Yolo County Property Records
What Is Yolo County Property Records
Property records in Yolo County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership history and interests affecting land and structures in Yolo County.
The primary purposes of maintaining property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
Pursuant to California Government Code § 27201, county recorders are required to accept and record instruments, papers, and notices that are authorized by law to be recorded. These documents must meet specific formatting requirements and contain certain information to be accepted for recording.
The Yolo County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder (ACE) Department maintains the official property records database for the county, which includes deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other documents affecting real property interests. These records date back to the county's formation and provide a comprehensive history of land ownership throughout Yolo County.
Yolo County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder
625 Court Street, Room B-01
Woodland, CA 95695
(530) 666-8130
Yolo County ACE Department
Are Property Records Public Information In Yolo County?
Property records in Yolo County are public information and accessible to all members of the public under California law. The legal basis for public access to property records is established by the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270), which provides that public records are open to inspection during office hours of governmental agencies.
The public nature of property records is founded on several important principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to provide constructive notice
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property research
Under California law, any person may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the records or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy ensures transparency in property ownership and transactions throughout the county.
The California Government Code § 27203 specifically mandates that county recorders must maintain indexes of recorded documents that are accessible to the public. These indexes allow members of the public to locate relevant property records based on the names of parties or property descriptions.
While property records are public, certain personal information within these records may be redacted or restricted from public view pursuant to privacy laws and regulations. Such information typically includes social security numbers, financial account numbers, and other sensitive personal identifiers.
How To Search Property Records in Yolo County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search property records in Yolo County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems that allow for efficient retrieval of property records through multiple channels.
To search property records in person:
- Visit the Yolo County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form at the public counter
- Provide specific information about the property (address, parcel number, or owner name)
- Staff will assist with accessing the appropriate records
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents if needed
To search property records by mail:
- Download and complete the Official Records Request Form from the county website
- Include specific information about the requested records
- Enclose the appropriate fee payment
- Mail the request to the Yolo County Clerk-Recorder's Office
- Allow 1-2 business days for processing once received
To search property records online:
- Visit the Official Records Search portal on the Yolo County website
- Select the appropriate search method (name, document type, date range)
- Enter the required search criteria
- Review the search results
- Purchase and download copies of documents as needed
Yolo County Clerk-Recorder's Office
625 Court Street, Room B-01
Woodland, CA 95695
(530) 666-8130
Yolo County Clerk-Recorder
Current fees for property record searches and copies are established by the Yolo County Board of Supervisors in accordance with California Government Code § 27366.
How To Find Property Records in Yolo County Online?
Yolo County provides comprehensive online access to property records through its official website. The digital systems currently in place allow users to search, view, and in many cases, purchase copies of property records remotely. The following methods are available for online property record searches:
Official Records Search Portal
The primary method for accessing property records online is through the county's Official Records Search system. This portal allows users to:
- Search by grantor/grantee name
- Search by document type (deed, mortgage, lien, etc.)
- Search by recording date range
- Search by document number
- View index information for matching records
- Purchase and download copies of documents
Parcel Number or Recorder's Reference Search
For property-specific searches, the county provides a Parcel Number or Recorder's Reference Search tool. This system requires:
- A valid 12-digit Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) or property address
- Selection of the appropriate search parameters
- Review of property information including assessed value, tax status, and recorded documents
GIS Property Information Portal
The Yolo County Geographic Information System (GIS) provides spatial property information through an interactive map interface. Users can:
- Search by address or parcel number
- View property boundaries on aerial imagery
- Access basic property information
- Link to related property records
Online access to property records is available 24 hours a day, though some features may require registration or payment of fees for document copies. The county maintains these systems to provide convenient public access while ensuring the security and integrity of the official records.
How To Look Up Yolo County Property Records for Free?
Yolo County offers several options for members of the public to access property records at no cost. While fees may apply for obtaining certified copies or extensive research assistance, basic property information is available without charge through the following methods:
Free In-Person Access
The most comprehensive free access to property records is available by visiting the Yolo County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder's office in person:
- Public terminals are available for searching the official records index
- Staff can assist with locating basic property information
- Viewing of records on-site is provided at no charge
- Self-service research is permitted during regular business hours
Yolo County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder
625 Court Street, Room B-01
Woodland, CA 95695
(530) 666-8130
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Free Online Resources
Several free online resources provide basic property information:
- The Ownership Information page provides guidance on accessing basic property ownership details
- The county's GIS mapping portal offers free access to property boundaries and basic parcel information
- The Assessor's online database provides limited property assessment information at no charge
Public Libraries
Yolo County public libraries offer free computer access that can be used to search online property records:
- Library staff can assist with navigating to the appropriate county websites
- Public computers are available during library operating hours
- Basic research assistance may be available from reference librarians
While free access to basic property information is readily available, fees do apply for obtaining copies of documents, certified records, or extensive research assistance. These fees are established pursuant to California Government Code and are designed to recover the actual costs of providing these services.
What's Included in a Yolo County Property Record?
Property records maintained by Yolo County contain comprehensive information about real property within the county boundaries. These records are categorized by type and maintained by different county departments according to their statutory responsibilities.
Types of Property Records
The county maintains distinct categories of property records:
- Real Property Records: Documents pertaining to land and permanently attached structures
- Personal Property Records: Records of taxable business property, equipment, and fixtures
- Vital Records: Birth, death, and marriage certificates that may affect property ownership
Real property records are primarily maintained by the Clerk-Recorder's Office, while property tax assessment records are maintained by the Assessor's Office. These offices work together as part of the Assessor-Clerk-Recorder (ACE) Department.
