The City of Pasadena Historic Property Contract Program was established by ordinance in October 2002 under the authority of a State enabled program known as the Mills Act (California Government Code, Article 12, Sections 50280-50290). Under this act, local governments may enter into historic property contracts with owners of qualifying privately owned historic properties who agree to rehabilitate, restore and/or maintain their property according to the Secretary of Interior Standards. Click on the link below to view and download the 2026 Mills Act Guidelines and Application. These application guidelines are a summary of the main features of the Historic Property Contract Program. The complete regulations are in the legal texts of the California Government Code and the City of Pasadena Ordinance 6912.
Download the PowerPoint presentation here, and view the video below
Mills Act Application
Application Deadline:
Click the link below to download the guidelines and application form for the 2026 application cycle. Applications are due on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 5 p.m. An informational virtual workshop was held on March 30, 2021. A Power Point presentation with application information is available to download here:
City Workshop Presentation Mills Act
March 30, 2021.
Plaques
As an added, optional, benefit of enrollment in the Mills Act program, owners may purchase a bronze plaque to identify their property as a Mills Act property. Anyone interested in purchasing a plaque should email dhpquestions@cityofpasadena.net for more information. City verification of program enrollment and historical designation will be required for all plaques ordered.