Shasta County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Shasta County?
Public records in Shasta County are defined as information that documents government business and is maintained by public agencies. According to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), specifically under Government Code § 6252(e), public records include "any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public's business prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics."
Shasta County maintains numerous types of public records, including:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims cases are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Shasta.
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, assessments, and property tax information are maintained by the Shasta County Assessor-Recorder's Office.
- Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees are available through the Shasta County Clerk-Recorder's Office.
- Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name statements are maintained by various county departments.
- Tax Records: Property tax assessments and payment records are maintained by the Shasta County Treasurer-Tax Collector.
- Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information and election results are maintained by the Shasta County Elections Department.
- Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of county commission and board meetings are maintained by the Shasta County Clerk of the Board.
- Budget and Financial Documents: County financial records, budgets, and expenditure reports are maintained by the Shasta County Auditor-Controller.
- Law Enforcement Records: Certain arrest logs and incident reports are available through the Shasta County Sheriff's Office.
- Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, permits, and zoning information are maintained by the Shasta County Department of Resource Management.
Each type of record is maintained by the appropriate county department or agency, with the Shasta County Clerk-Recorder serving as the primary custodian for many official records.
Is Shasta County an Open Records County?
Shasta County adheres to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under Government Code § 6250, the legislature declares that "access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business is a fundamental and necessary right of every person in this state."
The CPRA mandates that public records be open for inspection during regular office hours, with limited exceptions for confidential or exempt records. Shasta County government agencies comply with these requirements by making records available for public inspection and providing copies upon request.
Key provisions of the CPRA that Shasta County follows include:
- Public agencies must respond to records requests within 10 days, with a possible 14-day extension in unusual circumstances.
- Agencies must assist requesters in making focused and effective requests.
- Electronic records are subject to disclosure in the same manner as paper records.
The City of Redding, located within Shasta County, has established specific procedures for handling public records requests in compliance with state law. Similarly, the City of Shasta Lake maintains transparency through its City Clerk's office, which serves as the custodian of official records.
Shasta County has implemented policies to ensure compliance with California's open government laws, including the Ralph M. Brown Act, which governs open meetings of local government bodies. These policies reflect the county's commitment to transparency and public access to information.
How to Find Public Records in Shasta County in 2026
Members of the public seeking records in Shasta County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:
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Online Access: Many records are available through the county's online portals:
- Court records can be searched through the Superior Court of California, County of Shasta online case access system.
- Property records are accessible through the Shasta County Assessor/Recorder self-service portal.
- Election information is available on the Shasta County Elections Department website.
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to inspect records:
- For court records, visit the Records Department at the Shasta County Courthouse.
- For property and vital records, visit the Clerk-Recorder's Office.
- For other departmental records, contact the specific agency that maintains the desired information.
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Written Requests: Submit a written public records request to the appropriate department:
- Clearly identify the records sought with sufficient detail.
- Include contact information for response.
- Specify preferred format (paper copies, electronic files, etc.).
- Submit requests via mail, email, or in person, depending on the department's procedures.
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Telephone Inquiries: Contact the relevant department to determine record availability and request procedures.
For records not available online, requesters should contact the specific department that maintains the desired records. The county clerk's office can provide guidance on which department maintains specific record types if there is uncertainty.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Shasta County?
Shasta County charges fees for certain public records in accordance with Government Code § 6253(b), which allows agencies to charge "direct costs of duplication" or a statutory fee, if applicable.
Current standard fees for public records in Shasta County include:
- Photocopies: $0.25 per page for standard letter/legal size documents
- Certified Copies:
- Birth certificates: $32.00 per copy
- Death certificates: $24.00 per copy
- Marriage certificates: $17.00 per copy
- Property Records:
- Recorded documents: $2.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page
- Certified copies of recorded documents: Additional $2.00 per document
- Court Records:
- Case searches: $15.00 per name
- Copies of court documents: $0.50 per page
- Certified court documents: $40.00 plus copy fees
Payment methods accepted by most Shasta County offices include:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Personal checks
- Money orders
- Credit/debit cards (subject to processing fees)
Fees may vary by department and record type. Some specialized searches or large document requests may incur additional fees based on staff time required to compile the records. The county may require advance payment before processing extensive requests.
