Note: If you’re seeking approval and recordation by the end of the calendar year, please submit contract applications by June 30.

If you're ready to apply, use the application checklist (PDF) and submit applications to the Permitting Online Portal. We suggest reading the Mills Act Contract Process Flowchart (PDF) for an order of events.

Other things to keep in mind are:

• A Mills Act Contract, or Historic Property Preservation Agreement, is made between the City and the property owner for at least a ten-year term.
• Contracts are automatically renewed each year and are transferred to new owners even when the property is sold.
• Property owners agree to restore, maintain, and protect the property following specific historic preservation standards and conditions labeled in the contract.

The City audits all properties with a Mills Act Contract every five years. The last audit was in 2017. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the next audit was scheduled for 2024.

The purpose of the audit is to make sure property owners are following their 10-Year Plans. Property owners are asked to give proof of investment in the property, such as receipts, invoices, and photo evidence.

Mills Act properties included in the 2024 Mills Act Contract Audit were mailed a letter with the property’s approved 10-Year Plan attached. The deadline to submit was June 28, 2024.

For any questions, please contact Meha Patel, Assistant Planner, at mpatel@santaclaraca.gov or 408-615-2454. We are now following up on past due audits.