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Pierce County Property Records

What Is Pierce County Property Records

Pierce County property records are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within Pierce County, Washington. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property rights and interests throughout the county's jurisdiction. Property records function as the foundation of real estate ownership by creating a verifiable chain of title that can be traced through successive owners.

The primary purposes of Pierce County property records include:

  • Establishing legal ownership of real property
  • Providing public notice of property interests and encumbrances
  • Protecting property rights through official documentation
  • Facilitating real estate transactions by verifying clean title
  • Supporting property tax assessment and collection
  • Creating a permanent historical record of property ownership

Pursuant to Washington State Law RCW 65.08.070, all instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the county auditor of the county where the property is situated. This statutory requirement ensures that property ownership and interests are properly documented and accessible to the public. The Pierce County Auditor's Office maintains these records in accordance with state law.

Pierce County Auditor's Office
2401 S 35th St, Room 200
Tacoma, WA 98409
253-798-7427
Pierce County Auditor

The Assessor-Treasurer Information Portal serves as the primary online resource for accessing property records in Pierce County, allowing members of the public to search for property information using various criteria.

Are Property Records Public Information In Pierce County?

Property records in Pierce County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Washington State law. The Washington Public Records Act, codified in RCW 42.56, establishes that public records shall be available for inspection and copying by any person. Property records fall squarely within this statutory framework as government-maintained documents.

The public nature of property records is founded on several key legal principles:

  • Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
  • Recording statutes require public accessibility to provide constructive notice
  • Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
  • Public access facilitates legitimate real estate transactions

Any member of the public may access Pierce County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy aligns with the Washington State Constitution's recognition that "all political power is inherent in the people" and government agencies exist to serve the public.

The Pierce County Auditor's Office maintains these public records and makes them available through both in-person services and online platforms. While most property records are freely accessible, certain documents may contain redacted information in accordance with privacy protections under § 42.56.230 of the Washington Public Records Act, which exempts personal information where disclosure would violate a person's right to privacy.

How To Search Property Records in Pierce County in 2026

Members of the public seeking to search Pierce County property records may utilize several methods currently available through county offices. The process involves identifying the specific property of interest and selecting the appropriate search method based on the information needed.

To search property records in Pierce County:

  1. Determine the search criteria available (property address, owner name, parcel number, etc.)
  2. Select the appropriate search method (online, in-person, or mail request)
  3. Submit the search request through the chosen method
  4. Review the returned records for the information needed
  5. Request copies of specific documents if required

For online searches, the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer Information Portal provides comprehensive property information. Users may search by:

  • Parcel number
  • Site address
  • Owner name
  • Plat name
  • Condominium name
  • Tax account number

For in-person searches, individuals may visit:

Pierce County Auditor's Office - Recording Department
2401 S 35th St, Room 200
Tacoma, WA 98409
253-798-7440
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Staff members at the public counter can assist with accessing property records and providing certified copies of documents. The Recording Department maintains records of deeds, deeds of trust, liens, surveys, and other legal documents affecting real property.

For mail requests, individuals may submit a written request including:

  • Property information (address, parcel number, or owner name)
  • Specific documents requested
  • Contact information for response
  • Payment for applicable fees

Mail requests should be sent to the Pierce County Auditor's Office at the address listed above.

How To Find Property Records in Pierce County Online?

Pierce County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several official platforms. These digital resources allow members of the public to conduct research remotely at any time.

The primary online resources for Pierce County property records include:

  1. Assessor-Treasurer Information Portal (ATIP) - This platform provides detailed property information including:

    • Current ownership information
    • Property characteristics and improvements
    • Assessed value and tax information
    • Sales history
    • Parcel maps and GIS data

  2. Pierce County Auditor's Recording Search - This system allows users to search:

    • Recorded documents by name, document type, or recording number
    • Documents recorded from 1984 to present
    • Images of recorded documents (for a fee)

  3. Washington State Digital Archives - This resource provides:

To effectively search these online systems:

  1. Gather identifying information about the property (address, parcel number, owner name)
  2. Select the appropriate online platform based on the information needed
  3. Enter search criteria in the required fields
  4. Review search results and select specific records for detailed viewing
  5. Download or request copies of documents as needed

The online systems are updated regularly to reflect current property information. However, there may be a processing delay between when a document is recorded and when it appears in the online system. For the most current information, contacting the Pierce County Auditor's Office directly is advisable.

