San Diego County Property Records
What Is San Diego County Property Records
San Diego County property records are official documents maintained by the County of San Diego that contain detailed information about real estate parcels within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained primarily by the San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk (ARCC) office, which serves as the official custodian of property-related documentation.
Property records in San Diego County typically include:
- Deeds and title documents showing ownership history
- Property tax assessment information
- Parcel maps and boundary descriptions
- Building permits and improvement records
- Liens, easements, and encumbrances
- Property tax payment history
The maintenance of these records is mandated by California Government Code § 27201, which requires county recorders to accept for recordation any instrument, paper, or notice that is authorized or required by law to be recorded. These records serve multiple governmental functions, including property taxation, land use planning, and the protection of property rights through public notice of ownership and encumbrances.
San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk
1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 110
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 236-3771
San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk
Are Property Records Public Information In San Diego County?
Property records in San Diego County are considered public information pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6276.48). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including property-related documentation, with certain limited exceptions for privacy and security concerns.
Members of the public may access San Diego County property records through several means:
- In-person visits to the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk offices
- Online through the county's official data portals
- Written requests for specific documents
- Subscription services for bulk data access
While most property records are publicly accessible, certain information may be redacted or restricted in accordance with California Civil Code § 1798.59, which protects personal information such as social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information. Additionally, pursuant to Government Code § 6254(c), personal information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy may be withheld.
The County of San Diego Data Portals provide convenient access to many property records without requiring formal Public Records Act requests. These portals are maintained in compliance with Government Code § 6253.9, which requires public agencies to make electronic records available in electronic format when requested.
How To Search Property Records in San Diego County in 2025
Searching for property records in San Diego County in 2025 involves several established methods that have been enhanced with technological improvements. The County has implemented streamlined processes in accordance with California Government Code § 27361, which authorizes counties to establish systems for electronic recording of documents.
To conduct a property records search, individuals may utilize the following methods:
- Property Address Search: The most direct method for locating specific property information using the street address.
- Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) Search: Each property in San Diego County is assigned a unique APN, which serves as the most precise identifier for property record searches.
- Owner Name Search: Records can be located by searching the current or previous property owner's name.
- Map-Based Search: Interactive GIS (Geographic Information System) tools allow users to visually locate properties on digital maps.
For comprehensive property record searches, the public may visit:
San Diego County Operations Center
5560 Overland Avenue
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 694-2290
Property Information Portal
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
When conducting searches, requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate efficient record retrieval. Pursuant to California Government Code § 27323, the county recorder shall maintain indices that permit the ready location of recorded documents, which the public may access during regular business hours.
How To Find Property Records in San Diego County Online?
San Diego County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several official digital platforms. Pursuant to California Government Code § 27279, which authorizes electronic access to public records, the county has developed robust online systems for public use.
The primary online resources for accessing San Diego County property records include:
- Property Information Portal: Provides access to ownership information, assessed values, and property characteristics.
- San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector: Offers property tax information, payment history, and tax bill details.
- County of San Diego Data Portals: Centralized access to various county databases including property-related information.
To conduct an online property records search, users should:
- Select the appropriate county database based on the type of information needed
- Enter search criteria such as property address, Assessor's Parcel Number (APN), or owner name
- Review the search results and select the specific property record
- Access available document images or summary information as provided
Online access is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, though system maintenance may occasionally limit availability. For technical assistance with online property record searches, users may contact:
San Diego County Technology Support
1600 Pacific Highway
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 531-5000
Can You Look Up San Diego County Property Records for Free?
San Diego County provides several options for free access to basic property records in accordance with California Government Code § 6253, which states that public records shall be open to inspection at no charge during office hours. However, certain detailed records or specialized searches may incur fees as authorized by Government Code § 54985.
Free property record access options include:
- In-person inspection at Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk public terminals
- Basic online searches through the County's official website
- Public library access to certain county databases
- Property tax information through the Treasurer-Tax Collector's website
While basic property information is available at no cost, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of recorded documents
- Extensive research assistance
- Bulk data downloads
- Document reproduction services
- Specialized mapping products
The fee schedule for property record services is established by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors pursuant to Government Code § 27366, which authorizes counties to charge fees for recorder services. Current fee schedules are available at:
San Diego County Clerk of the Board
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 402
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 531-5600
County of San Diego
What's Included in a San Diego County Property Record?
San Diego County property records contain comprehensive information about real estate parcels as required by various California statutes, including Revenue and Taxation Code § 408, which governs the content of assessor records. These records serve as the official documentation of property ownership, characteristics, and valuation.
