Lane County Property Records

What Is Lane County Property Records

Lane County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Lane County, Oregon. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Property records establish legal ownership through a chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.

Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 205.130, county clerks are required to record and maintain property records for all real property within their jurisdiction. This statute establishes the legal framework for the recording, maintenance, and public accessibility of property records in Lane County and throughout Oregon.

Property records in Lane County include:

• Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
• Mortgages and trust deeds
• Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
• Easements and right-of-way agreements
• Plat maps and surveys
• Foreclosure documents
• Property tax records

The Lane County Clerk's Office maintains the official repository of property records for the county, ensuring these vital documents are preserved and accessible to the public.

Lane County Clerk's Office - Deeds & Records
125 East 8th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97401
541-682-4599
Lane County Clerk

Are Property Records Public Information In Lane County?

Property records in Lane County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Oregon law. The public nature of these records is established by the Oregon Public Records Law § 192.311-192.478, which provides that "every person has a right to inspect any public record of a public body in this state." Additionally, specific provisions regarding property records are outlined in Oregon Revised Statutes § 205.130, which mandates that county clerks maintain and provide access to real property records.

The legal basis for public access to property records includes:

• Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
• Recording statutes require public access to ensure transparency in land ownership
• Public access serves the broader public interest in maintaining an efficient real estate market
• Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason

Under current law, while property records are public, certain personal information may be redacted to protect privacy. However, the core information about property ownership, transfers, and encumbrances remains fully accessible to the public.

Lane County maintains multiple access points for public property records, including in-person services at county offices and online resources through the county's official website. This commitment to accessibility ensures transparency in property ownership and facilitates real estate transactions throughout the county.

How To Search Property Records in Lane County in 2026

Members of the public seeking to search Lane County property records may utilize several methods currently available through county offices. The following procedures outline the standard process for accessing these records:

In-Person Search at County Offices:

1. Visit the Lane County Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays)
2. Complete a records request form available at the public counter
3. Provide specific information about the property (address, tax lot number, or owner name)
4. Pay applicable search and copy fees as established by county ordinance
5. Review records on-site or request certified copies of specific documents

Online Search Process:

1. Navigate to the Lane County Property Records Search portal
2. Enter search criteria (address, tax lot number, or owner name)
3. Review search results showing available property records
4. Select specific records to view detailed information
5. Download, print, or request certified copies of documents as needed

Search by Mail:

1. Submit a written request to the Lane County Clerk's Office
2. Include specific property information and requested documents
3. Enclose appropriate fees for search and copies
4. Provide return address for document delivery

Lane County Assessment & Taxation Office
125 East 8th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97401
541-682-4321
Lane County Assessment & Taxation

Pursuant to Oregon Administrative Rules 166-150-0005, county offices maintain standardized procedures for public access to property records. Fees for searches and copies are established by county ordinance and are subject to periodic review by the Board of County Commissioners.

How To Find Property Records in Lane County Online?

Lane County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms maintained by county departments. The online search process has been designed to facilitate efficient public access to property information. Currently, residents and interested parties may access property records through the following online resources:

1. Lane County Property Information Portal

   • Access the Lane County Property Search tool
   • Enter search criteria (address, tax lot number, or owner name)
   • View property details including ownership information, tax assessment data, and property characteristics
   • Access linked documents such as deeds, mortgages, and other recorded instruments

2. Lane County Assessor's Online Database

   • Visit the Assessment & Taxation online portal
   • Search by address, map and tax lot number, or owner name
   • Access property tax information, assessment values, and tax payment history
   • View property characteristics and improvement details

3. Lane County GIS Map Viewer

   • Access the county's geographic information system
   • Search properties by location on interactive maps
   • View property boundaries, zoning designations, and related spatial data
   • Link to associated property records and documents

When using online search tools, users should note that:

• Some documents may require payment of nominal fees to view or download
• Certain records may only be available in summary form, with full documents requiring in-person requests
• Historical records prior to digital conversion may have limited online availability
• Official certified copies still require formal requests through the County Clerk's Office

The online systems are regularly updated to reflect current property transactions, typically within 1-3 business days of recording. Under Oregon Revised Statutes § 205.130(2), county clerks must maintain indices that allow for efficient searching of property records, which extends to electronic systems.

