Escondido, CA · San Diego County
Historic Property Preservation Mills Act Application and Agreement
This application and agreement is for Escondido property owners seeking an agreement to preserve a qualified historic property and potentially receive reduced property taxes.
- California-licensed notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
The application asks for owner, property, historic designation, and planned improvement information, along with supporting documents such as a grant deed, title report, property photos, and historic-resource forms. If the City approves the request and the owner and City sign the agreement, it sets preservation, maintenance, inspection, and other obligations for a ten-year term with automatic annual renewal. Escondido requires a pre-application meeting and a complete submission for Planning staff review.
Who needs it
Owners of qualified historic properties in Escondido who want to request a Mills Act agreement and provide the required application materials should complete this form.
Why it needs a notary
The agreement includes a state-jurat block, and each property owner signing the agreement must sign before a commissioned online notary.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Form
Get the Historic Property Preservation Mills Act Application and Agreement from the City of Escondido.
- 2
Fill Out the Application
Complete the applicant, owner, property, designation, and improvement information, and gather the listed supporting documents.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Arrange a session with a commissioned online notary for the owner signature on the agreement.
- 4
Sign on Video
The property owner signs the agreement during the notary session and completes the jurat process.
- 5
Submit to the City
Submit the completed application, notarized agreement, and supporting materials to the City of Escondido Planning Division.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Escondido. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed California online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get the owner signature notarized?
- Complete the agreement, then meet with a commissioned online notary by video. The owner signs during the session and follows the notary’s instructions for the jurat.
- Do I need to notarize the application form?
- The agreement portion states that each owner signature must be notarized. The application also requires applicant and owner signatures; check with the City about its submission instructions.
- Can I complete this notarization online?
- Notaries commissioned in California cannot perform remote online notarization until the Secretary of State certifies the technology or 2030. California recognizes out-of-state notarizations under Civil Code §1189(b); confirm with the city if unsure.
- What else does Escondido require with the application?
- The listed requirements include a grant deed, a preliminary title report with a complete legal description, exterior property photos, state historic-resource forms, chain of title, and a signed and initialed draft agreement.