Brea, CA · Orange County
Historic Property Preservation Agreement
The notarized Mills Act contract between a Brea property owner and the City that restricts and preserves a designated historic property in exchange for a property tax reassessment.
- 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
Under California Government Code Section 50280 (the Mills Act), the City of Brea may contract with owners of qualified historic properties to maintain and restore their characteristics of historical significance in exchange for a reduced property tax valuation. The agreement runs for a minimum ten-year term, automatically renews annually, and is recorded against the property, so the owner's signature must be notarized before recording.
Who needs it
Owners of a Brea property designated as a Historic Resource who want to enter a Mills Act contract for a property tax benefit need this notarized agreement.
Why it needs a notary
As a recorded contract running with the land, the agreement's template includes a notarial acknowledgment block and requires the owner's signature to be sworn before a notary public.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Apply with the City
Work with Brea Community Development to prepare the agreement with your property's legal description and terms.
- 2
Review the Draft Agreement
Confirm the term, legal description, and any exhibits attached to the contract.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Schedule a remote online notarization session with Rush Notary.
- 4
Sign on Video
Meet your notary by live video and sign the agreement in their virtual presence.
- 5
Return to the City
Submit the notarized agreement to the City Clerk for execution and processing.
- 6
Record with the County
The agreement is recorded against the property with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Brea. 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 my Brea Mills Act agreement notarized?
- After the City prepares the agreement with your property's legal description, book an online notary session and sign it on video before it is recorded.
- Do I need to notarize this agreement in person?
- No — remote online notarization lets you sign in front of a commissioned notary over live video instead of visiting an office in person.
- Is this agreement required for all historic properties?
- No, it's optional — owners of properties designated as Historic Resources under Brea City Code Chapter 20.60 may choose to apply for this Mills Act tax benefit.
- How long does the agreement last?
- The initial term is a minimum of ten years and automatically renews each year unless either party files a notice of nonrenewal.
- Will the county accept a remotely notarized agreement for recording?
- Remote online notarization satisfies California's acknowledgment requirements; check with Brea Community Development if you have questions about your specific filing.