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

  • May 20, 2025
  • Posted by: admin
  • Categories: Foreclosure, Lien And Title Search, Property Records, Property Records Search, Property Title Search, Public Property Records, Real Estate, Recorder of deeds, Title Companies, Title Reports
No Comments

How to Access Contra Costa County California Property Records and Deeds: Complete Guide to Lien and Title Searches

BEGIN PROPERTY RECORDS SEARCH HERE

Accessing property records and deeds in Contra Costa County, California is essential for real estate transactions, title searches, and lien research. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions and direct links to all official county resources for property research.

Online Property Search Systems in Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County offers multiple online platforms for accessing property records, with CCMAP serving as the primary portal for property information. The county also utilizes Laserfiche Weblink, an electronic records system used nationwide for document retrieval and management.

Primary Online Resources:

Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder Services

The Recorder’s Division is responsible for recording deeds, deeds of trust, court decrees and many other documents affecting title to real property in Contra Costa County. The office also maintains Uniform Commercial Code filings, subdivision maps, and vital records.

Key Services Available:

  • Property deed recording and searches
  • Lien recording and release services
  • Government lien searches
  • UCC filing searches
  • Title document research

Contact Information:

  • Website: https://www.contracostavote.gov/recorder/
  • Main Office: County Clerk-Recorder Kristin B. Connelly
  • Address: Available through main website
  • Services: Walk-ins available first-come, first-served basis

Property Assessment and Mapping Information

The Contra Costa County Assessor’s Office maintains assessment maps and provides public information services for property ownership and assessment questions. The county’s CCMAP system provides free access to property data including building square footage, lot sizes, and assessor parcel maps.

Assessor’s Office Details:

How to Conduct Property Record Searches

Step 1: Basic Property Information Search Use CCMAP for initial property research, which allows searches by address or Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN). The system provides property data, aerial images, and downloadable PDF maps at no charge.

Step 2: Recorded Document Research Access Laserfiche Weblink for recorded maps, subdivisions, records of survey, and assessor parcel books with additional map references. This system contains comprehensive public works records.

Step 3: Title and Deed Searches Visit the Clerk-Recorder’s office website or use RecorderWorks for official document searches and certified copies of deeds, liens, and other recorded documents.

Lien Search Procedures in Contra Costa County

The Clerk-Recorder’s office handles government liens, mechanic’s liens, tax liens, and other encumbrances affecting real property. Various types of liens can be recorded including federal tax liens, judgment liens, and construction liens.

Lien Search Process:

  1. Obtain the property’s Assessor Parcel Number (APN) from CCMAP
  2. Search Clerk-Recorder records for recorded liens
  3. Check for federal tax liens and releases
  4. Verify current lien status and release documents

Title Search Resources and Third-Party Services

Document Ordering and Copy Services

The Clerk-Recorder accepts cash, check, credit, or debit cards for document copies and services. When ordering online, the office recommends secure shipping methods with tracking rather than regular mail.

Current Fee Structure:

  • Official Record Copy: $1.00 per page
  • Certified Copy: $2.50 per certification plus copy fees
  • Map Copy (18 x 26): $3.50 per page
  • Base Recording Fee: $14.00 for first page, $3.00 each additional page

Records Request and Public Access Information

Under the California Public Records Act, access to government information is a fundamental right, and the county strives to provide timely access to public records. Most county records are available to the public unless specifically exempted by statute.

Public Records Request Options:

  • Online through department websites
  • Phone requests to relevant departments
  • Walk-in visits during business hours
  • Written requests via mail or email

Specialized Property Research Services

Public Works Records:

  • Phone: (925) 313-2000
  • Email: Available through county website
  • Services: Subdivision maps, survey records, road maintenance information

Planning and Zoning Information: The ePermits Center provides access to building permits and planning applications with real-time status updates. Historical permit information from 1980 to present is available online.

Important Legal Disclaimers and Limitations

Clerk-Recorder staff is prohibited from providing legal advice, including recommendations on which forms to use for recording. For easement information, title company guarantee policies are recommended as the most comprehensive source.

Privacy Considerations: Property owner names are not displayed on the county website to balance public information requirements with individual privacy rights. The addresses of elected officials, safety officers, and retired officials are legally prohibited from being posted online.

Additional County Resources and Contact Information

Main County Website: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/ Public Records Information: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/2345/Public-Records Maps and Property Information: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/552/Maps-Property-Information GIS Data Downloads: Available through county GIS portal

For complex title searches or legal matters involving property ownership, consider consulting with licensed title companies or real estate attorneys who can provide comprehensive title insurance and professional guidance beyond what public records alone can offer.

This guide provides the essential tools and resources needed to access Contra Costa County property records, conduct lien searches, and research title information through official county channels and approved third-party services.