THE MILLS ACT

HISTORIC HOME TAX INCENTIVES – The Mills Act

Saving Money with the Mills Act

Are you concerned about how youll afford to maintain your Historic Long Beach CA Real Estate?  The Mills Act makes preservation easy!  This 10 year ˜endlessly renewable contract with the city provides tax incentives to owners of Long Beach Historic Properties.

The Mills Act

Since 1972, The Mills Act has provided deep tax discounts to owners of historic Long Beach CA Real Estate.  This legally binding 10 year ˜endlessly renewable contract helps homeowners afford maintenance and restoration of historically and architecturally significant properties.

• View the current inventory of Historic Districts
• Learn how to apply for Mills Act status  
• To receive more information about the Mills Act and have a packet mailed to you, call 1-562-570-6864.

All Qualified Historic Structures Benefit

In 1972, historian, writer and statesman, Jim Mills, introduced this little known bill.  It grants tax discounts ranging from 24 to 60 percent to owners of qualified historic structures.  All designated historic buildings may apply!  Whether you live in your historic single family residence or use it as an income producing commercial enterprise¦you may qualify for tax benefits under The Mills Act.

Good for You¦Good for the Community

Returning tax money to you benefits everyone.  It creates incentive to purchase and restore beautiful homes and neighborhoods within the community.  When you purchase restoration materials, local businesses thrive.  Property values go up!  Neighborhoods are strengthened as standards of living increase.  And neighborhood enhancements stimulate community pride.

Everyday maintenance and General Repairs

Zoning requirements, building codes, development and owner entitlements remain the same for all neighborhoods.  Everyday maintenance and general repairs that dont affect your homes overall construction or design are not regulated.

Buying or Selling a Mills Act Home

Are you buying or selling a home that comes with an existing Mills Act contract?  Lucky you!  As a buyer, youll assume the Mills Act contract along with purchase of your home ‘ and benefit from tax savings already in place.  Selling a Mills Act home means increased marketability of an already desirable property. 

The Long Beach Office of Historic Preservation has temporarily suspended granting Mills Act status until sometime in late 2009 while they re-organinze; at which time a small non-refundable fee will be implemented to assist in covering costs.  For further information contact:  Jan Ostashay at the Long Beach Historic Preservation Services (562) 570-6864

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Posted on January 26, 2008 by Laurie Manny

Long Beach CA Historic Homes and Districts

Historic Long Beach California Real Estate

Long Beach is widely celebrated as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States.  But diversity is not just for people!  Youll recognize the width and breadth of our uniqueness as you tour homes in any of the citys 17 historic neighborhoods:

• Belmont Heights
• Bluff Heights
• Bluff Park
• Brenner Place
• California Heights
• Carroll Park
• Craftsman Bungalow Historic Village
• Eliot Lane
• Linden Avenue
• Minerva Park Place
• Rose Park
• Rose Park South
• Sunrise Boulevard
• Willmore City/Drake Park
• Wilton Street
• Wrigley
• Citywide Historical Districts Map

From the massive front porch timbers of the Craftsman Bungalow to the intricately detailed Victorian woodwork...theres a historic home style here to suit every preference.

The Fehr House

(¦Click here to learn more about the varied architectural styles of these Long Beach neighborhoods)

The Perry House

Dedicated to Preservation Long Beach is dedicated to the preservation of its rich history.  In 2003, the city received an A on the Los Angeles Conservancys report card for overall preservation.  Long Beach was one of only five cities to receive high marks out of 45 Southern California locations.  And in 2004 the Willmore City historic area won the Neighborhoods USA Best Neighborhoods contest for social revitalization.

Individual Long Beach California Real Estate qualifies for historic status when it: is historically significant is architecturally unique has retained its original style is built from original materials A more recently built structure may qualify for historic status when it is a well built representation of a past architectural style.  Want to know more about Long Beachs rich history?  Visit the Long Beach Historical Society.

Meeting the Citys Criteria

To gain historic status for your neighborhood, contact the Long Beach Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC).  Youll provide specific information about your community to the commission, who will conduct a cultural resources survey to determine if the structures in your area meet the citys criteria for historic designation.  The CHC makes a recommendation to the Planning Commission who drafts an ordinance for City Council approval.  This is the final step!  Once the ordinance is approved, your area is officially designated a historic district.

A Valuable Asset

Your historic home is more than a poignant reminder of a by-gone day.  It is a glittering emblem of community pride.  It attracts tourists interested in viewing a piece of the past.  And historic neighborhoods enjoy increases in property values that exceed similar non-designated neighborhoods.  Whether youre interested in revitalizing a neighborhood, love vintage properties or are considering an investment in Long Beach Real Estate¦your historic home is a valuable asset!

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Posted on January 24, 2008 by Laurie Manny