Ozaukee County Public Records /Ozaukee County Property Records

Ozaukee County Property Records

What Is Ozaukee County Property Records

Property records in Ozaukee County are official documents that establish and track the ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of who owns what land and buildings throughout Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 706.05, these records must be properly recorded with the county to establish legal ownership and provide public notice of property interests.

The primary purposes of Ozaukee County property records include:

Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
Providing public notice of property interests and encumbrances
Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
Facilitating real estate transactions and property tax administration
Creating a permanent historical record of property ownership

The Ozaukee County Register of Deeds maintains the official repository of property records, which includes deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, easements, and other documents affecting real property interests. These records form the foundation of the county's land records system and are essential for property ownership verification, title searches, and real estate transactions.

Ozaukee County Register of Deeds
Administration Center
121 W. Main Street, Room 110
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-8110
Register of Deeds

Are Property Records Public Information In Ozaukee County?

Property records in Ozaukee County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Wisconsin law. The Wisconsin Public Records Law, codified in Wisconsin Statute § 19.31-19.39, establishes that public records shall be open to inspection by any person. Additionally, Wisconsin Statute § 706.05 specifically addresses the recording of property instruments and mandates public accessibility.

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 property transactions and prevents fraud

Any member of the public may access Ozaukee County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy reflects Wisconsin's commitment to government transparency and the public's right to information about land ownership and transfers within the county.

The Ozaukee County Register of Deeds maintains these public records and makes them available through both in-person visits and online access systems. While access to the records is public, certain fees may apply for searches, copies, or certified documents as authorized by Wisconsin law.

How To Search Property Records in Ozaukee County in 2026

Members of the public seeking to search property records in Ozaukee County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains comprehensive systems for property record searches that accommodate both in-person and remote inquiries.

For in-person searches:

Visit the Ozaukee County Register of Deeds office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM)
Complete a records request form available at the public counter
Provide specific property information such as address, parcel number, or owner name
Staff will assist with accessing the appropriate records
Pay applicable fees for copies or certified documents

For telephone or mail requests:

Contact the Register of Deeds office at (262) 284-8110
Provide specific property information for the search
Request copies to be mailed (additional fees apply)
Submit payment via check or money order

For online searches:

Access the Ozaukee County Land Records Portal
Create an account if required for extended access
Search by property address, owner name, or parcel identification number
View available documents and property information
Download or request copies as needed (fees may apply)

The county currently utilizes the Tapestry online portal system for accessing real estate documents. This system provides convenient 24/7 access to property records for registered users.

Ozaukee County Land Information Office
Administration Center
121 W. Main Street, Room 115
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-8263
Land Information Office

How To Find Property Records in Ozaukee County Online?

Ozaukee County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These systems allow for efficient searching without the need to visit county offices in person.

The primary online resources for property records include:

Tapestry Portal: The county's official online system for accessing recorded documents
- Navigate to the Research Real Estate Records page
- Create a user account (required for document access)
- Search by name, document type, or recording date
- View, download, or print available documents (fees apply for certain services)
GIS Property Search: The county's Geographic Information System for property data
- Access the Ozaukee County GIS Portal
- Search by address, parcel ID, or owner name
- View property boundaries, assessment data, and zoning information
- Access links to related property documents
Tax Information Portal: For property tax records and payment history
- Visit the Treasurer's Office website
- Search by parcel number or property address
- View current and historical tax information
- Access tax payment records and property valuation data

When using these online systems, users should note that while basic property information is generally available at no cost, fees may apply for accessing certain documents, obtaining certified copies, or conducting extensive searches. The county maintains these systems in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 59.43, which authorizes counties to establish reasonable fees for document access and reproduction.

How To Look Up Ozaukee County Property Records for Free?

Ozaukee County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost, though certain limitations may apply to free searches. Members of the public seeking free access to property information should be aware of the following resources:

The Ozaukee County Public Access Terminal is available at no charge during regular business hours:

Located in the Register of Deeds office (Room 110)
Provides basic search capabilities for property records
No fee for viewing records on-screen
Printing fees apply ($2.00 per page for standard documents)

The county's GIS Web Mapping application offers free access to basic property information:

Available through the Land Information Office website
Provides property boundaries, ownership information, and assessment data
Includes aerial photography and parcel dimensions
No registration or fees required for basic searches

Public libraries throughout Ozaukee County offer free internet access:

Computers available for public use at all county library branches
Access to county property search websites
Staff assistance may be available for basic search guidance
Printing fees may apply for document copies

For in-person assistance with free property record searches, visitors may consult with staff at:

Ozaukee County Register of Deeds
Administration Center
121 W. Main Street, Room 110
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-8110
Register of Deeds

While basic property information is available at no cost, users should note that comprehensive title searches, certified copies, and extensive historical research may require payment of statutory fees as authorized under Wisconsin law.

What's Included in a Ozaukee County Property Record?

Ozaukee County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and data 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.

