Often times when you are reading about various properties on the market, there might be mention that the home/condo /duplex falls under the “Mills Act” or is located in an HPOZ (Historic Preservation Overlay Zone). What this basically means is that the city wants to preserve the architecture of a specific neighborhood or building and is willing to give you substantial tax breaks to adhere to the strict guidelines.  In essence, this is to help prevent a tacky, two story Mediterranean with gold and black iron balconies from popping up on a tree lined street with all one story, stucco, Spanish style homes. Some areas that fall under the Mills Act are The Carthays (South Carthay, Carthay Square, Carthay Circle) and Spaulding Square.  Check out the site from the City of Los Angeles for more info or to see if your home qualifies:

http://www.preservation.lacity.org/mills-act