Information Contained in Property Records
A typical property record in Yolo County includes:
- Legal description of the property
- Current and historical ownership information
- Deed history and chain of title
- Mortgage and financing documents
- Tax assessment information
- Liens, judgments, and encumbrances
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Subdivision maps and parcel splits
- Building permits and improvements
- Property tax payment history
The specific content of property records is governed by California Government Code § 27280-27297.7, which establishes requirements for recordable instruments affecting real property.
Supporting Documents
In addition to the primary property records, related documents may include:
- Preliminary title reports
- Environmental assessments
- Zoning certifications
- Survey records
- Probate and estate documents affecting property
- Court orders related to property ownership
- Tax sale certificates
These comprehensive records provide a complete history of property ownership and interests, supporting the county's property tax system and facilitating real estate transactions throughout Yolo County.
How Long Does Yolo County Keep Property Records?
Yolo County maintains property records permanently in accordance with state law and county records retention policies. The preservation of these records is essential for establishing property rights and maintaining an accurate history of land ownership within the county.
Permanent Records Retention
The following property records are maintained permanently:
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens and releases
- Easements and covenants
- Subdivision maps and parcel splits
- Condominium plans
- Military discharge records affecting property
This permanent retention is mandated by California Government Code § 26202.6, which requires counties to maintain certain records in perpetuity.
Limited Retention Records
Some supplementary property-related records are subject to limited retention periods:
- Property tax assessment rolls: 12 years
- Property tax payment records: 7 years
- Building permits: Life of the structure plus 3 years
- Temporary easements: Duration of easement plus 1 year
- Preliminary title reports: 2 years
These retention periods are established by the Yolo County Records Management Program in compliance with state guidelines and local ordinances.
Records Preservation Methods
To ensure the long-term preservation of property records, Yolo County employs multiple preservation strategies:
- Digitization of historical paper records
- Microfilm backup of essential documents
- Climate-controlled storage for original documents
- Electronic document management systems
- Regular backup and disaster recovery protocols
The county's records preservation program ensures that property records remain accessible to the public while protecting these vital documents from deterioration or loss. Historical property records dating back to the county's formation in 1850 have been preserved and remain available for public inspection.
How To Find Liens on Property In Yolo County?
Liens on property in Yolo County are recorded as public documents and can be searched through several official channels. These encumbrances on property may include tax liens, judgment liens, mechanics' liens, or other claims against the property that must be satisfied before clear title can be transferred.
Searching for Liens at the County Recorder's Office
The most comprehensive method for finding liens is through the Yolo County Recorder's Office:
- Visit the Recorder's Office in person or access their online portal
- Search by property owner name, property address, or Assessor's Parcel Number
- Review the grantor-grantee index for recorded liens
- Request copies of specific lien documents as needed
Yolo County Recorder's Office
625 Court Street, Room B-01
Woodland, CA 95695
(530) 666-8130
Official Records Searches
Types of Liens and Where to Find Them
Different types of liens may be recorded with different county offices:
- Tax Liens: Search through the Yolo County Tax Collector's Office for property tax delinquencies
- Judgment Liens: Search through the Yolo County Superior Court records and the County Recorder's Office
- Mechanics' Liens: Search through the County Recorder's Office for claims filed by contractors or material suppliers
- Child Support Liens: Search through the County Recorder's Office for liens filed by child support enforcement agencies
- Federal Tax Liens: Search through the County Recorder's Office for IRS liens
Online Lien Search Options
Yolo County provides online access to lien information through:
- The Official Records Search portal, which allows searching by name or document type
- The Parcel Number Search tool, which provides property-specific information including recorded liens
- The Tax Collector's online database for property tax delinquencies and tax liens
When searching for liens, it is important to check all possible recording locations, as different types of liens may be filed with different county offices. A comprehensive title search, often conducted by title companies during property transactions, will typically identify all recorded liens affecting a specific property.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Yolo County?
The Property Owner Rule in Yolo County refers to the set of regulations and legal principles governing property ownership, recording requirements, and the rights and responsibilities of property owners within the county. These rules are established by California state law and local ordinances.
Recording Requirements for Property Ownership
Under California law, specifically Civil Code § 1214, property ownership transfers must be properly recorded to establish priority against subsequent purchasers or encumbrancers. In Yolo County, this means:
- Deeds and other conveyance documents must be recorded with the County Recorder
- Documents must meet specific formatting requirements
- Recording fees must be paid
- Documentary transfer tax must be paid when applicable
Failure to record property transfers can result in complications regarding legal ownership and may affect the rights of subsequent purchasers or lienholders.
Property Tax Ownership Rules
The Yolo County Assessor follows specific rules regarding property ownership for tax assessment purposes:
- Property is assessed to the owner of record as of January 1 (the lien date)
- Changes in ownership trigger reassessment under Proposition 13
- Certain transfers between family members may be exempt from reassessment
- Property owners must file a change of ownership statement within 45 days of transfer
These rules are administered by the Yolo County Assessor's Office in accordance with California Revenue and Taxation Code.
Property Owner Identification
Yolo County maintains specific policies regarding property owner identification:
- Property owner names are not displayed on public-facing online assessment records
- Owner information is available through in-person requests at the Assessor's Office
- Certain professionals (attorneys, title companies, etc.) may have expanded access
- Property owners can authorize release of their information to third parties
These policies balance public access to property records with privacy considerations for property owners, as outlined on the county's Ownership Information page.
The Property Owner Rule also encompasses regulations regarding boundary disputes, easements, adverse possession, and other property rights issues that may arise between neighboring property owners. These matters are governed by California state law and may require legal proceedings to resolve.