POLICY DATABASE
Policy Summary

Implements Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone Program, which allows landowners in urban areas to receive property tax reduction for putting land towards an agricultural use. Applies to lots up to 3 acres in size, and can be for commercial or noncommercial agricultural purposes.

Background Information

State California
Jurisdiction Name Santa Clara
Jurisdiction Type County,
Population Size 800,000+
Legal Strategies
  • Creates an incentive for a change
  • Expressly allows something
Reach Limited scope
Creates a voluntary program: "The Act authorizes the County to establish an Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone within its boundaries for the purpose of entering into enforceable contracts with landowners, on a voluntary basis, for the use of vacant, unimproved, or blighted lands for small-scale agricultural use." Sec. C21-1
Food System Category Grow;

Policy Details

Refers to priority populations?
No

Emergency management?
No
Health-related linkage?
No

Environmental linkage?
Yes

"active soil management" Sec. C21-9(C )(3).

Economic linkage?
No

Includes findings?
No

Has a stated intent or purpose?
Yes

"The Act authorizes the County to establish an Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone within its boundaries for the purpose of entering into enforceable contracts with landowners, on a voluntary basis, for the use of vacant, unimproved, or blighted lands for small-scale agricultural use." Sec. C21-1.

Includes definitions?
Yes

Sec. C21-2.

Addresses implementation?
Yes

The Agricultural Commissioner shall transmit a copy of the completed application to the Office of the Assessor and the Planning Office and Within 60 days of receiving a complete application, the Agricultural Commissioner will prepare a report. The Office of the Assessor and Planning Office will provide the Agricultural Commissioner with any relevant information to assist with the preparation of the report. Sec. C21-6, C21-7.

Enforcement provisions?
Yes

Cancellation of contract and payment of a cancellation fee equal to the cumulative value of the tax benefit received during the duration of the contract upon landowner. Sec. C21-10.

Evaluation component?
No

Requires extra investment?
No

Code context and ordinance history

Title C-Construction, Development and Land Use, Division 21-Urban Agriculture Incentive Zones. History: Ord. No. NS-1203.123, § 1, 9-29-15.

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