Mills Act Contracts: Castaic vs Los Angeles
How do mills act contracts rules compare between Castaic, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Castaic and Los Angeles have similar restriction levels.
Castaic, CA
Los Angeles County
California Government Code 50280 and LA County Code Title 22.124 allow Mills Act contracts that cut property tax bills 60 to 70 percent for designated historic property owners who agree to ten-year preservation plans.
View full Castaic rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
California Government Code Section 50280 and the LA Mills Act program let owners of HCMs and HPOZ contributors sign 10-year contracts with the city. In exchange for documented maintenance and restoration, property tax bills typically drop 60 to 70 percent.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Castaic | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | CA Government Code 50280 | Gov Code Sections 50280-50290 |
| County implementation | LACO Title 22.124 | - |
| Tax reduction | 60 to 70 percent typical | - |
| Contract length | 10 years auto-renewing | - |
| Cancellation penalty | 12.5 percent of value | - |
| Eligibility | - | HCMs and HPOZ contributors |
| Term | - | 10 years rolling |
| Typical tax cut | - | 60 to 70 percent |
| Application window | - | Annual fall cycle |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Castaic FAQ
How much can I save with a Mills Act contract?
Most participants see property tax bills drop 60 to 70 percent because the Assessor switches to a capitalized income valuation method. Savings vary based on rental income, property condition, and Proposition 13 base.
What if I sell my Mills Act property?
The contract runs with the land. The new owner inherits both the tax reduction and the maintenance obligations. Cancellation by either party triggers a 12.5 percent of full value penalty under state law.
Los Angeles FAQ
Does the Mills Act apply to commercial buildings?
Yes. Owner-occupied homes, rental housing, and commercial HCMs all qualify. Larger commercial properties have a maximum assessed-value cap under Los Angeles program rules to focus benefits on smaller owners.
What happens if I sell a Mills Act property?
The contract runs with the land. New owners inherit both the tax savings and the maintenance obligations under Government Code Section 50281, and the rolling 10-year term continues unchanged.
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