HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN ROSE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD

Mills Act Property Tax Abatement Program

The Community Development Department is offering an opportunity for residents of designated historic properties to apply now for the Mills Act Property Tax Abatement Program. The Mills Act provides a financial incentive, in the form of property tax relief, in exchange for property owners’ commitment to undertaking restoration, rehabilitation or maintenance of a designated historic property pursuant to the terms of a Mills Act contract with the City.

Learn more about the Program by viewing the video below!

If you are interested in applying for a Mills Act Contract, the Community Development Department will be hosting two mandatory public workshops.

Pre-Application Workshop (In-Person and Virtual)
Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, 10 a.m. – noon
Jenny Oropeza Community Center
401 Golden Ave.
RSVP required

Application Workshop (Virtual)
Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, 10 a.m. – noon
RSVP required

Mills Act applications and a non-refundable processing fee of $545.00 must be submitted by 3 p.m., Friday, March 14, 2025, to be considered for the 2025 program.

VISIT https://www.longbeach.gov/lbcd/planning/preservation/mills-act/ for more information.

Historic District Designation is a City Ordinance

Rose Park and Rose Park South are designated as two of Long Beach’s Historic Districts under city ordinance are to be preserved according to a specific historical, cultural and architectural motif.  More information about the city ordinances and guidelines can be found HERE

Remember all changes to the exterior of any building within an historic district requires review, including painting.

A few examples of items covered by city ordinance for historic districts:

  • New construction
  • Additions to existing structures
  • Re-roofing
  • Changes to exterior materials or paint colors
  • Alteration or addition to fencing and patio walls
  • Changes to windows, doors and doorways

A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for all exterior changes, even those that do not need building permits, such as repainting. Ordinary maintenance and repair are excluded. The Preservation Officer reviews applications for changes. Minor changes that meet the design guidelines are approved immediately. Major projects and applications that are inconsistent with the design guidelines are scheduled for a Cultural Heritage Commission meeting. Applicants may appeal decisions to the Planning Commission.

Resources: Historical Preservation and Landscape Incentive

City of Long Beach – Historic District Guidelines

Information on the Mill’s Act

Information on Lawn to Garden Program

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Historic District Building Plaque

Many of our contributing structures were built in 1919 due to the end of WWI and the allowance of residential building permits, so many of our residents are interested in celebrating and commemorating the 100 years.

Please note: Rose Park Neighborhood Association is currently looking for a new company to help residents design a historic plaque for their home. We will be posting updated information for residents soon. If you have any companies you would like to suggest, please email us at info@rpna.org.