Lake County CA. California PROPERTY RECORDS, title and lien search

Lake County, California offers multiple convenient methods for accessing property records, deeds, liens, and conducting title searches. Whether you’re a homeowner, real estate professional, or researcher, this comprehensive guide provides all the resources and links needed to access Lake County’s public property records efficiently.

Lake County Assessor-Recorder Office Overview

The Lake County Assessor-Recorder office is responsible for maintaining and preserving Lake County’s public records, including property deeds, liens, maps, judgments, and mortgages. The office is located at 255 N Forbes Street, Room 223, Lakeport, CA 95453, and provides both online and in-person access to property records.

Contact Information:

• Address: 255 N Forbes Street, Room 223, Lakeport, CA 95453
• Phone: (707) 263-2302
• Fax: (707) 263-3703
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
• Recording Deadline: 4:30 PM for same-day recording

Online Property Record Search Systems

Recorder’s Index Search (Primary Database)

Lake County provides online access to property records through their Recorder’s Search Index website, though this platform offers limited display capabilities for basic searches.

Access Link: https://publicapps2.lakecountyca.gov/RecordersIndex/

This system allows you to search for:

• Property deeds and transfers
• Liens and encumbrances
• Mortgages and trust deeds
• UCC filings
• Judgments and court documents
• Maps and surveys

Lake County GIS Portal and Parcel Viewer

Lake County offers comprehensive GIS mapping tools through their online portal where you can check parcel zoning, flood zones, soil types, natural hazards, and more.

Primary GIS Links:

• Lake County GIS Portal: https://gispublic.co.lake.ca.us/portal/home/
• Lake County Parcel Viewer: https://gispublic.co.lake.ca.us/portal/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=87dfc0c535b2478bb67df69d6d319eca

The GIS system provides:

• Interactive parcel maps
• Property boundary information
• Zoning classifications
• Flood zone determinations
• Historical aerial imagery
• Environmental hazard data

Property Record Fees and Costs

Lake County charges the following fees for property record access: $4 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, with non-standard-sized copies costing $8 and computer screen prints at $4 per screen. Certification fees add an additional $1 per document.

Standard Fee Schedule:

• First page of document: $4.00
• Each additional page: $0.50
• Non-standard sized copies: $8.00
• Certification fee: $1.00 per document
• Computer screen prints: $4.00 per screen

Recording Fees for New Documents

Standard recording fees are $14.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page, with non-standard documents costing $17.00 for the first page and $6.00 for additional pages. Documentary transfer tax is charged at $1.10 per $1,000 of property value.

Conducting Lien Searches

Types of Liens Recorded in Lake County

Lake County records various types of liens including:

• Mechanic’s liens
• Tax liens
• Judgment liens
• HOA liens
• Federal tax liens
• Child support liens

How to Search for Liens

1. Online Search: Use the Recorder’s Index Search to look up liens by property owner name or assessor’s parcel number
2. In-Person Search: Visit the Assessor-Recorder office for comprehensive lien searches
3. Professional Search: Hire a title company for thorough lien and encumbrance reports

Title Search Process and Resources

Performing Your Own Title Search

For basic title research, Lake County property owners can:

1. Start with the Recorder’s Index Search online
2. Search by property address or assessor’s parcel number
3. Review deed history and chain of title
4. Check for recorded liens and encumbrances
5. Verify current ownership information

Professional Title Search Services

For comprehensive title searches required for real estate transactions, consider hiring:

• Licensed title companies
• Escrow companies
• Real estate attorneys
• Professional search companies

Accessing Historical Property Records

For unrestricted access to all historical documents and records not available online, you must visit the Lake County Assessor-Recorder office in person. The office maintains extensive historical records dating back to the county’s founding.

Property Tax Information and Assessment Records

Lake County property tax and assessment information can be accessed through:

• The Assessor-Recorder office
• Online property tax payment portals
• Property tax exemption applications
• Assessment roll searches

Lake County has a median home value of $330,700 with property taxes typically comprising 0.68% of assessed property values.

Community Development and Zoning Information

For zoning confirmation in unincorporated Lake County areas, contact the Community Development Department at (707) 263-2382 or use their GIS Portal. For properties within city limits, contact the respective city planning department.

Court Records and Superior Court Documents

The Lake County Superior Court maintains additional property-related records and can provide certified copies of court documents. The court is located at 255 N. Forbes Street, 4th Floor, Lakeport, CA 95453, with phone number (707) 263-2374.

Court Services Include:

• Judgment searches
• Probate records
• Divorce decree property settlements
• Bankruptcy filings
• Civil case documents

Tips for Efficient Property Record Searches

Before You Begin Your Search

1. Gather the complete property address
2. Obtain the Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) if possible
3. Know the current and previous property owner names
4. Have approximate dates for transactions you’re researching

Best Practices for Online Searches

1. Start with broad search terms and narrow down
2. Search multiple name variations and spellings
3. Check both grantor and grantee indexes
4. Verify information across multiple record types
5. Print or save important documents immediately

When to Visit the Office in Person

Visit the Lake County Assessor-Recorder office when you need:

• Access to older historical records
• Certified copies of documents
• Complex title research assistance
• Records not available online
• Help interpreting legal documents

Alternative Property Information Resources

Third-Party Property Research Websites

Several commercial websites provide Lake County property information:

• PropertyChecker.com
• CourthouseDirect.com
• NETR Online Public Records
• ParcelQuest.com

Note: While third-party sites offer convenience, always verify important information through official Lake County sources.

Important Legal Disclaimers and Limitations

Note that online platforms provide limited display of property records, and the information may not include all recorded documents or the most recent filings. For legal proceedings or real estate transactions, always obtain certified copies from the official recorder’s office.

Additional Resources and Forms

The Lake County Assessor-Recorder office provides various forms for property-related transactions:

• Deed forms and templates
• Transfer tax exemption forms
• Property tax exemption applications
• Restrictive covenant modification forms
• Preliminary change of ownership reports

Contact Information Summary

Lake County Assessor-Recorder:

• Website: https://www.lakecountyca.gov/271/Assessor—Recorder
• Address: 255 N Forbes Street, Room 223, Lakeport, CA 95453
• Phone: (707) 263-2302
• Fax: (707) 263-3703

Lake County Superior Court:

• Website: https://lake.courts.ca.gov/
• Address: 255 N. Forbes Street, 4th Floor, Lakeport, CA 95453
• Phone: (707) 263-2374

Community Development Department:

• Phone: (707) 263-2382

Conclusion

Lake County, California provides comprehensive access to property records through both online systems and in-person services. Whether you need basic property information, comprehensive title searches, or lien verification, the county’s multiple access methods ensure you can obtain the records you need efficiently and cost-effectively. Always verify critical information through official county sources and consider professional assistance for complex real estate transactions.