The Mills Act allows cities to grant economic incentives to property owners who maintain and preserve historic sites, whether residential or commercial.With Santa Paula’s plethora of historical homes, the Council previously agreed that an ordinance should be crafted only for commercial property to avoid major property tax losses.Planning Director Janna Minsk’s report noted that the loss of property tax revenue to the city from the Glen Tavern and the Ebell Club could be about $7,100.She told the Council Monday that it would be necessary for property owners to “compensate” the city for work related to the ordinance, which was reviewed and recommended for approval by the Planning Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission.Mayor Ralph Fernandez questioned the ordinance, noting that although the intent is to apply it only to commercial properties the clarification must be emphasized.Once changes were agreed to and incorporated the full Council approved the ordinance, which should take effect in mid-December.
City Council: Glen Tavern, Ebell Club House get preservation property tax break
October 23, 2009
Santa Paula City Council
Two historic Santa Paula properties became the first to garner tax breaks for their owners after the City Council agreed to an ordinance heavy on historic preservation at the October 20 meeting.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesTwo historic Santa Paula properties became the first to garner tax breaks for their owners after the City Council agreed to an ordinance heavy on historic preservation at the October 20 meeting.The property tax breaks center on preserving and maintaining the exteriors of the Glen Tavern Inn, 134 N. Mill St., and the Ebell Clubhouse, home to the Santa Paula Theater Center located at 125 S. 7th St.The buildings, both recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, the state and the county are also designated city landmarks.In a unanimous vote Monday, the City Council approved an ordinance permitting the property tax exemptions for the Glen Tavern Inn and the Santa Paula Theater Center.Tom Jennett, owner of the Glen Tavern Inn, now approaching its centennial, brought the state Mills Act to the attention of the Council. It is six years older than the Ebell Club, built in 1917.
