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Contact

Nicole Hernandez
Architectural Historian
(805) 564-5536
NHernandez@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

Title

Mills Act Application

Body

Santa Barbara considers its historic resources to be one of the most important cultural attractions to the City. In 2009, Santa Barbara joined over 90 California communities that participate in the Mills Act Program. The Mills Act enables owners of designated historic structures to enter into a contract with the City to offset the cost of maintaining the historic resource through a reduction in property taxes.

Participating property owners receive, on average, a reduction of 40 percent to 60 percent in property taxes to use for restoring and maintaining the property over the following 10 year contract period.

The Mills Act Contract application period runs from January 1 to June 30. The City may accept applications until the program reaches the annual revenue loss limit of $260,000. If the limit is reached, or the application is submitted after June 30, the application may be considered for the following year.

Sections

How To Apply

1
Review Program information

Before you begin, review the Mills Act Information & Submittal Packet

2
Meet With the City's Architectural Historian

Schedule a pre-application meeting with the City's Architectural Historian no later than June 1. Discuss your specific property, your improvement goals and limitations, and get recommendations on how to prepare your application.

3
Submit Application Online

Applications are filed online via the City's Permit Portal. You'll need to create a login, open a new Planning Application ("PLN") record, and attach your completed Mills Act Application.