Fresno County Property Records
What Is Fresno County Property Records
Property records in Fresno County constitute official documentation maintained by county government agencies that chronicle the ownership history, physical characteristics, and financial obligations associated with real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative source of information regarding land and structures situated in Fresno County's jurisdiction.
The Fresno County Recorder's Office serves as the primary custodian of property records, maintaining an extensive archive of documents including:
- Deeds and title transfers
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Liens and encumbrances
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Maps and surveys
- Tax assessment information
Property records are maintained pursuant to California Government Code § 27201, which mandates county recorders to accept, record, and index documents related to real property transactions. The Fresno County Recorder works in conjunction with the Fresno County Assessor to ensure comprehensive documentation of property ownership and valuation.
Fresno County Recorder's Office
2281 Tulare Street, Room 302
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-3476
Fresno County Recorder's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Are Property Records Public Information In Fresno County?
Property records in Fresno County are classified as public information in accordance with the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to real property ownership and transactions.
Members of the public may access Fresno County property records through several means:
- In-person visits to the Fresno County Recorder's Office
- Online searches via the county's official property information portal
- Written requests submitted to the appropriate county department
Certain limitations apply to public access of property records as stipulated by California Civil Code § 1798.59, which protects specific personal information from disclosure. Protected information may include:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account information
- Certain personal identifiers of protected individuals
The Fresno County Assessor maintains property assessment records that are available for public inspection, while the Fresno County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector provides access to property tax records.
Fresno County Assessor's Office
2281 Tulare Street, Room 201
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-6879
Fresno County Assessor
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
How To Search Property Records in Fresno County in 2025
Fresno County has implemented enhanced systems for property record searches in 2025, offering multiple pathways for accessing this information. Individuals seeking property records may utilize the following methods:
The Fresno County Integrated Property Information System (FCIPIS) serves as the primary digital platform for property record searches. Users may search by:
- Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
- Property address
- Owner name
- Document recording number
- Geographic location via interactive map
To conduct an in-person search at county offices, requestors should:
- Visit the appropriate department based on the type of record sought
- Complete a records request form specifying the desired information
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
The Fresno County Assessor's Value Lookup tool provides current and historical assessed values, while the Fresno County Public Works and Planning department offers access to zoning and land use records.
Search fees are established by Fresno County Resolution No. 2024-112 and are subject to annual review. Current fees include:
- Basic property record search: $15 per parcel
- Certified copies of recorded documents: $25 per document
- Property assessment information: $10 per request
Fresno County Public Works and Planning
2220 Tulare Street, Suite A
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-4497
Fresno County Public Works and Planning
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
How To Find Property Records in Fresno County Online?
Fresno County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms maintained by county departments. The primary online resources include:
The Fresno County Property Information Portal serves as the central access point for digital property records. This system allows users to:
- Search property ownership information
- View assessment data and property characteristics
- Access recorded documents related to specific parcels
- Generate property reports with ownership history
- View GIS mapping data showing property boundaries
To utilize the online system effectively, users should:
- Navigate to the official Fresno County website
- Select the appropriate department portal based on information needed
- Enter search criteria (APN, address, owner name)
- Review search results and select desired records
- Pay applicable fees for document copies if required
The Fresno County Recorder provides access to recorded documents, while the City of Fresno Planning and Development offers complementary resources for properties within city limits.
Online access is governed by California Government Code § 6253.9, which establishes guidelines for electronic record access. Users should note that while basic property information is available at no cost, fees apply for document copies and certified records in accordance with the county fee schedule.
Can You Look Up Fresno County Property Records for Free?
Fresno County offers limited free access to basic property record information while maintaining fee structures for comprehensive searches and document retrieval. The availability of free property record access includes:
Basic property information available without charge:
- Property address verification
- Current owner name (limited to primary ownership information)
- General property characteristics
- Parcel maps through the county GIS viewer
- Property tax status (current/delinquent indicator only)
The Fresno County Assessor provides free public access terminals at their office location for in-person searches. These terminals offer more extensive information than the public website but require physical presence at county facilities.
Limitations on free access include:
- Restricted number of searches per day on public platforms
- Limited historical information
- Absence of document images or detailed ownership history
- No access to supporting documentation
For comprehensive property information, fees are assessed in accordance with California Government Code § 27366, which authorizes counties to recover reasonable costs associated with record retrieval and reproduction. The California State Board of Equalization provides guidance on statewide property information access policies.
