San Diego County Assessor Property Search
Searching San Diego County property records allows you to verify ownership, APN numbers, assessed values, tax history, exemptions, and sales records. Using official sources ensures accuracy and legal reliability.
APN Search
Most accurate search for legal and tax purposes. Enter the Assessor Parcel Number from a property tax bill or deed.
Pro Tip: Always use the full APN including dashes.
Address Search
Commonly used for general inquiries. Type street number and name without unit numbers or symbols.
Pro Tip: Match the city field exactly to avoid missed results.
Owner Name Search
Useful for researching multiple properties under the same owner. Format as LASTNAME FIRSTNAME.
Pro Tip: Use quotation marks for exact match.
Map/GIS Search
Click on the parcel directly in the GIS viewer to see boundaries and property details.
Pro Tip: Toggle aerial view to check improvements or recent changes.
Step 1: Open the Official Property Search
Go to San Diego County Property Search Portal. Look for search options: APN, Address, Owner.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Method
Select APN for most accurate results. Address is faster for general lookup. Owner Name is ideal for portfolios.
Step 3: Enter Your Search Details
Example: Address: 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101. For APN, enter exact number including dashes.
Step 4: Review the Results
Check columns for owner, assessed value, parcel type, and map. Identify the correct property by matching APN and address.
Step 5: Open the Full Property Record
View detailed tabs: assessed value, exemptions, sales history, maps, and property characteristics.
Step 6: Save or Export
Print or save PDF for official or legal use.
Insider Tip:
Use the GIS “parcel click” function for rural or new subdivisions; some newly assigned APNs may not appear in standard search yet.
San Diego County Assessor Office Phone Number and Address
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | San Diego County Assessor |
| Assessor Name | Ernest J. Dronenburg, Jr. |
| Address | 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101 |
| Phone | (619) 523-4567 |
| assessor@sdcounty.ca.gov | |
| Website | https://www.sdarcc.com |
| Office Hours | Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM |
Tip:
Call in the morning for faster response. Have APN or property address ready. Walk-ins may require appointment depending on season.
San Diego County Property Tax Records
Understand your property taxes, assessed values, exemptions, and payment schedules. California Prop 13 sets a base year value with a 2% annual cap; reassessment occurs on ownership changes or new construction.
| Value Type | Definition |
|---|---|
| Land Value | Assessed value of the land only |
| Improvement Value | Assessed value of buildings and structures |
| Total Assessed Value | Land + Improvements |
| Taxable Value | Value after exemptions |
Check your tax bill via the San Diego Treasurer-Tax Collector. Pay online securely with their payment portal.
Insider Tip:
Your neighbor may pay less due to Prop 13 base year differences, even for identical homes. Always verify assessed vs market value before purchase.
San Diego County Parcel Number (APN) Lookup
The APN is the unique identifier for each property. It ensures legal accuracy for deeds, taxes, and permits.
- Find APN on tax bill or deed.
- Use Assessor Search Portal with APN.
- Check GIS map for boundaries and ownership.
- Use APN for appeals, permits, and official transactions.
San Diego County GIS Map Property Search
San Diego GIS shows parcel boundaries, zoning, FEMA flood zones, school districts, lot dimensions, and aerial photography.
Open GIS at San Diego GIS Parcel Viewer, search by APN, address, or map click. Export maps to PDF for due diligence.
Tip:
Check boundaries before purchase; new subdivisions may have temporary or overlapping parcel numbers.
How to Apply for Homeowner & Other Exemptions in San Diego County
Homeowner’s Exemption
Reduces assessed value by $7,000. Apply via BOE Homeowner Exemption.
Senior/Over-65 Exemption
Additional reductions, income limits apply. Apply via SD County Exemptions.
Disabled Veteran Exemption
Varies by disability rating. Apply via official assessor forms.
Agricultural/Timberland Exemption
Applicable for rural properties under Williamson Act contracts.
Tip:
All exemption applications are free; do not pay third-party services.
How to Appeal Your San Diego County Property Assessment
- Check assessed value on portal.
- Gather comparable sales evidence.
- Download and submit appeal form to Assessment Appeals Board.
- Attend informal and formal hearings.
Tip:
Do not argue tax amount; only market vs assessed value matters. Use licensed appraisals and photos as evidence.
San Diego County Property Research Checklist
- Verify APN, ownership, and assessed value on assessor portal.
- Check current taxes and delinquencies via tax collector portal.
- Review GIS parcel boundaries, zoning, and lot dimensions.
- Check sales history on assessor records.
- Verify exemptions and transfer eligibility.
- Review land use and zoning compliance.
- Check liens and permits through county recorder.
- Compare assessed vs market value to anticipate reassessment.
- Confirm building permits and compliance.