A standard San Diego County property record typically includes:
- Ownership Information: Current and historical property owners, including dates of acquisition
- Property Identification: Assessor's Parcel Number (APN), legal description, and property address
- Physical Characteristics: Lot size, building square footage, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, year built
- Valuation Data: Assessed value for tax purposes, including land and improvement values
- Transfer History: Record of property sales, including dates and transfer amounts when available
- Tax Information: Current tax rates, payment status, and tax exemptions
- Recorded Documents: Deeds, liens, easements, and other officially recorded instruments
- Zoning Classification: Current zoning designation and permitted uses
The level of detail available may vary based on the specific property and the database being accessed. Certain information, such as precise interior details or personal information about occupants, may be limited due to privacy considerations under California Civil Code § 1798.24.
For comprehensive property record information, the public may contact:
San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk
1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 110
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 236-3771
Property Records Division
How Long Does San Diego County Keep Property Records?
San Diego County maintains property records in perpetuity for most official documents related to real estate ownership and transactions. This practice is consistent with California Government Code § 26205.1, which establishes retention requirements for county records of permanent value.
The retention periods for various types of property records are as follows:
- Deeds and Title Documents: Permanently maintained in their original form or as digital archives
- Property Tax Assessment Records: Retained indefinitely, with historical assessment rolls preserved as permanent records
- Building Permits and Improvement Records: Maintained for the life of the structure plus additional years as required by building codes
- Parcel Maps and Subdivision Plats: Preserved permanently as essential land records
- Tax Payment History: Typically retained for a minimum of seven years, with summary information maintained longer
- Property Ownership History: Preserved as permanent records showing the chain of title
The County's record retention practices comply with Government Code § 26202, which requires the Board of Supervisors to establish records management programs that identify and preserve records of historical significance. Digital conversion of older records is ongoing pursuant to Government Code § 26205.5, which authorizes the electronic storage of permanent records.
For inquiries regarding historical property records, the public may contact:
San Diego County Archives
5560 Overland Avenue, Suite 171
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 694-3900
County of San Diego
How To Find Liens on Property In San Diego County?
Liens on property in San Diego County are recorded as public documents pursuant to California Civil Code § 2897, which establishes the legal framework for liens against real property. These encumbrances represent legal claims against properties that must typically be resolved before title can be transferred.
To locate liens on San Diego County properties, interested parties may:
- Search Official Records: The San Diego County Recorder's Office maintains an index of recorded liens including tax liens, mechanics' liens, judgment liens, and mortgage liens.
- Request a Property Profile: This document summarizes recorded encumbrances against a specific property.
- Order a Title Search: Professional title companies can provide comprehensive reports of all recorded liens.
- Check Tax Records: The San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector maintains records of property tax liens and delinquencies.
Common types of liens that may be found in San Diego County property records include:
- Property tax liens (Revenue and Taxation Code § 2187)
- Mechanics' liens (Civil Code § 8400-8494)
- Judgment liens (Code of Civil Procedure § 697.310)
- Federal tax liens (Internal Revenue Code § 6323)
- Child support liens (Family Code § 4506)
- Assessment liens (Streets and Highways Code § 5898.30)
For assistance with lien searches, the public may visit:
San Diego County Recorder's Office
1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 260
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 237-0502
San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
What Is Property Owner Rule In San Diego County?
The Property Owner Rule in San Diego County refers to specific regulations governing property owner rights and responsibilities as established by local ordinances and California state law. This rule encompasses several key provisions that affect property ownership, assessment, and taxation within the county.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
- Assessment Notification Rights: Pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code § 619, property owners must be notified of changes in assessed value and have the right to appeal assessments through the Assessment Appeals Board.
- Disclosure Requirements: When transferring property, owners must comply with disclosure requirements under Civil Code § 1102, which mandates the revelation of material facts affecting property value.
- Tax Payment Responsibilities: Property owners are responsible for timely payment of property taxes regardless of whether they receive a tax bill, as established in Revenue and Taxation Code § 2610.5.
- Property Maintenance Obligations: County ordinances require property owners to maintain their properties in compliance with health and safety codes.
- Access Rights: Property owners must provide reasonable access to utility companies and government officials with legitimate needs to access the property, as outlined in various utility and government codes.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has established additional local regulations affecting property owners through County Code of Regulatory Ordinances, Title 3, which addresses revenue and finance matters related to property.
For information regarding property owner rights and responsibilities, the public may contact:
San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk
1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 110
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 236-3771
San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk
Lookup Property Records in San Diego County
County of San Diego Data Portals
San Diego County Official Website