San Francisco Supervisors move to non-renew Mills Act contract for 621 Waller Street

In a recent San Francisco County government meeting, the Board of Supervisors took significant steps regarding the non-renewal of a Mills Act historical property contract for a property located at 621 Waller Street. This decision, which is expected to appear on the board's agenda for October 18, stems from concerns over unauthorized renovations made by the property owners, Claude and Renee Zellweger.

The Mills Act, established in California in the 1970s, allows local governments to offer property tax reductions to owners of historic properties in exchange for maintaining and restoring these structures. However, the Zellwegers faced scrutiny after conducting unpermitted work on their property, which led to enforcement actions by the planning department. The Historic Preservation Commission recommended the non-renewal of their Mills Act contract, which would have allowed them to continue enjoying reduced property taxes for another decade.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who sponsored the resolution, emphasized the importance of adhering to the terms of the Mills Act contract, stating that property owners are held to a higher standard when they accept tax benefits. He noted that the commission's recommendation to not renew the contract was a lenient approach, considering the circumstances.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Renee Zellweger expressed her concerns, detailing the challenges they faced during renovations and their efforts to comply with city regulations. Despite their appeals, the board ultimately moved forward with the resolution to not renew the contract, reflecting a commitment to uphold the standards set forth in the Mills Act.

This decision highlights the ongoing challenges faced by property owners in maintaining historic homes while navigating regulatory requirements. As the board prepares for further discussions in October, the outcome will have lasting implications for the Zellwegers and the preservation of San Francisco's historic architecture.