The City of Carlsbad is launching a new Mills Act Program to help preserve and honor the city’s rich history and maintain Carlsbad’s unique character, both which are key components of the Carlsbad Community Vision. The voluntary program is designed to help owners of historic properties offset the cost of historic preservation.

On Tuesday, the City Council approved updating the city’s list of fees to include a way for people to apply to list their properties as historic buildings through the new program and receive a property tax break for restoring and maintaining a historic property.

The city will mail letters to owners of properties that may be eligible for the program. Applications are now available on the city’s website and will be accepted through June 1 of each year.

About the program

• The Mills Act is state legislation that allows cities to enter into contracts with property owners who actively restore and maintain their historic properties. Owners receive a property tax break in exchange for their efforts.
• Contracts last for a minimum of 10 years and include a list of preservation, repair and sometimes restoration work specific to the property that the owner must complete.
• Participation is voluntary. The program won't impose any restrictions on owners of historic properties.
• The County Assessor’s office determines the property values under the Mills Act and estimates that current participating properties save 40% to 60% compared to their regular property tax bill.

Eligibility

• Properties 50 years and older will be eligible to apply for the program, with some exceptions.
• To be eligible for the Mills Act, a property must be formally designated as historic at either the national or state level or added by resolution to the City of Carlsbad’s historic register.
• Residents can apply for city designation when applying for a Mills Act contract.
• Additional eligibility requirements apply. Visit the city website for full details.

How to apply

• The application deadline is June 1, 2023. Applications will be accepted each year.
• Applications will begin being reviewed in the order they are received starting in April 2023, when the fees approved by City Council take effect.
• Property owners can download an application learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply for the city’s Mills Act Program on the city’s website.

More information
Mills Act Program webpage
Mills Act application
Mills Act application supplemental checklist
Historic preservation information bulletin
Mike Strong, Assistant Director of Community Development, mike.strong@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2607.