How to Get the Mills Act on a Property That Already Has Historical Designation

Owning a historically designated home can come with a lot of charm, character, and responsibility. One of the biggest financial benefits available to owners of historic properties in California is the Mills Act, a program that can significantly reduce property taxes in exchange for preserving and maintaining the home’s historic character.

If your property already has historical designation, you’re much closer to qualifying than most homeowners. In many cases, historical designation is the hardest part of the process. Once that is in place, applying for the Mills Act becomes much more straightforward.

What Is the Mills Act?

The Mills Act is California’s primary historic preservation tax incentive program. It allows local governments to enter into contracts with owners of qualified historic properties.

In exchange for agreeing to preserve and maintain the historic features of the property, the homeowner may receive a substantial property tax reduction, often anywhere from 20% to 60%, depending on the property and assessment.

For many owners, that tax savings can mean tens of thousands of dollars over time.

Step 1: Confirm the Property’s Historical Designation

Before applying for the Mills Act, confirm the property’s historic status.

Generally, your property must already be designated as one of the following:

• A locally designated historic resource

• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

• Listed on the California Register of Historical Resources

• Located within an approved historic district (depending on local rules)

If your home already has historical designation, you’ve cleared a major hurdle.

In many cities, once designation is established, getting Mills Act approval becomes far more achievable.

Step 2: Check Your City’s Mills Act Requirements

Not every city handles Mills Act applications the same way.

Each local jurisdiction sets its own rules regarding:

• Annual application windows

• Contract caps

• Minimum rehabilitation requirements

• Inspection procedures

• Preservation standards

For example, San Diego has its own Mills Act guidelines administered through the city’s historical resources process.

Some cities have limited annual spots, which makes timing important.

Step 3: Prepare a Preservation Plan

A Mills Act application usually requires a detailed preservation or maintenance plan.

This outlines how you will protect and maintain the historic integrity of the property over the contract period.

Typical preservation items include:

• Exterior paint restoration

• Window repair or restoration

• Roof maintenance using historically appropriate materials

• Masonry or foundation repair

• Porch, trim, or woodwork restoration

• Structural stabilization

The city wants to see that tax savings will support real preservation work.

This is one of the most important parts of the application.

Step 4: Gather Supporting Documentation

Most applications require supporting documentation such as:

• Historical designation paperwork

• Current property photos

• Architectural photos of key details

• Site plans or sketches

• Cost estimates for proposed restoration

• Ownership records

The more organized your application, the smoother the review process tends to be.

It also helps to document any previous restoration work that respected the home’s historic character.

Step 5: Submit the Mills Act Application

Once your application package is complete, submit it during the city’s application period.

The review process often includes:

• Staff review

• Historic board or commission review

• Possible site inspection

• Final city approval

Some cities may request revisions or additional documentation.

Patience matters here, approvals can take several months.

Step 6: Understand the Mills Act Contract

If approved, you’ll sign a Mills Act contract with the city.

This contract typically:

• Runs for 10 years initially

• Automatically renews annually

• Stays attached to the property when sold

That means future buyers may benefit from the tax savings as well, which can enhance resale appeal.

A property with both historical designation and Mills Act tax benefits can be highly attractive to preservation-minded buyers.

How Much Can You Save With the Mills Act?

Tax savings vary based on:

• Purchase price

• Current assessed value

• Income potential (if applicable)

• County tax calculations

Higher-value properties often see the largest dollar savings.

This is why many owners of historic homes actively pursue Mills Act contracts soon after designation.

Is Getting the Mills Act Easier If You Already Have Historical Designation?

In most cases, yes.

Historical designation often represents the most time-intensive part of the preservation process.

If your property already has designation, you may already be 70% to 80% of the way there.

The remaining work is usually about demonstrating a clear commitment to preservation and meeting local application requirements.

Final Thoughts

If you own a historically designated home and are considering the Mills Act, it is worth exploring sooner rather than later.

The combination of historic preservation tax savings, increased property appeal, and long-term restoration support can be a major win.

For many owners, the Mills Act becomes one of the best financial tools available for preserving a historic property while reducing carrying costs.

If your home already has historical designation, you may be much closer to qualifying than you think.