Properties 50 years and older are 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. The property owner must show that the property is at least 50 years old and meets at least one of the following criteria:

• It is associated with significant events that contribute to our city’s, state’s or nation’s history
• It is identified with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture and/or development of the city, state or nation
• It is an excellent example of an architectural style/period or work of known professionals who significantly influenced local, state, or national heritage
• It yields information important to the prehistory or history of the area, state or nation.

If you have a potentially historic property that is not already designated, you can apply for city designation at the same time you apply for a Mills Act contract.

More information

Applications must be submitted to the city by no later than June 1 each year. Here’s an overview of the steps interested property owners should follow:

1. Contact the city’s Planning Division before applying to schedule a pre-application meeting to go over the program and application requirements. To schedule an appointment email planning@carlsbadca.gov or call 442-339-2610.
2. Complete and submit the required forms and supporting documents by June 1 including:
   • Mills Act program application (historic preservation permit application)
   • Mills Act supplemental checklist

March 1: Latest date pre-application request is accepted by the city

June 1: Latest date Mills Act Contract application is accepted by the city

July 1: Latest date Mills Act Contract application is deemed complete by the city

October: Historic Preservation Committee makes a recommendation on the Mills Act contract

November: City Council decides on the Mills Act contract

December: Mills Act contract recorded and Assessor’s Office is notified for tax roll change

The California legislature approved the Mills Act in 1972. It allows participating cities and counties to enter into contracts with the owners of qualified historic properties who agree to actively participate in their preservation, restoration and maintenance. In exchange, owners can receive property tax savings. 

Several other cities in the region offer the Mills Act Program including Escondido, San Diego, Chula Vista, La Mesa, Coronado and National City.