[Calclg-l] Mills Act Information Request

[Bill Tuikka]

The City of Vallejo has had an active Mills Act programs since 1991.  I'll fill in the answers to the questions, below

1.       How old is your program?
 Vallejo processed its first Mills Act in 1992

2.       Eligibility: Are all listed buildings eligible for Mills Act
All buildings that are listed on the Nation Register, or our local historic resources inventory.

3.       Additions: Do you allow additions to historic structures under
the Mills Act if they follow the standards?  What size additions do
communities allow under the contract?  Are they assessed under the
special assessment?
 
Vallejo hasn't had to deal with that yet, as the Mills Act contracts to date have only included upgrades/maintenance to the existing building.  We have had detached garage additions that were processed under the Mills Act if included with other work.

4.       Restoration Conditions: What type of improvements do
communities require within the 10 years, if any?  Do you add more after
the initial 10 years? What other restrictions/clauses does your
community require?
 
We require any work that would be classified as restoration, rehabilitation or repair that meets the Secretary of the Interior's standards.  
 
5.       Monitoring: How does your community track their contracts and
the improvements?
 
We have discussed doing that, however, we are severely limited with the amount of staff time that we are able to devote to preservation efforts. 

6.       City Revenue Loss: Does your community maintain an assessment
tracker to understand the amount of city revenue "lost" every year due
to the special tax assessment?  
 
No, however, we limit Mills Act application to 5 per year. 

7.       Lessons Learned/Recent Issues...

We are currently evaluating how the $1,000 application fee is received.  The City Council allowed the contract applicants to pay $100 at application, and $300 for the next three years, to reach the $1,000 total.   However, staff has not been consistent with following up due to time constraints.   As you may know, Vallejo has a severe budget shortage (we have actually declared bankruptcy) and the Council is likely to change the rules so that the applicants pay the $1,000 fee at application.  

If you want a copy of the findings of this survey please send me an
email.
Yes, please send me a copy...thanks!!

Thank you!

Jennifer



Jennifer M. Gates, AICP ~ Associate Planner

City of San Clemente ~ Planning Division

910 Calle Negocio Suite 100 ~ San Clemente, Ca 92673

Phone: 949.361.6192 ~ Fax: 949.366.4750





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Bill Tuikka, AICP
Planning Division
Development Services Department
City of Vallejo
707.648.5391