Orange’s new Mills Act applications will stay closed until at least the April 13, 2027 meeting, with no reopening date set. New applications have been paused since November 2024. On October 13 the Council approved the extension 6 to 0, with one member recused (draft minutes).
What the city is deciding
On October 13, the Council voted to continue consideration until April 13 and direct a comprehensive program review. It also voted to defer adopted increases to the original application and inspection or annual report fees. Draft Resolution No. 11724 would keep the fees from before those increases in effect until further Council action.
Where and who it affects
The program covers qualified historic properties in Orange, with about 414 active contracts. Under the current program, eligible properties include contributors to the Old Towne Orange and Orange Eichler historic districts, along with qualifying historic properties elsewhere in the city.
Owners commit to preservation, rehabilitation and maintenance in exchange for potentially reduced property taxes. The Orange County Assessor determines the tax result for each property.
What it could mean for your property
For prospective applicants, the proposal extends the wait. For existing contract holders, staff would review every agreement, including required work, annual reports, inspection history, completed work and outstanding obligations.
Missing city records or undocumented city followup would not, by themselves, justify enforcement against an owner. An inspection missed because of city administrative failure would not, by itself, count as owner noncompliance.
For buyers, selling a Mills Act home does not end its contract. The new owner takes on its rights and obligations. Contracts last at least ten years and extend annually unless either party gives timely notice of nonrenewal. Nonrenewal stops future extensions but leaves the remaining term in place.
The review would examine eligibility, participation limits, contract duration and procedures for property transfers. Those possible changes are not adopted requirements.
Questions to ask before you buy or build
- Does the property have an existing Mills Act contract?
- What required work or annual reports remain outstanding?
- When was the last required inspection completed?
What happens next
The item returns on April 13, 2027, and staff expects to bring an inventory of contracts, inspection status, transition proposals, fee analysis and a proposed reopening plan. Staff would continue stakeholder outreach during the review.