The San Diego County Assessor / Recorder / County Clerk’s office was on hand at the Alpine Library Local Assistance Center assisting West Fire victims with their recovery. Since the Governor proclaimed a state of emergency in San Diego County due to the West Fire, the County Assessor / Recorder can now legally provide property tax relief to owners of properties damaged by the West Fire and provide replacement of vital records without charge.

Assessor Dronenburg said, “My office is part of the well-coordinated County of San Diego effort to help victims of the West Fire begin their rebuilding process.” Dronenburg continued, “My team is ready to assist West Fire victims at any of the five Assessor / Recorder locations including Chula Vista, El Cajon, Kearny Mesa, San Marcos and Downtown San Diego. We are also available by phone at 858-505-6262 or via email at arcc.fgg@sdcounty.ca.gov.”

Property Tax Relief
Properties damaged or destroyed in the West Fire may be eligible for property tax relief. Assessor staff can assist with applications for reduced assessment. If your property has suffered damage of $10,000 or more as a result of the recent fire, you are eligible for a reduction in your property taxes. Qualified taxpayers may also defer their next installment of property taxes if they have filed a claim for property tax reduction. If approved, your property will be reappraised and you will receive a corrected tax bill or refund. The application must be filed within 12 months of the occurrence of the damage.

Replacement of Vital Records
Recorder/Clerk staff is on hand with applications for replacement of vital records. Certified copies of recorded birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as real estate documents will be provided at no cost to individuals who lost such records as a result of the West Fire.

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Ernest J. Dronenburg, Jr. is the San Diego County elected Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk. During his time in office, he has re-opened the Chula Vista and Kearny Mesa satellite offices and extended hours for the public at all of his County offices. Dronenburg has moved taxpayers from “inline to online,” reduced paper waste, and eliminated backlog in taxpayer appeals. Dronenburg is a graduate of the San Diego State University, School of Business Administration.