Clackamas County Property Records
What Is Clackamas County Property Records
Property records in Clackamas County are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout Clackamas County, Oregon.
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 interested parties
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 205.130, county clerks are required to record and maintain instruments affecting real property. This statute establishes the legal framework for recording deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents related to real property in Oregon counties, including Clackamas County.
The Clackamas County Clerk's Office maintains the official property records for the county, providing access to these documents for public inspection and research purposes. The Clackamas County Records Inventory provides a comprehensive catalog of available property records maintained by the county.
Clackamas County Clerk's Office
2051 Kaen Road
Oregon City, OR 97045
503-655-8551
Clackamas County Clerk
Are Property Records Public Information In Clackamas County?
Property records in Clackamas County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Oregon law. The public nature of these records is established by the Oregon Public Records Law, specifically Oregon Revised Statutes § 192.311 to § 192.478, which provides for the right of public access to government records with limited exceptions.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public accessibility to provide notice of property interests
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property research
Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy supports transparency in government and facilitates informed decision-making in real estate matters.
Under Oregon Revised Statutes § 205.130(1), the county clerk is required to "record and index instruments presented for recording," making these documents available for public inspection. The county maintains these records in searchable formats to facilitate public access and research.
Currently, Clackamas County provides multiple avenues for accessing public property records, including in-person visits to county offices, online search tools, and formal records requests. The Clackamas County property assessment records are maintained by the County Assessor's Office and are available for public inspection.
How To Search Property Records in Clackamas County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search property records in Clackamas County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains comprehensive systems for property record searches that accommodate various research needs.
To search property records in Clackamas County:
- Identify the specific property information needed (deed, mortgage, lien, etc.)
- Determine the most appropriate search method based on information available:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Tax lot number
- Document number
- Book and page reference
- Select the appropriate search platform:
- Online through the Clackamas County Records Search portal
- In-person at the County Clerk's Office
- By mail or email request
- Conduct the search using the identified parameters
- Review search results and request copies of relevant documents if needed
For in-person searches, visitors may utilize public terminals at:
Clackamas County Clerk's Office
2051 Kaen Road
Oregon City, OR 97045
503-655-8551
Clackamas County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
For online searches, the Clackamas County GIS CMap system provides a comprehensive mapping interface that allows users to search for property information throughout the county. This system integrates property records with geographic information for enhanced usability.
For mail requests, submit a completed records request form to the County Clerk's Office with the required search information and applicable fees. The county typically processes mail requests within 5-7 business days of receipt.
How To Find Property Records in Clackamas County Online?
Clackamas County offers comprehensive online resources for accessing property records electronically. The county's digital platforms provide convenient access to property information without requiring an in-person visit to county offices.
To find property records online in Clackamas County:
- Visit the Clackamas County Assessor's website
- Access the property records search portal
- Select the appropriate search method:
- Address search: Enter the complete property address
- Owner name search: Enter the property owner's name (last name first)
- Tax lot number search: Enter the map and tax lot number (if known)
- Account number search: Enter the property account number
- Review the search results to identify the property of interest
- Select the property to view detailed information, including:
- Current ownership information
- Property characteristics
- Assessment values
- Tax information
- Sales history
- Building permit history (where available)
For more detailed property records such as deeds, mortgages, and liens, users may access the Clackamas County Clerk's Records Search portal, which provides:
- Document type search capabilities
- Date range filtering options
- Document number search
- Grantor/Grantee name search
- Legal description search
The Clackamas County GIS CMap system offers an interactive mapping interface that integrates property records with geographic information, allowing users to:
- Search for properties by address, tax lot, or owner name
- View property boundaries on aerial imagery
- Access property assessment information
- Identify zoning designations
- View flood zones and other environmental data
- Access building code information for specific properties
How To Look Up Clackamas County Property Records for Free?
Clackamas County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records. These free resources enable public access to essential property information without financial barriers.
