Los Angeles Historic Preservation: Mills Act Contracts Rules (2026)

Under California Government Code Sections 50280 through 50290, local governments may enter Mills Act contracts that switch a qualified historic property's tax assessment from market value to a capitalized-income method. In Los Angeles, the Office of Historic Resources accepts applications during a fall open window, ranks them by need and significance, and forwards recommendations to the Cultural Heritage Commission and City Council. Approved owners sign a 10-year rolling contract committing to a property-specific maintenance and restoration plan. The Los Angeles County Assessor reassesses, often producing 60 to 70 percent property-tax savings. The contract automatically renews each year unless cancelled.