If you own a historic home in San Diego — or a short-term rental with architectural charm — the Mills Act might be one of the most underused tools available to you.

At its core, the Mills Act is a property tax incentive for people who maintain and restore historic homes. In cities like San Diego, it can reduce your annual property tax bill by 40 to 70 percent.

But the value goes beyond tax savings.

For many owners, the Mills Act creates room in the budget to invest in what matters — whether that’s restoring original details, making thoughtful upgrades, or improving performance as a short-term rental.

Why It’s Worth Considering

For Homeowners
You get a meaningful tax break and a reason to preserve quality, not just patch problems. It makes investing in craftsmanship and durable upgrades a smarter financial decision.

For STR Operators
It frees up budget for improvements that boost bookings: better bathrooms, built-in outdoor spaces, zellige tile, or handmade finishes that photograph well and hold up under guest use.

In both cases, you’re adding value while aligning with something the city already supports.

Who Qualifies for the Mills Act?

To be eligible, your property generally needs to be:

• Designated historic at the local level (as an individual resource or part of a historic district)

• Located in a city that participates in the Mills Act (like San Diego, Coronado, Pasadena, and others)

• Well maintained or undergoing restoration in line with preservation standards

Each city sets its own rules and timeline, so it’s worth contacting your local Planning Department to confirm.

How to Apply

1. Confirm Eligibility
   Reach out to your local Planning Department or Historic Resources Board.

2. Gather Documentation
   This usually includes property photos, past permits, architectural history, and a proposed rehabilitation plan.

3. Submit Your Application
   Most cities have an annual review window and require a site visit.

4. Sign a Contract
   If approved, you enter a 10-year renewable agreement to maintain and preserve the property.

Where Upwell Comes In

The Mills Act isn’t just about paint colors and historic plaques. It’s about preserving homes in a way that’s smart, sustainable, and aligned with modern needs.

That’s where we come in.

We’ve worked with clients pursuing Mills Act contracts and those already under them. We know how to balance preservation with performance — and how to scope work that satisfies the city while improving your home.

What we offer:

• Period-appropriate materials like plaster, limewash, zellige, and stone

• Durable, discreet upgrades that don’t compromise historic value

• Smart planning to align your renovation with Mills Act goals

• Collaboration with preservation consultants, architects, or historians

Whether you’re restoring a Spanish bungalow or upgrading a Mission Revival guest house, we can help you do it beautifully — and in a way that supports long-term value.

Thinking About a Mills Act Project?

We’d love to help you explore what’s possible. Whether you’re looking to apply, or already have a Mills Act contract in place, we can support your next steps.