Homeowners in Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff whose properties were damaged by the Aug. 11 storms can apply to the Franklin County Auditor's Office for a temporary reduction in their appraised property value, which lowers their tax bill until repairs are complete.

Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano said the savings depend on the severity of the damage. In a Aug. 19 interview on WBNS 10TV, he said a completely demolished structure could be reduced to land value only, while roof or other repair damage "could be anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand depending again on how severe the damage was."

The program operates under Ohio law, which gives county auditors authority to reduce appraised values for storm-damaged or destroyed properties. The reduction is temporary. It stays in place until the property is restored to its prior condition.

Stinziano said his office will proactively contact homeowners in neighborhoods that saw substantial impact, naming Upper Arlington specifically. The National Weather Service determined the Aug. 11 damage in Upper Arlington came from straight-line winds gusting 90 to 100 mph, with the worst tree damage along Mount Holyoke Road, Wellesley Drive, Halstead Road, Pickwick Drive and North Star Road, according to 10TV. A city spokesperson told NBC4 that 75 homes sustained tree damage.

The city is still clearing debris. Upper Arlington said Aug. 18 that crews expect to pick up, grind and transport about 50,000 cubic yards of storm debris, with an additional contractor brought on to finish within about two weeks.

How to apply

Property owners need to fill out Form DTE 26, available on the Franklin County Auditor's website. Stinziano said homeowners do not need photos from before the storm. Documentation of existing damage taken now is sufficient, and the auditor's office will work directly with each property owner.

The auditor's office can be reached at 614-525-4663.

Stinziano noted that a change in appraised value does not automatically mean a proportional change in property taxes, because tax rates depend on the taxing district and voter-approved levies. The storm damage program is separate from the county's ongoing triennial property value review, which has its own Sept. 5 deadline.