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Council tentatively approves cancellation of Williamson Act contract for Chester Avenue project; county assessor set $3.83M fee
Summary
Saratoga voted to tentatively cancel a Williamson Act contract to allow a developer’s proposed 52‑lot subdivision at Chester Avenue and Allendale Avenue, subject to payment of a $3,828,125 cancellation fee and completion of required permits.
The Saratoga City Council on March 18 voted to tentatively approve a request to cancel a Williamson Act contract on property at Chester Avenue and Allendale Avenue, allowing the applicant to pursue a proposed subdivision and residential development.
Brian Swanson, the city’s community development director, described the applicant’s proposal: subdivision into 52 lots ranging from about 5,722 to 18,496 square feet, development of two‑story single-family residences (12 with attached ADUs), and removal of 34 protected trees. The planning commission approved the tentative map and design review in February.
Swanson explained that the Williamson Act (California Land Conservation Act of 1965) allows cities to enter contracts limiting parcels to agricultural use in exchange for reduced property tax assessments, and that cancellation requires the owner to pay a county-assessed cancellation fee. The county assessor has determined a cancellation fee of $3,828,125.
Councilmembers asked whether the assessed fee results in property-tax revenue to the city. Attorney Richard and a public commenter clarified the revenue flow: Tom Wilson said the fee goes to a state clearinghouse, not to the county or city; city counsel said the mechanics are governed by county assessor rules and that staff would follow up if council wanted more clarity.
Councilmember Wallia moved to support staff’s recommendation to tentatively cancel the contract, the motion was seconded and councilmembers said they could make the required findings. The motion carried 4‑0. Staff said the item will return in April with a final cancellation and the final map, and that final cancellation is contingent on payment of the cancellation fee and issuance of all required permits.
Next steps: staff will bring the final map and proposed final cancellation back to council (targeted for the second April meeting), confirm that the applicant has met conditions and that the cancellation fee has been paid, and record the certificate of cancellation if conditions are met.
