Mills Act

The Mills Act is a state law allowing cities to enter into contracts with owners of qualified historic properties who actively participate in the restoration, rehabilitation and maintenance of their property. The owner is granted a reduction of property taxes in exchange for the continued preservation of the property. Mills Act contracts are ten (10) years in duration with automatic yearly renewal.

Visit the California Office of Historic Preservation website for general information.

Who in Fresno County Can Benefit?

Each local government establishes their own criteria and determines how many contracts they will allow in their jurisdiction.

The City of Fresno adopted the Mills Act Program in 2016, and the first round of Mills Act applications was processed in Fall 2017. Contact the City Development and Resource Management Department or go to their Historic Preservation page.