Free property record search options in Clackamas County include:
-
Online Public Access Portal
- The county maintains a free public access website for basic property information
- Accessible 24/7 from any internet-connected device
- Provides ownership information, property characteristics, and assessment values
- Available through the Clackamas County Assessor's website
-
In-Person Terminal Access
- Public computer terminals at the County Clerk's Office
- No fee for self-service searching
- Staff assistance available for search guidance
- Located at 2051 Kaen Road, Oregon City, OR 97045
-
Clackamas County GIS CMap System
- Free interactive mapping system with property information
- Integrates property records with geographic data
- Provides property boundaries, ownership, and assessment information
- Available through the Clackamas County GIS CMap portal
-
Clackamas County Library Resources
- Select county libraries offer access to property record databases
- Library staff can provide assistance with searches
- Available during regular library operating hours
While basic property record searches are free, please note that fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of documents
- Large volume searches
- Research assistance beyond basic guidance
- Printed copies exceeding certain page limits
The Clackamas County Circuit Court also maintains records related to property litigation, foreclosures, and judgments that may be searched at no cost, though fees apply for document copies.
What's Included in a Clackamas County Property Record?
Clackamas County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for specific aspects of property documentation.
Property records in Clackamas County distinguish between:
- Real property (land and permanently attached structures)
- Personal property (movable assets not permanently affixed to land)
A complete Clackamas County property record typically includes:
-
Ownership Documents
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Trustee's deeds
- Executor's deeds
- Sheriff's deeds
- Tax deeds
-
Financial Encumbrances
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Satisfaction of mortgage documents
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Lien releases
- Assignments of mortgage
-
Property Description Information
- Legal description
- Lot and block numbers
- Subdivision information
- Survey records
- Plat maps
- Boundary adjustments
-
Assessment and Taxation Data
- Property classification
- Assessed value
- Market value
- Tax rates and amounts
- Special assessments
- Tax payment history
- Tax lot numbers
-
Land Use Information
- Zoning designation
- Land use permits
- Variances
- Conditional use permits
- Environmental overlays
-
Building Information
- Building permits and inspections
- Certificate of occupancy
- Building code compliance records
- Improvement records
Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 205.130, the county clerk is required to maintain these records in a manner that ensures their preservation and accessibility. The Clackamas County Records Inventory provides a detailed catalog of the property records maintained by the county.
How Long Does Clackamas County Keep Property Records?
Clackamas County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by Oregon state law and administrative rules. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important property documents while allowing for the appropriate disposition of obsolete records.
The retention of property records in Clackamas County is governed by the Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 166, Division 150, which establishes minimum retention periods for county records.
Key retention periods for property records include:
-
Deed Records: Permanent retention
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and other ownership transfer documents are preserved indefinitely
- Historical deed books dating back to county formation are maintained in county archives
-
Mortgage and Trust Deed Records: Permanent retention
- Original mortgage documents and satisfactions are preserved indefinitely
- Provides permanent chain of title and encumbrance history
-
Tax Assessment Records: Minimum 7-year retention
- Current and historical tax rolls are maintained for extended periods
- Many assessment records are retained permanently for historical value
- The Clackamas County Assessor maintains these records
-
Building Permits and Inspections: Life of structure plus 3 years
- Records related to building codes and inspections are maintained for the life of the building
- Historical permits may be transferred to county archives for permanent retention
-
Plats and Surveys: Permanent retention
- Subdivision plats, surveys, and boundary adjustments are preserved indefinitely
- These records are essential for establishing property boundaries
-
Land Use Records: Permanent retention for approved applications
- Zoning changes, variances, and conditional use permits are maintained permanently
- Denied applications may have shorter retention periods
The county maintains an electronic records management system that preserves digital copies of property records, enhancing accessibility while ensuring long-term preservation. Many historical property records have been digitized to protect the information contained in deteriorating paper documents.
How To Find Liens on Property In Clackamas County?