How To Look Up Lane County Property Records for Free?

Lane County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic property record information. Members of the public may utilize these free resources to obtain fundamental property data without incurring fees. The following methods are currently available for free property record searches:

Public Access Terminals:

• Located at the Lane County Courthouse
• Available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
• Provide free access to basic property information
• No appointment necessary; assistance available from staff

Lane County Public Library Resources:

• Public computers at all Lane County Library branches
• Free access to county property information websites
• Reference librarians available to assist with basic searches

Online Basic Property Information:

• The Lane County Property Information Lookup tool provides free access to:
  • Current ownership information
  • Property tax assessment values
  • Property characteristics (lot size, zoning, etc.)
  • Tax lot numbers and legal descriptions
  • Recent sales information

Lane County Assessment & Taxation Website:

• Free access to property tax information
• Assessment values and tax history
• Basic ownership information
• Property classification data

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

• Certified copies of documents
• Extensive research assistance
• Large volume document reproduction
• Specialized searches requiring staff assistance

Lane County Public Service Building
125 East 8th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97401
541-682-3637
Lane County Government

Under the Oregon Public Records Law § 192.324, public bodies may establish reasonable fees for records requests that require substantial staff time or resources. However, Lane County has committed to providing basic property information at no cost to promote transparency and public access.

What's Included in a Lane County Property Record?

Lane County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within the county boundaries. Real property refers to land and anything permanently attached to it, as distinguished from personal property, which includes movable items not attached to land. Property records are maintained by multiple county offices, including the County Clerk, Assessor, and Tax Collector, each maintaining specific aspects of the overall property record.

A complete Lane County property record typically includes the following components:

Ownership Information:

• Current property owner(s) name and contact information
• Previous owners (chain of title)
• Date of acquisition
• Type of ownership (individual, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, etc.)

Property Identification:

• Tax lot number
• Legal description
• Property address
• Assessor's parcel number
• Township, range, and section information

Physical Characteristics:

• Lot size and dimensions
• Building size and specifications
• Year built
• Construction type
• Number of rooms/bedrooms/bathrooms
• Improvement details

Financial Information:

• Purchase price (from deed records)
• Current assessed value
• Market value
• Property tax information
• Tax payment history
• Exemptions or special assessments

Legal Instruments:

• Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
• Mortgages and trust deeds
• Liens and encumbrances
• Easements and rights-of-way
• Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)
• Judgments affecting the property

Planning and Zoning Information:

• Zoning designation
• Land use restrictions
• Building permits
• Code enforcement actions
• Variance approvals

Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 205.125, all instruments presented for recording must meet specific requirements, including proper formatting, legibility, and inclusion of necessary identifying information. These standards ensure the completeness and accuracy of property records maintained by the county.

The Oregon State Archives maintains additional historical property records for Lane County, providing a valuable resource for researching property history beyond current county records.

How Long Does Lane County Keep Property Records?

Lane County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by Oregon state law and administrative rules. These retention periods ensure the preservation of vital property information while allowing for the appropriate disposition of obsolete records. The county's record retention practices are governed by the Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 166, Division 150, which establishes minimum retention periods for county records.

Current retention periods for various property records in Lane County include:

Permanent Retention (Never Destroyed):

• Deeds and conveyances
• Mortgage and trust deed records
• Plat maps and surveys
• Subdivision records
• Annexation records
• Original tax lot maps
• Master property record files

Extended Retention (25+ Years):

• Property tax rolls (25 years)
• Assessment records (25 years)
• Tax foreclosure records (25 years after redemption period)
• Building permits for commercial structures (life of structure plus 3 years)

Medium-Term Retention (7-10 Years):

• Building permits for residential structures (10 years)
• Temporary easements (7 years after expiration)
• Conditional use permits (7 years after expiration)

Short-Term Retention (1-6 Years):

• Property information requests (2 years)
• Routine correspondence (3 years)
• Temporary permits (1 year after expiration)

The Lane County Clerk's Office has implemented digital preservation strategies to ensure the long-term accessibility of property records. Historical records dating back to the county's formation in 1851 have been preserved through microfilming and digital conversion projects. These preservation efforts comply with Oregon Revised Statutes § 192.050, which authorizes the use of photographic and electronic records management systems.

