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were later withdrawn due to processing costs, improvement costs, and/or restoration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