San Francisco proposes Mills Act criteria changes to expand eligibility for renovations

In a recent meeting of the San Francisco City Commission, discussions centered around the Mills Act, a program designed to incentivize the preservation of historic properties. The commission explored adjustments to eligibility criteria aimed at expanding access to the program, particularly for homeowners in the Richmond and Bayview neighborhoods.

Currently, the Mills Act allows for significant financial investment in single-family homes, with a threshold set at $200,000, and $500,000 for multifamily properties. The commission debated whether to maintain the existing requirement of meeting three out of five criteria for eligibility or to simplify the process by allowing applicants to qualify based on just one criterion. This change aims to make the program more accessible, especially for those who may find the current requirements daunting.

Commissioners expressed concerns about the prohibitive costs associated with the necessary renovations, noting that the high cost of living in San Francisco can make it challenging for many residents to participate in the program. Suggestions were made to potentially lower the investment threshold to $100,000 to further encourage participation.

Additionally, the commission discussed outreach efforts to engage property owners who may benefit from the Mills Act. There is a particular focus on ensuring that the program prioritizes equity, targeting areas that need support the most. The commission plans to adopt a resolution that will clarify the criteria for evaluating applications, which will help set public expectations and streamline the application process.

The meeting concluded with a proposal to revisit the effectiveness of these changes in a few years, allowing the commission to gather data on application trends and the program's impact on the community. This proactive approach aims to ensure that the Mills Act continues to serve its purpose of preserving San Francisco's historic character while making it accessible to a broader range of property owners.