It is important to note that while fees may be charged for copies, inspection of public records is generally available at no cost during normal business hours, as required by state law.
Does Shasta County Have Free Public Records?
Shasta County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with California law. Under the California Public Records Act, public agencies must allow inspection of non-exempt records during regular office hours at no charge.
Free public records services in Shasta County include:
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In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may inspect accessible records at no cost during regular business hours at the appropriate county office. This includes reviewing court files, property records, meeting minutes, and other non-exempt documents.
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Online Access: Several county departments provide free online access to certain records:
- The Shasta County Assessor/Recorder offers free online searches of property records, though obtaining official copies may incur fees.
- The Shasta County Elections Department provides free access to voter information, election results, and campaign finance reports.
- The Superior Court of California, County of Shasta offers free case information searches, though detailed document access may require fees.
- The Shasta County Board of Supervisors provides free access to meeting agendas, minutes, and video recordings of public meetings.
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Public Terminals: Computer terminals are available at certain county offices for public use in searching electronic records at no charge.
While inspection is free, requesters should be aware that fees may still apply for obtaining copies of records, certified documents, or extensive searches requiring significant staff time.
Who Can Request Public Records in Shasta County?
Under the California Public Records Act, any person may request access to public records maintained by Shasta County agencies. The term "person" includes natural persons, corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, firms, and associations.
Key eligibility considerations include:
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Residency: California residency is not required to request public records in Shasta County. Out-of-state and even international requesters have the same rights of access as California residents.
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Identification: For most general records requests, requesters are not required to provide identification or state the purpose of their request. As specified in Government Code § 6257.5, agencies may not condition access to public records on providing identification or reason for the request.
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Exceptions: Certain specialized records may have additional requirements:
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) require the requester to demonstrate direct relationship or legitimate interest as defined in state law.
- Court records that have been sealed or are confidential by statute may have restricted access.
- Law enforcement records related to ongoing investigations may be exempt from disclosure.
- Records containing personal information protected by privacy laws may require authorization from the subject individual.
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Representatives: Attorneys, researchers, and other agents may request records on behalf of clients or principals.
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Commercial Use: Records may be requested for commercial purposes, though certain specialized databases may have restrictions on commercial use or redistribution.
The right to access public records is broadly construed in favor of disclosure, with the burden on the agency to justify withholding any record.
What Records Are Confidential in Shasta County?
While Shasta County strives for transparency, certain records are exempt from public disclosure under Government Code § 6254 and other applicable laws. These exemptions protect privacy, safety, and other important interests.
Records that are generally confidential or exempt from disclosure include:
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Personal Information: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account information, and medical information are protected under various privacy laws.
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Law Enforcement Records: Information that would endanger investigations, reveal confidential sources, or compromise law enforcement techniques may be withheld.
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Juvenile Records: Court records involving minors are generally confidential, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses.
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Personnel Records: Employee personnel files, including performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and medical information, are generally exempt from disclosure.
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Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and attorney work product prepared for county agencies are protected by attorney-client privilege.
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Preliminary Drafts: Preliminary drafts, notes, or interagency memoranda that are not retained in the ordinary course of business may be exempt.
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Medical Records: Individual medical records are protected under HIPAA and state medical privacy laws.
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Child Welfare Records: Records related to child abuse investigations and dependency proceedings are confidential.
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Sealed Court Records: Records sealed by court order are not available for public inspection.
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Critical Infrastructure Information: Details about public infrastructure that could pose security risks if disclosed may be exempt.
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Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information submitted to the county may be protected from disclosure.
When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the county must redact the exempt information and release the remainder. The county bears the burden of demonstrating that an exemption applies when withholding records.
Shasta County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Shasta County Clerk/Recorder
1643 Market Street
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 225-5730
Shasta County Clerk/Recorder
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Services Provided:
- Recording of deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents
- Issuance of marriage licenses
- Filing of fictitious business name statements
- Issuance of certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates
- Passport application processing (by appointment)
- Notary public oath and bond filing
- Military discharge recording
The Recorder's Office maintains and provides access to official records dating back to the county's formation. Staff members are available during business hours to assist with research and provide guidance on accessing public records.
For property record searches, the public may use computer terminals available in the office or access the online self-service portal. Certified copies of vital records require proper identification and completion of application forms, which are available on the county website or in person.