Real Estate & Property Records

The Auditor's Office maintains records of current property ownership within Story County for taxation purposes (§331.511 - 512 of the Code of Iowa). These records are available to the public and consist of the following:

  • Aerial photos
  • Plat maps (tax maps of property)
  • Public terminal access to our real estate database
  • Transfer books (history of all recorded transfers of a property)

Functions

The real estate staff members work closely with the County Assessor, the City of Ames Assessor, the County Recorder, and County Planning and Development to process deeds, transfer properties, apply homestead, military, agricultural land and family farm credits, review surveys and subdivisions, and update our plat maps. Each year the Auditor's Office generates the valuation report for the county's taxing authorities and prepares and certifies tax levies which are collected by the County Treasurer. View a sample property tax calculation. For a primer, read the Iowa Department of Revenue's Property Tax Overview.

Real Estate and Property Records

Geographic Information System (GIS)

The Auditor's Office, along with other county offices and the City of Ames, contributes information to Story County's geographic information system (GIS). Property information and aerial photos can be viewed on the Beacon website. Custom maps are also available: price list.

Drainage Districts

The Auditor's Office also maintains drainage district records and maps. Access a list of answers to frequently asked questions. For more in-depth information, consult the Iowa Drainage Law Manual.