Property records typically include the following components:

Ownership Documents:

Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and other transfer instruments
Property legal descriptions and boundary information
Names of current and previous property owners
Dates of property transfers and sales prices (when disclosed)
Recording information (document number, volume, page)

Financial Encumbrances:

Mortgages and trust deeds
Satisfaction of mortgage documents
Tax liens and other governmental claims
Mechanics liens and judgment liens
Easements and rights-of-way

Assessment Information:

Property classification (residential, commercial, agricultural)
Assessed valuation for tax purposes
Building characteristics and improvements
Land size and dimensions
Property tax history

Plats and Surveys:

Subdivision plats
Certified survey maps
Condominium declarations and amendments
Boundary surveys and monuments

These records are maintained in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 59.43, which establishes the duties of the Register of Deeds regarding the recording and maintenance of property records. The statute requires specific indexing methods and preservation standards to ensure the integrity and accessibility of these vital records.

It's important to note that Ozaukee County distinguishes between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets) in its record-keeping systems, with different offices responsible for each type of record.

How Long Does Ozaukee County Keep Property Records?

Ozaukee County maintains property records permanently in accordance with Wisconsin state law and county records retention policies. The permanent preservation of property records is mandated by Wisconsin Statute § 59.43(4), which requires the Register of Deeds to "safely keep and preserve all books and records" related to property ownership and transfers.

The county's retention practices include:

Deeds and Transfer Documents: Maintained permanently as the foundational record of property ownership
Mortgages and Liens: Preserved indefinitely, even after satisfaction or expiration
Plats and Surveys: Retained permanently as essential documentation of property boundaries
Tax Records: Maintained according to the Wisconsin Public Records Board Retention Schedule, with property tax rolls kept permanently

Ozaukee County has implemented a comprehensive records management system that includes both physical and digital preservation methods:

Historical records (pre-1970s) are maintained in their original format with appropriate preservation measures
More recent records are digitized and backed up in multiple secure locations
Microfilm copies of essential records are created as a disaster recovery measure
Climate-controlled storage facilities protect physical documents from environmental damage

The permanent retention of property records serves several critical purposes:

Establishing continuous chains of title over generations
Resolving boundary disputes and ownership questions
Providing historical documentation of land use and development
Supporting legal claims and property rights enforcement

This commitment to records preservation ensures that property ownership information remains accessible to future generations and maintains the integrity of the county's land records system.

How To Find Liens on Property In Ozaukee County?

Liens on property in Ozaukee County are public records that can be searched through several official channels. These encumbrances represent claims against property that must be satisfied before clear title can be transferred. Members of the public seeking lien information have multiple search options available.

The most comprehensive method for finding liens is through the Ozaukee County Register of Deeds:

Visit the Register of Deeds office in person or access their online portal
Search by property owner name (grantor/grantee index)
Search by property address or parcel identification number
Review documents categorized as liens, including:
- Tax liens (federal, state, and local)
- Judgment liens from court cases
- Mechanics liens filed by contractors
- Child support liens
- Special assessment liens

For tax-specific liens, the Ozaukee County Treasurer's Office maintains records of:

Delinquent property tax liens
Special assessment liens
Municipal utility liens

These can be searched through the Treasurer's Office website or in person.

For judgment liens resulting from court cases, the Ozaukee County Clerk of Courts maintains records that can be searched:

In person at the courthouse
Through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) system
By requesting a judgment lien search from the clerk's office (fees apply)

Ozaukee County Clerk of Courts
Justice Center
1201 S. Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-8409
Clerk of Courts

When conducting lien searches, it's important to search under all variations of the property owner's name and to verify the legal description of the property to ensure complete results. Liens are recorded chronologically, and priority is generally established by the date of recording in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 706.08.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Ozaukee County?

The Property Owner Rule in Ozaukee 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 Wisconsin state law, county ordinances, and established legal precedents that collectively define how property ownership is recognized and protected.

Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:

Recording Requirements:

All property transfers must be properly recorded with the Register of Deeds
Documents must meet specific formatting requirements under Wisconsin Statute § 706.05
Unrecorded conveyances are valid between parties but may be void against subsequent purchasers who record first
The "race-notice" doctrine applies, giving priority to the first to record without notice of prior unrecorded interests

Ownership Rights:

Property owners have the right to possess, use, and dispose of their property
Ownership extends to subsurface rights and air rights within reasonable limitations
Property owners may grant easements or other limited interests without surrendering full ownership
Multiple ownership forms are recognized, including fee simple, joint tenancy, and tenancy in common

Boundary Determination:

Property boundaries are established by legal descriptions in recorded documents
Boundary disputes are resolved according to principles established in Wisconsin case law
Adverse possession claims require 20 years of continuous, open, notorious, and exclusive use
Boundary line agreements must be recorded to be binding on subsequent owners

Restrictions on Ownership:

Property use is subject to zoning regulations established by the county and municipalities
Deed restrictions and covenants may limit property use if properly recorded
Easements and rights-of-way may exist that limit exclusive use
Eminent domain powers allow government acquisition for public purposes with just compensation

These rules are administered and enforced by various county departments, including the Register of Deeds, Land Information Office, and Planning and Parks Department. Property owners seeking specific guidance on these rules should consult with these offices or seek legal counsel for their particular circumstances.

Lookup Property Records in Ozaukee County

Ozaukee County Treasurer's Office property tax information

Research real estate records through the Tapestry portal

Ozaukee County Land Information Office GIS and mapping resources