Supervisors approve two Mills Act contracts for San Lorenzo homes

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors approved two historic‑preservation agreements under the Mills Act for properties at 16026 Paseo Del Campo and 225 Villanares in San Lorenzo.

Dominic Nuchesi of the County Planning Department explained the Mills Act is a voluntary state program that offers property tax relief to owners of historic properties in exchange for a minimum 10‑year commitment to preserve and maintain the properties. He said both homes were added to the county register of historic resources at the board’s May 8 meeting; the owners submitted applications in March along with 10‑year work plans. Staff reviewed the applications, conducted site visits and recommended approval.

Nuchesi described estimated 10‑year tax savings ranging from roughly 30% to 60% and presented example work‑plan cost totals (for illustration) that staff said exceed projected tax relief, noting the expectation that savings will be reinvested in restoration. Board members asked clarifying questions about how tax savings are determined and whether sidewalk repairs listed in a work plan are the property owner’s responsibility. Staff replied that the county assessor determines final tax savings and that an existing county ordinance shifts sidewalk maintenance responsibility to property owners; staff said periodic inspections (every five years) are included to monitor compliance.

The board moved, seconded and approved separate resolutions authorizing the board president to execute Mills Act contracts for each property; roll call votes were recorded (Supervisor Marquez — Aye; Supervisor Tam — Aye; Supervisor Miley — Aye; Supervisor Fortunato Bas — Excused; President Halbert — Aye).