REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Mills Act Contract for 908 Fremont Street
Report
BACKGROUND
Todd and Kristy Rosenbaum, the homeowners of the residence at 908 Fremont Street, are requesting the approval of a Mills Act Contract, also known as a Historic Property Preservation Agreement, with the City and adoption of an associated 10-Year Restoration and Maintenance Plan.
The State of California enacted legislation that allows owners of historically designated properties to enter into a "Mills Act" contract with the legislative bodies of local agency jurisdictions, pursuant to Government Code Section 50280 and following. Mills Act Contract properties then qualify for property tax incentives contained in the California Revenue and Taxation Code. The purpose of a Mills Act Contract is to offer owner(s) of historically significant properties an economic incentive to maintain and preserve the historic physical integrity of their properties, which thereby also increases the aesthetic and economic health of the surrounding neighborhood and the City. A 10-Year Restoration and Maintenance Plan is required to document specific maintenance and preservation activities proposed to be undertaken by the property owners for the Contract property.
The subject property is currently listed on the City's Historic Resource Inventory (HRI). An updated State Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) form evaluating the significance of the structure (Historical Survey) was prepared for the current proposal and concluded that the property retains sufficient integrity to continue to merit listing on the Inventory.
The project request was considered by the Historical and Landmarks Commission (HLC) at its meeting on September 5, 2019. The HLC reviewed the Historical Survey and Proposed 10-Year Restoration and Maintenance Plan and recommended Council approval of the requested Mills Act Contract.
DISCUSSION
The City Council established a process for evaluating Mills Act Contract ...
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