The Oregon State Archives serves as the repository of last resort for historical Lane County property records that exceed local retention requirements but maintain historical significance. This partnership ensures that even the oldest property records remain accessible for research and legal purposes.

How To Find Liens on Property In Lane County?

Liens on property in Lane County are recorded as public documents and can be searched through several official channels. A lien is a legal claim against property that serves as security for a debt or obligation and may affect the transfer or financing of property. Members of the public seeking information about liens on specific properties may utilize the following methods:

Lane County Clerk's Office Search:

1. Visit the Lane County Clerk's Office in person
2. Request a lien search for the specific property (provide tax lot number or address)
3. Staff will search the official records for any recorded liens
4. Pay applicable search fees
5. Receive copies of any liens found in the records

Online Lien Search:

1. Access the Lane County Real Property Recording system
2. Enter the property information (address, tax lot number, or owner name)
3. Select "Lien" as the document type in the search filters
4. Review search results showing recorded liens
5. Access digital copies of lien documents (fees may apply)

Types of Liens Searchable in Lane County Records:

• Tax liens (property tax delinquencies)
• Mechanic's liens (unpaid contractors/suppliers)
• Judgment liens (court-ordered monetary judgments)
• Federal tax liens (IRS claims)
• State tax liens (Oregon Department of Revenue)
• Child support liens
• Utility liens
• Assessment liens (special assessments for improvements)

Lane County Deeds & Records
125 East 8th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97401
541-682-4599
Lane County Real Property Recording

For comprehensive lien searches, particularly for real estate transactions, many professionals utilize title companies that perform thorough searches of all county records. These searches may identify liens that might be filed under variations of property descriptions or owner names.

Under Oregon Revised Statutes § 87.035, mechanic's liens must be recorded within 75 days after the claimant ceases to provide labor or materials, or 75 days after completion of construction. Other liens have different filing requirements and effective periods as specified by state law.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Lane County?

The Property Owner Rule in Lane County refers to the set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership rights and responsibilities within the county. These rules are derived from Oregon state law, county ordinances, and established legal precedents. Property owners in Lane County are subject to these regulations, which define the scope and limitations of property rights.

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

Ownership Rights and Limitations:

• Fee simple ownership grants broad rights to use, sell, and develop property
• Property rights are subject to zoning regulations, building codes, and land use restrictions
• Owners must comply with county ordinances regarding property maintenance and use
• Rights may be limited by easements, covenants, and other recorded encumbrances

Recording Requirements:

• All property transfers must be recorded with the Lane County Clerk
• Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 93.640, deeds must be properly executed and acknowledged
• Unrecorded instruments are valid between parties but may not protect against subsequent purchasers
• Recording establishes priority of interests in property

Property Tax Obligations:

• Property owners are responsible for paying annual property taxes
• Tax statements are issued by the Lane County Assessment & Taxation Department
• Failure to pay taxes may result in liens and eventual foreclosure
• Property tax appeals must follow procedures established by county ordinance

Land Use and Development:

• Development must comply with Lane County Land Use and Development Code
• Building permits required for new construction and significant renovations
• Property use must conform to zoning designations
• Variances and conditional uses require specific approval processes

Boundary and Survey Requirements:

• Property boundaries are legally defined by recorded surveys and legal descriptions
• Boundary disputes are resolved through established legal procedures
• Adverse possession claims must meet statutory requirements under Oregon law
• Encroachments may create liability for property owners

The Lane County Land Management Division enforces many aspects of the Property Owner Rule through permits, inspections, and code enforcement activities. Property owners seeking to understand their specific rights and responsibilities should consult with the appropriate county department or seek legal advice from qualified professionals.

Lane County Land Management Division
3050 North Delta Highway
Eugene, OR 97408
541-682-3823
Lane County Land Management

Lookup Property Records in Lane County

Property Search - Lane County

Assessment & Taxation - Lane County

Real Property Recording - Lane County

County Records Guide - Lane County Records - State of Oregon