Land owners whose property was damaged by heavy rain earlier this month can receive a property tax reassessment to reflect the new condition, San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Ernest Dronenburg Jr. announced Monday.
The reduced assessed value would remain in effect until the property is rebuilt or repaired.
"The assessor's office will be proactively mailing property tax relief applications to affected property owners," Dronenburg said. "I would also like to strongly encourage all property owners who suffered flood damage to their property in excess of $10,000 to contact our office for the necessary claim form at (619) 531-4993 or by visiting the assessor's website at www.sdarcc.com."
He said if the property is rebuilt or repaired in a fashion similar to what was there before, the owners can retain the previous taxable value, thereby avoiding an increase.
The property tax is available for damaged homes and outbuildings, commercial and industrial properties, and mobile homes. Vehicles and furniture aren't covered, since they're not subject to property taxes, Dronenburg said.
Roughly 130 San Diego-area home and business owners reported property damage due to the pounding downpours generated July 17-18 by the remnants of Hurricane Dolores, according to the county.
The storm led to record local rainfall and widespread flooding, swamping roads, structures and yards in various areas.
San Diego was one of six California counties to be declared disaster areas last week by the state.
