Chapter 17.48 — WILLIAMSON ACT REGULATIONS

Sections:

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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• 17.48.010 Purpose.

• 17.48.020 Williamson Act contracts management. 17.48.030 Filing of map. 17.48.040 Uses permitted after annexation and in transition to urbanization. 17.48.050 Mineral extraction. 17.48.060 Notice of nonrenewal – Renewal and recording requirements. 17.48.070 Cancellation.

• 17.48.080 Annexation of Williamson Act land.

The purpose of this chapter is to prescribe regulations for the continuation, nonrenewal, or cancellation of Williamson Act contracts within the boundaries of the city of Wasco or proposed for annexation to the boundaries of the city of Wasco. (Ord. 706 § 3 (Exh. A), 2019).

The intent of this chapter is to provide a method for the management and disestablishment of existing Williamson Act contracts in agricultural preserves within Kern County, which are proposed for annexation to the city boundaries or are currently within the city boundaries, as provided in the Williamson Act as set forth in the California Government Code. It is the intent of the city to file nonrenewal notices for Williamson Act contracts which are in force at the time the property is included in the city limits. No new Williamson Act contracts will be initiated on property within the city limits and the city will request Kern County not to create new agricultural preserves within its sphere of influence. The city, after acquiring land under Williamson Act contracts by annexation, shall have all the rights and responsibilities specified in Government Code Section 51235. (Ord. 706 § 3 (Exh. A), 2019).

On or before September 1st of each year, the city shall file with the director of conservation a map of the city and designate thereon all Williamson Act contract land in existence at the end of the preceding fiscal year. (Ord. 706 § 3 (Exh. A), 2019).

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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Uses permitted under this section shall be consistent with the principles of compatibility set forth in Government Code Section 51238.1(a), (b) and (c), and the following uses:

• A. Agricultural Uses.

  1. Agricultural and horticultural uses, including, but not limited to greenhouse, orchard, the growing of tree, vine, berry and bush crops, vegetables, flowers and other plants;

  2. Harvesting, curing, processing, packaging, and storage incidental to such agricultural uses, shipping agricultural products produced upon the premises, or where such activity is carried on in conjunction with or as a part of an agricultural use in the immediate vicinity;

3. Farms for the keeping or raising of animals, excluding poultry farms, rabbit or other small animal farms, fish or frog farms, dairies, hog farms, feedlots, and slaughterhouses unless otherwise specifically permitted in the zoning district which is combined or if they exist on the day the property annexes. Any new poultry farms, rabbit or other small animal farms, fish or frog farms, dairies, hog farms, feedlots, and slaughterhouses and kennels proposed prior to or subsequent to annexation are specifically prohibited.

• B. Compatible Uses.

  1. Farm dwellings, mobilehomes, and other residential uses occupied by owner/operator or help employed on the premises, including accessory buildings and farm buildings to the farming operation on the premises;

  2. Any use required to be permitted by any amendment to the California Land Conservation Act of 1965 which may be hereafter adopted, except as noted in subsection (A)(3) of this section. (Ord. 706 § 3 (Exh. A), 2019).

Conditions imposed on mineral extraction, including but not limited to oil and gas drilling and production as a compatible use of contracted land shall include compliance with the reclamation standards adopted by the Mining and Geology Board pursuant to Section 2773 of the Public Resources Code, including the applicable performance standards for prime agricultural land and other agricultural land, and no exceptions to these standards may be permitted. (Ord. 706 § 3 (Exh. A), 2019).

If either the landowner or the city desires in any year not to renew the contract, that party shall serve written notice of nonrenewal of the contract upon the other party in advance of the annual renewal date of the contract.

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

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Unless such written notice is served by the landowner at least ninety days prior to the renewal date or by the city at least sixty days prior to the renewal date, the contract shall be considered renewed as provided in Government Code Section 51244 or 51244.5. All nonrenewal notices will be processed in accordance with procedures prescribed in Government Code Section 51245. (Ord. 706 § 3 (Exh. A), 2019).

The landowner may petition the city council for cancellation of any contract as to all or any part of the subject land. The city council may grant tentative approval for cancellation of a contract only if the findings specified in Government Code Section 51282, and where applicable, in Section 21081 of the Public Resources Code can be found. Any consideration of a cancellation and procedures thereof will conform to the provisions of Government Code Sections 51281.1 through 51286. (Ord. 706 § 3 (Exh. A), 2019).

The city of Wasco general plan, as amended, allows for the annexation of parcels of land under Williamson Act contract. (Ord. 706 § 3 (Exh. A), 2019).