Michael Jackson's sprawling Neverland Ranch in California benefited for years from a state agricultural land-preservation programme that reduced its property-tax burden, but the arrangement came under scrutiny after county officials discovered extensive development on parts of the estate. The roughly 2,700-acre ranch in Santa Barbara County included Jackson's home, an amusement park, zoo and other entertainment facilities, while much of the property was also used for cattle grazing. In 2003, county officials said Jackson had failed to obtain required permits or comply with zoning rules for a number of developments built over the previous decade. The dispute eventually led to about 70 acres being removed from the agricultural preservation programme, potentially increasing Jackson's annual property taxes by tens of thousands of dollars. The case highlighted the complications that can arise when protected agricultural land is also used for private entertainment and extensive estate development.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
