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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-07-08; Historic Preservation Commission; ; Mills Act Implementation Review and FeedbackMeeting Date: July 8, 2024 To: Historic Preservation Commission From: Mike Strong, Assistant Director of Community Development Staff Contact: Mike Strong, Assistant Director of Community Development Mike.strong@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2721 Subject: Mills Act Implementation Review and Feedback Recommended Action Provide feedback as necessary. Executive Summary The City Council approved a local Mills Act program on Nov. 3, 2022. In an effort to strengthen and potentially expand the program, the Historic Preservation Commission is being asked to discuss the program’s rollout and identify any operational and administrative improvements to make the program more effective and sustainable, with a focus on the participation rate and how to encourage a more equitable distribution of the program’s benefits. Discussion The City Council approved a local Mills Act program on Nov. 3, 2022, when it approved various amendments to the city’s historical preservation ordinance (Ordinance No. CS-438, which amended Carlsbad Municipal Code Title 22). California’s Mills Act provides cities with a mechanism to encourage the preservation of their historic buildings. It allows the city to give owners of qualified historic properties who actively participate in the restoration and maintenance of their properties a reduction in their property tax. Since its adoption, several homeowners have expressed interest in the program. Two households applied for the program in its inaugural year (2023 calendar year). Both applications were later withdrawn due to processing costs, improvement costs, and/or restoration requirements. No applications were received for the 2024 calendar year. Thus, after two years of implementation, no Carlsbad properties are enrolled in a Mills Act Program. At its July 8, 2024 meeting, the Historic Preservation Commission is being asked to provide general feedback about the ordinance and observations about the participation rate and give guidance to staff on ways to strengthen the program. If desired, the Historic Preservation Commission may prepare a report with recommendations, ordinance amendments, and administrative changes to the Mills Act program based on the assessment and community input for review and consideration by the City Council. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION July 8, 2024 Item #4 1 of 2 Staff Report Fiscal Analysis There is no direct fiscal impact associated with receiving this informational report or providing feedback to staff. Environmental Evaluation (CEQA) Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065, this action does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in that it has no potential to cause either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and therefore does not require environmental review. Exhibits None. July 8, 2024 Item #4 2 of 2 MILLS ACT PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION REVIEW AND FEEDBACK Mike Strong, Asst. Director, Community Development Department JULY 8, 2024 9 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING { City of Carlsbad