use for the contract period, regardless of the sale
D
The developer can immediately convert the land to residential use by paying a one-time conversion fee

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

Williamson_Actagricultural_preserveland_conservationGov_Code_51200

Related Concepts

Building codes are government regulations that set minimum standards for construction, materials, design, and safety in buildings. They protect public health and safety by ensuring structures are built to acceptable standards.

A certificate of occupancy (CO) is an official document issued by the local building department certifying that a building complies with building codes and is safe for occupancy. It is required before a building can be legally occupied.

A conditional use permit (also called a special use permit) allows a land use that is not automatically permitted by zoning but may be allowed under certain conditions. The use must be compatible with the surrounding area.

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