Mendocino County CA. California PROPERTY RECORDS – Lien and title search – Deed Copy

How to Access Mendocino County California Property Records and Deeds: Complete Guide for Lien and Title Searches

BEGIN PROPERTY RECORDS SEARCH HERE

Mendocino County property records provide essential information for real estate transactions, title searches, and property research. The Mendocino County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder offers an online Index of Official Public Records recorded from 1951 to the present, making it easier than ever to access crucial property documentation.

Official Mendocino County Property Records Office

The primary source for all property records, deeds, and official documents is the Mendocino County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder-Elections office. To order a copy of a document or map, please call out office at (707) 234-6824. The office maintains comprehensive records including Real Property Records – Deeds, Leases, Notices of Completion, Financing Documents – Deeds of Trust, Notices of Default, Reconveyances, Maps – Subdivisions, Parcel Divisions, Surveys, and Tax Liens, Release of Liens.

Official Contact Information:

Online Property Records Search Portal

Access the official online document index through the Mendocino County Clerk-Recorder Document Search system. This free portal allows you to search for property records by party names, document types, and recording years.

Direct Links:

Documents recorded prior to 1951 (going back to 1859) are not indexed online, but are indexed in handwritten volumes which can be examined in our office at no cost. For historical property research dating back to 1859, you’ll need to visit the physical office in Ukiah.

Property Tax and Assessment Records

Mendocino County provides multiple online resources for property tax information and assessments. These tools are essential for title searches and understanding property values.

Tax Search Portals:

You can search by parcel or account number, street address (situs address), or business license number. These portals also enable online tax payments with various fee structures for different payment methods.

Building Permits and Code Enforcement Records

Property research often requires reviewing building permits, inspections, and code enforcement actions. Mendocino County provides online access to building and planning records through their Planning and Building Services department.

Building Records Access:

Lien and Title Search Resources

Conducting comprehensive lien and title searches requires accessing multiple record types. Property records in Mendocino County, CA, are maintained by the Recorder’s Division of the Assessor-Clerk-Recorder’s office. The division handles documents such as deeds, leases, maps, plats, reconveyances, and deeds of trust.

Essential Record Types for Title Searches:

  • Grant deeds and warranty deeds
  • Deeds of trust and mortgages
  • Tax lien notices and releases
  • Mechanics’ liens
  • Homestead declarations
  • Notices of default and foreclosure
  • Property transfer documents

Third-Party Property Research Resources

While official county records are the primary source, several third-party services provide additional research tools and compiled property information.

Recording Fees and Document Costs

Understanding recording fees helps budget for property transactions and document research. First page (8-1/2″ x 11″): $13.00 Each additional page: $3.00. Additional fees apply for non-standard page sizes and complex documents.

Current Fee Structure:

  • First page: $13.00
  • Each additional page: $3.00
  • Non-standard page sizes: $3.00 per page
  • Multiple document indexing: Additional $13.00 per title
  • Transfer documents without ownership reports: $20.00 penalty

Historical Records Access (1859-1951)

For properties with extensive history, accessing pre-1951 records requires in-person research. We store records dating from 1859 to November 1994 in our office on microfilm and digital images, and we store records from November 1994 to the present as digital images on computer.

Historical Research Process:

  1. Visit the Recorder’s office in Ukiah during business hours
  2. Request access to handwritten index volumes
  3. Examine microfilm records for documents from 1859-1994
  4. Order copies of relevant documents

Professional Title Search Services

For complex title searches or commercial transactions, consider working with professional title companies or real estate attorneys familiar with Mendocino County records and procedures.

Municipal Codes and Zoning Information

Property research often includes reviewing local ordinances and zoning regulations that affect property use and development potential.

Codes and Ordinances:

Important Legal Disclaimers

California law prohibits the display of recorded documents on the internet, which means full documents cannot be viewed online but must be ordered from the county office. Our staff is forbidden by California legal codes to provide legal advice; this includes giving advice about what forms you might need or how you should fill them out.

Key Limitations:

  • Full documents cannot be displayed online
  • County staff cannot provide legal advice
  • Index searches show document existence but not content
  • Physical office visit required for complete document review

This comprehensive guide provides direct access to all major Mendocino County property record resources, enabling efficient title searches, lien research, and property due diligence for real estate professionals, property owners, and researchers.