REPORT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
December 18, 2023
FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director
Planning and Development Department
BY: LISHA CHEN, Historic Preservation Specialist
Planning and Development Department
SUBJECT
Title
Consideration of approval of requests by property owners to enter into Mills Act historical property contracts pursuant to FMC 12-1706:
1. The Ralph & Jenny Watson Home (HP# 284) located at 3537 E Huntington Blvd, in the Huntington Boulevard District.
2. The Ed and Chrissie Riggins Home located at 655 East Pine Avenue, in the Wilson Island District.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Staff recommends that the Commission hold a public hearing and authorize the Director of Development to enter into a Historical Property Contract for the subject properties pursuant to FMC 12-1706.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In California, Mills Act legislation grants participating local governments the authority to enter into contracts with owners of qualified historic property who actively participate in the restoration and maintenance of their historic properties and in exchange receive a reduction in property taxes. The City of Fresno adopted the Mills Act Program in 2016.
The minimum duration for a Mills Act Contract is 10 years. Once granted a Mills Act contract, newly assessed property can potentially save up to 50% on their yearly property taxes.
Provisions
Qualified Historical Properties
1. Properties must be privately owned within the City of Fresno and not exempt from property taxation.
2. Properties must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places, located in a registered historic district, or listed in any state, city, county, or city and county official register of historical or architecturally significant sites, places, or landmarks.
3. Heritage Properties do not qualify for participation.
Required Contract Provisions
1) Contracts entered into must have a term of a minimum of 10 years.
2) Owners must preserve and, when neces...
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