How To Look Up Pierce County Property Records for Free?

Pierce County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records. These free resources allow members of the public to obtain basic property information without incurring fees.

Free methods to access Pierce County property records include:

  1. Online Basic Property Information

  2. In-Person Research

    • Visit the Pierce County Auditor's Office during regular business hours:

      Pierce County Auditor's Office
      2401 S 35th St, Room 200
      Tacoma, WA 98409
      253-798-7440
      Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

    • Public terminals are available for searching property records at no charge

    • Staff assistance is available for navigating the records system

  3. Public Libraries

    • Several Pierce County Library branches offer free internet access
    • Library staff can assist with navigating to county property record websites

    Pierce County Library System - Administrative Center
    3005 112th St E
    Tacoma, WA 98446
    253-548-3300
    Pierce County Library System

While basic property information is available at no cost, fees may apply for:

  • Certified copies of documents
  • Large volume searches
  • Document recording
  • Specialized research assistance

According to RCW 36.18.010, county auditors are authorized to collect fees for certain services related to property records. However, the law also ensures that basic public access remains available without charge.

What's Included in a Pierce County Property Record?

Pierce 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 and contain detailed information about property ownership, characteristics, and legal status.

Property records in Pierce County typically include:

  1. Ownership Documents

    • Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
    • Transfer on death deeds
    • Trustee's deeds
    • Sheriff's deeds
    • Tax deeds

  2. Encumbrances and Liens

    • Mortgages and deeds of trust
    • Mechanics' liens
    • Tax liens
    • Judgment liens
    • Easements and covenants

  3. Property Characteristics

    • Legal description
    • Lot size and dimensions
    • Building specifications
    • Improvement details
    • Zoning classification

  4. Assessment and Taxation Information

    • Assessed value
    • Tax rates and amounts
    • Payment history
    • Exemptions and special classifications
    • Tax parcel number

  5. Plats and Surveys

    • Subdivision plats
    • Boundary surveys
    • Record of survey
    • Condominium plans
    • Short plats

  6. Additional Documents

    • Restrictive covenants
    • Homeowners association documents
    • Conservation easements
    • Development agreements
    • Annexation records

It is important to note the distinction between real property records (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property records (movable assets), which are maintained separately. Real property records are primarily maintained by the Pierce County Auditor's Office and Assessor-Treasurer's Office, while personal property records are typically handled by the Assessor-Treasurer's Office for tax purposes.

Pursuant to § 65.04.030 of the Revised Code of Washington, county auditors are required to maintain an index of all recorded documents affecting real property, organized to allow efficient searching by various criteria including grantor, grantee, and legal description.

How Long Does Pierce County Keep Property Records?

Pierce County maintains property records according to retention schedules established under Washington State law. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important property documents while allowing for the appropriate disposition of obsolete records.

The retention periods for various property records in Pierce County include:

  • Deeds and Ownership Documents: Permanent retention
  • Mortgages and Deeds of Trust: Permanent retention
  • Plats and Surveys: Permanent retention
  • Tax Assessment Records: 10 years after superseded
  • Building Permits: Life of the structure plus 6 years
  • Property Tax Rolls: 10 years
  • Liens: Until satisfied, released, or expired plus 6 years
  • Easements: Permanent retention
  • Covenants and Restrictions: Permanent retention

These retention periods are established pursuant to RCW 40.14.070, which governs the destruction and preservation of local government records. The Washington State Archives provides oversight and guidance on records retention through the Local Government Records Retention Schedule.