Liens on property in Clackamas County are recorded as public documents and can be searched through several official channels. These encumbrances represent claims against property that must be satisfied before title can be transferred free and clear.
To find liens on property in Clackamas County:
-
County Clerk's Office Search
- Visit the Clackamas County Clerk's Office at 2051 Kaen Road, Oregon City, OR 97045
- Request a lien search using the property owner's name or property address
- Specify the time period for the search (current liens or historical)
- Review the search results with assistance from clerk staff if needed
-
Online Lien Search
- Access the Clackamas County Clerk's online records search portal
- Select "Lien" as the document type
- Enter the property owner's name (last name first)
- Specify date ranges if searching for liens from a particular period
- Review search results and access document images if available
-
Circuit Court Records
- Search Clackamas County Circuit Court records for judgment liens
- Visit the courthouse at 807 Main Street, Oregon City, OR 97045
- Request a judgment search against the property owner's name
- Review any judgments that may constitute liens against real property
-
Tax Records Search
- Contact the Clackamas County Tax Collector's Office
- Request information on any delinquent property taxes or tax liens
- Provide the property address or tax account number
- Review current tax status and any outstanding tax liens
-
Title Company Search
- Engage a professional title company to conduct a comprehensive lien search
- Title companies have access to specialized databases and expertise
- Receive a detailed report of all recorded liens affecting the property
- This option typically involves professional fees
Common types of liens found in Clackamas County property records include:
- Tax liens (property tax, income tax)
- Judgment liens from court cases
- Mechanic's liens for unpaid construction work
- Homeowners Association (HOA) liens
- Child support liens
- Federal tax liens
- Utility liens
The Clackamas County GIS CMap system can provide preliminary information about properties, including some lien information, though a comprehensive lien search typically requires checking multiple sources.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Clackamas County?
The Property Owner Rule in Clackamas County refers to the set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership rights, responsibilities, and restrictions within the county. These rules establish the framework for property ownership and use in accordance with Oregon state law and local ordinances.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule in Clackamas County include:
-
Recording Requirements
- Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 93.710, all instruments affecting real property must be recorded to provide constructive notice
- Documents must meet specific formatting requirements to be accepted for recording
- Recording establishes priority of interests in property based on date and time of recording
-
Ownership Rights and Limitations
- Property owners possess bundle of rights including use, possession, exclusion, and transfer
- Rights are subject to limitations imposed by zoning, building codes, and environmental regulations
- Clackamas County building code requirements must be followed for property improvements
-
Property Tax Obligations
- Property owners are responsible for payment of annual property taxes
- Tax rates are determined based on assessed value and applicable tax districts
- Failure to pay property taxes may result in tax liens and eventual foreclosure
- The Clackamas County Assessor administers property tax assessment
-
Disclosure Requirements
- Sellers must disclose known material defects when transferring property
- Disclosure forms must comply with Oregon Revised Statutes § 105.464
- Failure to disclose may result in legal liability for the seller
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Adverse Possession Provisions
- Under Oregon law, property may be acquired through adverse possession after 10 years
- Possession must be actual, open, notorious, exclusive, hostile, and continuous
- Claimant must have paid property taxes on the claimed land for the statutory period
-
Easement and Right-of-Way Rules
- Property may be subject to recorded easements for utilities, access, or other purposes
- Easements run with the land and generally transfer with property ownership
- Creation and termination of easements must follow specific legal procedures
-
Land Use Restrictions
- Property use is subject to Clackamas County zoning ordinances
- Comprehensive Plan designations establish permitted uses
- Variances and conditional uses require specific approval processes
- Property owners must comply with land use decisions and permits
The Clackamas County GIS CMap system provides property owners with access to information about their property, including zoning designations, tax information, and other relevant data that helps owners understand and comply with the Property Owner Rule.
Lookup Property Records in Clackamas County
County Records Guide - Clackamas County Inventory
County Assessor Property Tax Information
Clackamas County Circuit Court Records