Shasta County Property Records
What Is Shasta County Property Records
Property records in Shasta County are official documents that establish and track the ownership, transfer, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the jurisdiction. Pursuant to California Government Code § 27201, the County Recorder is required to accept for recordation any instrument, paper, or notice that is authorized or required by law to be recorded, provided it meets specific formatting requirements.
Property records in Shasta County fulfill several essential functions:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Provide public notice of property interests
- Protect property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitate real estate transactions
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Document boundary lines and property descriptions
The Shasta County Assessor-Recorder's Office maintains these vital records, which date back to the county's formation in 1850. The recording system creates an unbroken chain of title that allows interested parties to trace ownership history through successive transfers.
Shasta County Assessor-Recorder's Office
1450 Court Street, Suite 208
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 225-5671
Shasta County Assessor-Recorder
Are Property Records Public Information In Shasta County?
Property records in Shasta County are public information, accessible to all citizens without restriction as to purpose or identity. This public access is mandated by both the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270) and specific provisions in the California Government Code § 27201-27297.6 governing county recorders.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public notice of property interests
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates commerce and protects property rights
Any member of the public may inspect or obtain copies of property records without demonstrating a particular interest in the records or providing justification for their request. The California Supreme Court has consistently upheld the principle that public records laws must be interpreted broadly to maximize public access while protecting legitimate privacy interests.
While property records are public, certain information within those records may be redacted or restricted under specific circumstances, such as:
- Social Security numbers
- Military discharge documents (DD-214)
- Certain victim information pursuant to court orders
- Information protected by court order under Government Code § 6254(c)
How To Search Property Records in Shasta County in 2026
Members of the public seeking property records in Shasta County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points to accommodate various research needs.
For in-person searches:
- Visit the Shasta County Assessor-Recorder's Office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays)
- Complete a records request form available at the public counter
- Provide specific information to narrow the search, such as:
- Property address
- Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
- Names of current or previous owners
- Document recording date or document number (if known)
- Staff will assist with accessing public terminals for self-service searching
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents ($2.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page)
For written requests:
- Submit a completed Public Records Request Form via mail, email, or fax
- Include specific search criteria and contact information
- Allow up to 10 business days for processing as permitted under Government Code § 6253(c)
- Prepayment may be required for extensive searches or large copy orders
For telephone requests:
- Call the Recorder's Office at (530) 225-5671
- Staff can verify if specific documents exist but cannot conduct extensive research by phone
- Documents identified by phone must be viewed in person or copies requested through official channels
How To Find Property Records in Shasta County Online?
Shasta County provides comprehensive online access to property records through its Public Web Self Service portal. This system allows users to search and view property records remotely at any time. The online system currently contains records from 1980 to present, with ongoing digitization of older records.
To access property records online:
- Navigate to the Shasta County Assessor-Recorder's online portal
- Select the appropriate search type:
- Document Search (by recording date, document type, or document number)
- Name Search (by grantor/grantee name)
- Property Search (by Assessor's Parcel Number or property address)
- Enter the required search criteria
- Review the search results list
- Select specific documents to view
- Pay applicable fees for certified copies if needed ($2.00 per page for official copies)
The online system provides access to:
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens and judgments
- Maps and surveys
- Notices of default and foreclosure
- Tax liens and releases
For property assessment information, users may also access the Shasta County Assessor's Property Information portal, which provides:
- Current ownership information
- Assessed values
- Property characteristics
- Tax status
- Parcel maps
How To Look Up Shasta County Property Records for Free?
Shasta County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost. While obtaining certified copies or extensive research services may incur fees, basic property information is available without charge through multiple channels.
Free access options include:
-
In-person inspection at the Assessor-Recorder's Office public terminals
- Available during regular business hours
- No fee for viewing records
- Staff assistance available for navigating the system
- Only copying services incur fees
-
Basic online searches through the Shasta County Property Information portal
- Provides ownership information, assessed values, and property characteristics
- No registration or fees required for basic searches
- Available 24/7
-
Shasta County GIS Parcel Viewer
- Interactive map showing property boundaries
- Basic ownership and parcel information
- Aerial photography and zoning information
- No cost for basic viewing
-
Public access computers at the Shasta County Library
- Free internet access to county online resources
- Available during library hours
- May require library card for computer use
Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253, public agencies may charge only the direct cost of duplication when providing copies of public records. Inspection of records must be permitted at no charge during regular office hours.
What's Included in a Shasta County Property Record?
Property records in Shasta County contain comprehensive information about real property within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, primarily the Assessor-Recorder's Office, and contain distinct but related information sets.