For historical property records that have exceeded their minimum retention period but hold historical value, Pierce County collaborates with the Washington State Digital Archives to preserve and provide access to these documents. The Digital Archives maintains Pierce County land records dating back to 1984, with some historical records available from earlier periods.

Property records of permanent value are preserved through multiple methods:

  • Physical storage in secure county facilities
  • Microfilm backup for disaster recovery
  • Digital scanning and electronic storage
  • Transfer to state archives for historical preservation

Members of the public seeking historical property records may need to consult multiple repositories depending on the age of the records, including the Pierce County Auditor's Office, the Washington State Archives, and the Puget Sound Regional Branch of the State Archives.

How To Find Liens on Property In Pierce County?

Liens on property in Pierce 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 Pierce County, members of the public may:

  1. Search Online Records

    • Use the Pierce County Auditor's Recording Search system
    • Enter the property owner's name or property address
    • Filter results by document type (select "Lien" or specific lien types)
    • Review the index of recorded documents

  2. Request a Title Search

    • Contact a title company operating in Pierce County
    • Provide the property address or parcel number
    • Request a title search or preliminary title report
    • Review the report for any recorded liens

  3. Visit the Pierce County Auditor's Office

    Pierce County Auditor's Office - Recording Department
    2401 S 35th St, Room 200
    Tacoma, WA 98409
    253-798-7440
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

    • Request assistance with searching for liens on a specific property
    • Use public terminals to search recorded documents
    • Request copies of lien documents identified in the search

  4. Check Tax Records

    Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer's Office
    2401 S 35th St, Room 142
    Tacoma, WA 98409
    253-798-6111
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Common types of liens that may be found on Pierce County properties include:

  • Tax liens (property tax delinquencies)
  • Mechanics' liens (unpaid contractors or suppliers)
  • Judgment liens (court-ordered monetary judgments)
  • Assessment liens (unpaid special assessments)
  • Federal tax liens (IRS claims)
  • Child support liens
  • Utility liens

Under Washington State law, specifically RCW 60.68.045, liens must be properly recorded with the county auditor to provide constructive notice to the public. Unrecorded liens may not be enforceable against subsequent purchasers who buy property without actual knowledge of the lien.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Pierce County?

The Property Owner Rule in Pierce County refers to a set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership rights and responsibilities within the jurisdiction. These rules establish the framework for how property is held, transferred, and encumbered in accordance with Washington State law.

Key components of the Property Owner Rule in Pierce County include:

  1. Recording Requirements

    • All documents affecting real property interests must be recorded with the Pierce County Auditor
    • Unrecorded documents may be valid between parties but may not provide constructive notice to third parties
    • Recording establishes priority of interests based on the date and time of recording

  2. Ownership Forms

    • Fee simple ownership (complete ownership rights)
    • Joint tenancy with right of survivorship
    • Tenancy in common
    • Community property (for married couples or registered domestic partners)
    • Life estates and remainder interests

  3. Transfer Requirements

    • Valid deed must contain grantor's signature, properly acknowledged before a notary
    • Legal description of the property must be included
    • Delivery and acceptance of the deed is required
    • Real Estate Excise Tax affidavit must be filed

  4. Notice Principles

    • Constructive notice through recording
    • Actual notice through direct knowledge
    • Inquiry notice based on observable conditions

These rules are established through various Washington State statutes, including RCW 65.08.070, which requires recording of instruments affecting real property, and RCW 64.04.010, which establishes requirements for conveying real estate.

Pierce County property owners are subject to additional local regulations, including:

  • Zoning ordinances and land use restrictions
  • Building codes and permit requirements
  • Property tax assessment and collection procedures
  • Special district assessments and fees

Property owners in Pierce County have both rights and responsibilities under these rules. Rights include the ability to use, sell, lease, or encumber their property, while responsibilities include payment of taxes, compliance with land use regulations, and proper maintenance of the property.

Lookup Property Records in Pierce County

Assessor-Treasurer Information Portal

Pierce County Land Records Archive

Pierce County Recording Department

Washington State Digital Archives

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