Fresno County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector
2281 Tulare Street, Room 105
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-3482
Fresno County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
What's Included in a Fresno County Property Record?
Fresno County property records contain comprehensive information regarding real estate parcels within the county's jurisdiction. These records typically include the following components:
Property identification elements:
- Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
- Legal description of the property
- Street address and geographic coordinates
- Subdivision information, if applicable
- Lot and block numbers
Ownership and transaction history:
- Current and previous property owners
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Sale prices and transaction details
- Deed types and recording information
- Document numbers for associated filings
Physical characteristics documented in property records:
- Land area and dimensions
- Building square footage and construction details
- Number of rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Year built and significant improvement dates
- Zoning classification and permitted uses
Financial information related to the property:
- Assessed value for tax purposes
- Property tax amounts and payment history
- Recorded mortgages and financing instruments
- Tax exemptions or special assessments
- Reassessment history and triggers
The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration provides additional context regarding statewide property record standards, while the Fresno County Assessor maintains the official property characteristics database.
How Long Does Fresno County Keep Property Records?
Fresno County maintains property records in perpetuity, with retention schedules varying by document type and historical significance. The county's record retention policies are governed by California Government Code § 26202, which establishes minimum retention periods for government records.
The retention schedule for various property records includes:
- Deeds and title documents: Permanent retention
- Property tax assessment rolls: Permanent retention
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy: Minimum 25 years
- Property tax payment records: 7 years after payment
- Temporary easements and rights-of-way: Duration of agreement plus 10 years
Historical property records dating prior to 1960 have been digitized through the Fresno County Historical Records Preservation Project, ensuring long-term accessibility. These records are maintained in both digital and archival physical formats at the Fresno County Recorder's Office.
Records management procedures include:
- Climate-controlled storage for physical documents
- Regular backup of digital records
- Microfilm archiving of critical historical documents
- Disaster recovery protocols for record preservation
- Periodic quality control reviews of archived materials
The county's retention policies ensure that property ownership history remains traceable throughout multiple generations, supporting legal certainty in real estate transactions and property rights.
How To Find Liens on Property In Fresno County?
Liens on property in Fresno County can be identified through systematic searches of official records maintained by various county departments. The process for locating property liens involves:
The primary sources for lien information include:
- Tax liens: Fresno County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector
- Judgment liens: Fresno County Superior Court
- Mechanic's liens: Fresno County Recorder
- Assessment liens: Fresno County Public Works and Planning
- Federal tax liens: Fresno County Recorder
To conduct a comprehensive lien search, interested parties should:
- Obtain the property's Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
- Request a property profile from the County Recorder's Office
- Search recorded documents using the property owner's name
- Check tax records for delinquencies and special assessments
- Verify with relevant municipal authorities for city-specific liens
Lien searches may be conducted in person at the Fresno County Recorder's Office or through authorized title companies. California Civil Code § 2941 governs the recording and release of certain types of liens, establishing procedures for their documentation and removal.
Fresno County Superior Court
1100 Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, CA 93724
(559) 457-2000
Fresno County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
What Is Property Owner Rule In Fresno County?
The Property Owner Rule in Fresno County refers to the legal framework governing property ownership rights, responsibilities, and restrictions within the county's jurisdiction. This rule encompasses multiple aspects of property ownership as defined by local ordinances and state law.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
- Disclosure requirements during property transfers
- Maintenance responsibilities and code compliance
- Rights regarding property access and boundaries
- Obligations concerning property taxation
- Procedures for contesting property assessments
Property owners in Fresno County must adhere to regulations established under Fresno County Ordinance Code Chapter 17.64, which delineates owner responsibilities regarding property maintenance, nuisance abatement, and public safety. The Fresno County Public Works and Planning department enforces these regulations.
The rule also establishes procedures for:
- Filing assessment appeals with the Assessment Appeals Board
- Requesting property tax reassessments under specific circumstances
- Addressing boundary disputes between adjacent properties
- Obtaining variances for non-conforming property uses
- Implementing property improvements subject to permitting requirements
Property owners seeking guidance regarding their rights and responsibilities may consult with the City of Fresno Planning and Development for properties within city limits or the California State Board of Equalization for state-level property regulations.
Lookup Property Records in Fresno County
Fresno County Recorder's Office
Fresno County Assessor Property Information
Property Value Assessment Tool
Tax Payment and History Records
Zoning and Land Use Information