OWN A HISTORIC HOME?
MILLS ACT PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT PROGRAM
The Community Development Department is offering an opportunity for residents of designated historic properties to apply 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.
David Pekema, Rose Park Neighborhood resident and historic property owner applied for the Mills Act program in 2023 and he relayed his experience stating that: “It’s a great program, it sets homeowners up for the work they would be doing anyway. The program is most beneficial for individuals who bought their home within the last 10 years, as the program rewards them with major tax savings and you are likely to save up to 50% on taxes.” The life of the contract must be for a minimum of 10 years.
David’s home was built in Signal Hill in 1918, and relocated to the Rose Park Neighborhood in 1924. David and his family moved into their home at the height of the pandemic and they were drawn to the neighborhood and the craftsman charm. David informs residents that: “The program is intended for exterior maintenance or restoration that impacts the long-term aesthetics of the home. Items like retrofitting, modernizing wiring, tree trimming, repairing shingles or siding, repainting, window restoration, reroofing, brick replacement, etc.”
The application materials will be made available on January 3rd, however David recommends historic homeowners to attend one of the workshops and prepare for the application with the following:
– An Application
– A Maintenance Plan
– A Site Plan (no architect is needed)
– Most Recent Property Tax
– Copy of Grant Deed
– Application Fee of $545.00
The Mills Act Program Application Guide and application materials will be made available Jan. 3, 2025.
Learn more about the Program by viewing the video below!
- Mills Act Property Tax Abatement Program for 2025 – English
- Mills Act Property Tax Abatement Program for 2025 – Spanish
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.
It is anticipated by city staff that the applications received will be reviewed by the Cultural Heritage Commission by July 1, 2025, and transmitted to the City Council for action before Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. Final property tax contracts will be sent to the County Recorder on/or before Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.
VISIT https://www.longbeach.gov/lbcd/planning/preservation/mills-act/ for more information.
