Chelan County Property Records
What Is Chelan County Property Records
Property records in Chelan County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. The primary purpose of maintaining comprehensive property records is to establish clear chains of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate transparent real estate transactions.
Pursuant to Washington State Law RCW 65.08.070, all instruments in writing purporting to convey or encumber real estate must be recorded to be legally effective against subsequent purchasers or mortgagees. This statutory requirement ensures that all property transactions are properly documented and accessible to the public.
Property records in Chelan County are maintained by several county offices, with the Auditor's Office serving as the primary custodian of recorded documents and the Assessor's Office maintaining property assessment and tax records. The Chelan County Auditor's Recording Division is responsible for recording, indexing, and preserving these vital records.
Chelan County Auditor's Office
350 Orondo Avenue, Level 3
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6800
Chelan County Auditor
Are Property Records Public Information In Chelan County?
Property records in Chelan County are indeed public information, accessible to all citizens under Washington State law. The legal foundation for this public access is established by the Washington Public Records Act (PRA), RCW 42.56, which mandates that all public records maintained by state and local agencies be available for public inspection and copying.
Additionally, specific provisions in Washington's recording statutes, particularly § 65.04.140, require county auditors to maintain indices of recorded documents that are open for public examination. This statutory framework ensures transparency in land ownership and property transactions throughout the county.
The public nature of property records serves several important functions:
- Establishes clear notice of property ownership and interests
- Protects property rights by creating an official record
- Facilitates real estate transactions by providing reliable ownership information
- Enables proper assessment and collection of property taxes
- Supports informed decision-making by potential buyers, lenders, and other interested parties
Any member of the public may access Chelan 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 state's commitment to government transparency and the public's right to information.
Chelan County Assessor's Office
350 Orondo Avenue, Suite 6
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6365
Chelan County Assessor
How To Search Property Records in Chelan County in 2026
Searching property records in Chelan County can be accomplished through several methods, each designed to provide efficient access to public information. The county maintains multiple systems that allow citizens to locate and review property records based on their specific needs.
For online searches, the county offers the following options:
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Visit the Chelan County Assessor's Property Search portal to search by:
- Parcel number
- Owner name
- Property address
- Legal description
-
Access the Chelan County Auditor's recording system to search for:
- Deeds
- Mortgages
- Liens
- Other recorded documents
For in-person searches, citizens may visit:
Chelan County Auditor's Office - Recording Division
350 Orondo Avenue, Level 3
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
(509) 667-6808
When conducting an in-person search, staff can assist with:
- Accessing historical records not available online
- Obtaining certified copies of documents
- Navigating complex property searches
- Addressing questions about specific records
For property tax information, the Chelan County Treasurer's Office maintains records of tax payments, delinquencies, and tax foreclosures. These records can be searched using the parcel number obtained from the Assessor's Office.
How To Find Property Records in Chelan County Online?
Chelan County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These resources allow citizens to conduct thorough property research from any location with internet access.
The primary online resources for property records include:
-
Chelan County Assessor's Parcel and Sale Search - This platform provides access to:
- Property ownership information
- Assessment values
- Tax information
- Building characteristics
- Sales history
- Land use classifications
-
Chelan County GIS Mapping Portal - This interactive mapping system allows users to:
- View property boundaries
- Identify adjacent properties
- Access parcel information
- View aerial imagery
- Determine zoning designations
- Identify special districts and overlays
-
Chelan County Public Records Search - This system provides access to:
- Recorded documents
- Document indices
- Historical records
- Legal instruments affecting property
To conduct an effective online search:
- Gather identifying information about the property (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- Select the appropriate search platform based on the information needed
- Enter search criteria in the designated fields
- Review search results and select relevant records for detailed viewing
- Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply for certain documents)
For technical assistance with online searches, contact:
Chelan County Information Technology Department
350 Orondo Avenue
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6380
Chelan County IT Department
How To Look Up Chelan County Property Records for Free?
Chelan County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records, ensuring that public information remains accessible to all citizens regardless of financial resources. These free services are available both online and in person.
Free online access options include:
-
Chelan County Assessor's Property Search - This free portal provides:
- Basic property information
- Assessment values
- Building characteristics
- Ownership details
- Tax information
-
Chelan County GIS Mapping System - This interactive tool offers:
- Property boundary visualization
- Parcel identification
- Basic property information
- Aerial imagery
- Zoning information
-
Chelan County Public Records Search - This system allows free searching of:
- Document indices
- Basic document information
- Limited document viewing
For in-person free access, citizens may visit:
Chelan County Auditor's Office
350 Orondo Avenue, Level 3
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
(509) 667-6808
The Auditor's Office provides:
- Public computer terminals for record searches
- Staff assistance with locating records
- Viewing of original documents
- Self-service research options
While basic searches and viewing of records are free, please note that fees may apply for:
- Printed copies of documents (typically $1.00 per page)
- Certified copies of records ($5.00 for first page, $1.00 for each additional page)
- Bulk data requests
- Research services requiring extensive staff time
Per RCW 36.18.010, county offices are authorized to charge reasonable fees for reproduction of public records to cover the costs of materials and staff time.
What's Included in a Chelan County Property Record?
Property records in Chelan County encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within county boundaries. These records are maintained by multiple county offices and contain detailed information about property ownership, characteristics, and legal status.
