General Questions
How do I appeal my assessed value?
Under State law, if the market value of your property (recent comparable sales) as of January 1 falls below the assessed or taxable value as shown on your tax bill, the Assessor's Office is required to lower the assessment. This type of property tax relief generally applies to recently purchased property. Assessment appeals may be filed from July 2 to September 15. Please make sure to file your application with the Assessment Appeals Board before the deadline.
Informal Review of Assessment
If you have reason to believe that the market value of your property as of January 1 is less than the amount shown on your annual notice and you have factual evidence to support a lowered assessment, you can request an informal review by a staff appraiser by contacting us before September 1 by phone (415) 554-5596 or email assessor@sfgov.org. Requesting an informal review does not preclude you from filing a formal appeal with the Assessment Appeals Board.
Assessment Appeals Board
If you disagree with the assessed value or our informal review, you may file a formal Application for Changed Assessment with the Assessment Appeals Board, an independently appointed review board. Application information can be obtained from the Clerk of the Assessment Appeals Board, City Hall – Room 405, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102, phone (415) 554-6778 or web at www.sfgov.org/aab. Assessment appeals must be filed with the Clerk between July 2 and September 15.
Can I visit your office and do my own search?
Yes. We always encourage the public to conduct your own searches by accessing our computer systems and general index on microfiche and microfilm, we also have staff on duty to assist you or answer any questions.
Where do I apply to get married?
You apply for a marriage license at the Office of the County Clerk located in City Hall, Room 168.
Where can I obtain birth or death records?
For birth or death records, please contact the Department of Public Health by mail at 101 Grove Street, Room 104, San Francisco, CA 94102 or by telephone at (415) 554-2700.
Where can I obtain a copy of my divorce certificate?
For divorce records, please contact the Clerk of the Superior Court by mail at 400 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 or by telephone at (415) 551-4000.
Does your office have map records?
The office carries three types of maps: block maps, parcel and condominium maps. For block maps, please provide the block number. For parcel and/or condominium maps always provide the book and page. Block maps are printed on 8 1/2 by 11 for a $3.00 fee per map. Parcel and/or condominium maps are printed on 18 by 24 for $5.00 the first page and $3.00 each additional page per map.
Where can I get a permit to change my situs (street address)?
The Department of Building Inspection at 1660 Mission Street issues permits.
How do I determine who owns the fence in my backyard?
One of the fences in my backyard has collapsed. I spoke to my neighbor about replacing the fence and dividing the cost between us, but he claims he should not have to pay because the fence is not on his property. How can I determine on whose side the fence is and who should carry the costs?
This is a very complex problem and you will need to contact an attorney or legal advisor to counsel you on neighborhood laws. You also have the option of hiring a surveyor to establish your property line and thus determine who must carry the cost of replacing the fence.