Standard property records include:
-
Ownership documents:
- Grant deeds
- Quitclaim deeds
- Warranty deeds
- Trustee's deeds
- Tax deeds
-
Financial encumbrances:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Mechanics' liens
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Homeowners association liens
-
Legal descriptions:
- Metes and bounds descriptions
- Lot and block numbers
- Subdivision information
- Parcel maps and surveys
- Easements and rights-of-way
-
Assessment information:
- Assessed value
- Property tax information
- Exemptions
- Property characteristics
- Improvement details
-
Administrative documents:
- Notices of default
- Foreclosure documents
- Certificates of redemption
- Powers of attorney
- Death certificates affecting title
Pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code § 408, certain assessment information is confidential, including the assessor's working papers, calculations, and personal property information. However, the basic property characteristics and assessed values are public information.
How Long Does Shasta County Keep Property Records?
Shasta County maintains property records permanently, as these documents establish and protect property rights in perpetuity. The retention of property records is governed by California Government Code § 26205.1, which establishes minimum retention periods for county records.
For property records specifically:
- Deeds and conveyances: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and deeds of trust: Permanent retention
- Liens and judgments: Permanent retention (even after release or expiration)
- Maps and surveys: Permanent retention
- Subdivision maps: Permanent retention
- Assessor's maps: Permanent retention
- Building permits: Minimum 2 years after final inspection
- Property tax records: Minimum 12 years
The Shasta County Recorder's Office maintains records dating back to the county's formation in 1850. While older records may exist only in physical form, the county has undertaken digitization efforts to preserve these historical documents and make them more accessible.
The California Secretary of State's Local Government Records Management Guidelines provides additional guidance on records retention, though counties may establish longer retention periods than the minimum requirements.
How To Find Liens on Property In Shasta County?
Liens on property in Shasta County are public records that can be searched through several official channels. A lien search is an essential component of due diligence in real estate transactions, as liens represent claims against property that may affect ownership rights or transfer.
To search for liens on Shasta County property:
-
Search the Shasta County Recorder's online database:
- Select "Name Search" to search by property owner name
- Select "Document Type Search" and choose lien categories
- Select "Property Search" using the Assessor's Parcel Number
-
Visit the Recorder's Office in person:
- Request a lien search at the public counter
- Provide the property address or Assessor's Parcel Number
- Staff can assist with navigating the records system
-
Check with the Shasta County Tax Collector:
- Search for property tax liens and defaulted taxes
- Verify if supplemental tax bills are outstanding
- Check for special assessments or bonds
-
Search for state tax liens:
- California State Tax Lien Registry
- Filed with the Secretary of State for personal property
- May affect real property interests
-
Search for federal tax liens:
- Filed with the County Recorder
- Searchable by taxpayer name
- May be filed against individuals or businesses
Common types of liens found in Shasta County include:
- Tax liens (property tax, state tax, federal tax)
- Mechanics' liens (filed by contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers)
- Judgment liens (resulting from court judgments)
- Child support liens
- Homeowners association liens
- Utility liens
- Environmental liens
Pursuant to California Civil Code § 2924, notices of default and notices of trustee sale must be recorded with the County Recorder, making these pre-foreclosure documents part of the public record.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Shasta County?
The Property Owner Rule in Shasta County refers to a set of regulations governing property ownership, disclosure requirements, and owner responsibilities. These rules are derived from California state law and local ordinances specific to Shasta County.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
-
Disclosure requirements:
- Sellers must complete a Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement pursuant to California Civil Code § 1102
- Natural hazard disclosures required for properties in designated zones
- Disclosure of material facts affecting property value
- Disclosure of known defects or conditions
-
Property tax responsibilities:
- Property tax bills are issued annually in October
- Payments due in two installments (December 10 and April 10)
- Supplemental tax bills issued after ownership changes
- Property tax liens attach automatically on January 1 each year
-
Recording requirements:
- All documents affecting title must be recorded with the County Recorder
- Documents must meet formatting standards per Government Code § 27361
- Recording creates constructive notice to third parties
- Priority generally established by recording date
-
Owner identification:
- Property owners must be identified in assessment records
- Change of ownership statements must be filed within 45 days of transfer
- Failure to report ownership changes may result in penalties
- Mailing addresses must be kept current for tax and assessment notices
-
Property maintenance:
- Owners responsible for compliance with Shasta County Code Chapter 8.08 regarding nuisance abatement
- Weed abatement requirements in fire hazard areas
- Responsibility for maintaining private roads and access
- Compliance with zoning and land use regulations
The Shasta County Department of Resource Management enforces many aspects of the Property Owner Rule through building inspections, code enforcement, and planning regulations.