The distinction between real property and personal property is important to understand:
- Real property refers to land and anything permanently attached to it, including buildings, fixtures, and improvements
- Personal property includes movable items not permanently affixed to land, which are generally not included in property records
Chelan County property records typically include the following components:
Ownership Information:
- Current property owner(s) name and contact information
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Purchase prices and transaction details
- Deed information and recording references
Property Characteristics:
- Legal description of the property
- Parcel identification number
- Property address
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building specifications (square footage, number of rooms, etc.)
- Year built and construction details
- Property improvements and additions
Assessment and Tax Information:
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Tax assessment history
- Property tax bills and payment records
- Tax exemptions or special classifications
- Delinquent tax status, if applicable
Legal Instruments and Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)
- Plat maps and surveys
- Foreclosure notices
- Bankruptcy filings affecting the property
Pursuant to § 65.04.030 of the Washington Revised Code, the county auditor must record and index various instruments related to real property, including deeds, mortgages, releases, powers of attorney, and other documents affecting title to real property.
How Long Does Chelan County Keep Property Records?
Chelan County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives under the authority of RCW 40.14, which governs the preservation and destruction of public records. These retention periods ensure that important property information remains available for legal, administrative, and historical purposes.
The retention periods for various property records in Chelan County include:
Permanent Retention:
- Recorded deeds and conveyances
- Original plat maps and surveys
- Property assessment rolls
- Tax lot segregation and combination records
- Easement and right-of-way documentation
- Annexation records
- Historic property inventories
Long-Term Retention (10+ years):
- Property tax records (minimum 10 years after paid)
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy (life of structure plus 6 years)
- Zoning variance records (life of structure plus 6 years)
- Special assessment records (10 years after final payment)
- Property abatement records (10 years after resolution)
Medium-Term Retention (3-10 years):
- Property inspection reports (6 years after inspection)
- Temporary use permits (6 years after expiration)
- Property complaint records (6 years after resolution)
- Routine correspondence regarding property (3 years)
The Washington State Archives Local Government Records Retention Schedule provides detailed guidance on retention requirements for all county records, including property-related documents.
For historical property records that exceed standard retention periods, Chelan County maintains an archives section where these documents are preserved for their historical value. These archives are accessible to researchers, historians, and members of the public with an interest in historical property information.
Chelan County Archives
350 Orondo Avenue, Level 3
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6808
Chelan County Archives
How To Find Liens on Property In Chelan County?
Locating liens on property in Chelan County requires searching specific records maintained by various county offices. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold, making their discovery an essential part of property research.
The most comprehensive method for finding liens involves:
-
Searching the Chelan County Auditor's recording system for:
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Federal tax liens
- Child support liens
- Other recorded encumbrances
-
Checking with the Chelan County Treasurer's Office for:
- Property tax liens
- Special assessment liens
- Local improvement district assessments
-
Reviewing Chelan County Superior Court records for:
- Judgment liens
- Pending litigation affecting property
- Lis pendens notices
-
Contacting the Washington Department of Revenue for:
- State tax warrants
- Business tax liens
To conduct a thorough lien search:
- Obtain the property's legal description and parcel number from the Assessor's Office
- Search the grantor/grantee index in the Auditor's recording system using the property owner's name
- Review tax records to verify all property taxes are current
- Check court records for judgments against the property owner
- Request a title search from a title company for comprehensive results
Chelan County Treasurer's Office
350 Orondo Avenue, Suite 4
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6805
Chelan County Treasurer
Chelan County Clerk's Office
350 Orondo Avenue, Room 307
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6380
Chelan County Clerk
For the most comprehensive lien search, many property professionals recommend obtaining a title report from a licensed title company, which will conduct a thorough examination of all public records affecting the property.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Chelan County?
The Property Owner Rule in Chelan County refers to a set of regulations and responsibilities that govern property ownership within the county. These rules are established through various local ordinances, state laws, and county codes that collectively define the rights and obligations of property owners.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Disclosure Requirements: Under Washington State's RCW 64.06, property sellers in Chelan County must provide buyers with a completed Seller Disclosure Statement (Form 17). This disclosure must reveal known defects and material facts about the property's condition, including:
- Structural issues
- Water damage or leaks
- Electrical or plumbing problems
- Environmental hazards
- Title defects or encumbrances
- Neighborhood nuisances
Property Tax Responsibilities: Property owners in Chelan County are responsible for:
- Paying annual property taxes, typically due in two installments (April 30 and October 31)
- Notifying the Assessor's Office of address changes
- Applying for appropriate tax exemptions or deferrals if eligible
- Appealing incorrect assessments within statutory timeframes
Land Use Regulations: The Chelan County Code Title 11 establishes zoning and land use regulations that property owners must follow, including:
- Permitted uses within specific zones
- Building setback requirements
- Height restrictions
- Lot coverage limitations
- Environmental protection measures
- Special use permit requirements
Recording Requirements: Property owners must record certain documents with the County Auditor to establish legal rights and provide public notice, including:
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Easements and covenants
- Boundary line adjustments
- Subdivision plats
Maintenance Responsibilities: Property owners in Chelan County are required to:
- Maintain properties in compliance with health and safety codes
- Control noxious weeds as defined by the Chelan County Noxious Weed Control Board
- Manage stormwater runoff in accordance with county regulations
- Comply with wildfire risk reduction requirements in designated areas
For specific questions regarding property owner rules and responsibilities, property owners should contact:
Chelan County Community Development Department
316 Washington Street, Suite 301
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6225
Chelan County Community Development
Lookup Property Records in Chelan County
Search property details and assessment information
Find parcel information and review sales data
View interactive property maps and boundaries