Solano County Property Records
What Is Solano County Property Records
Solano County property records constitute the official documentation that records ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within the jurisdictional boundaries of Solano County, California. These records serve as the authoritative source for establishing legal ownership of land and improvements thereon, commonly referred to as the "chain of title." Property records in Solano County are maintained pursuant to California Government Code § 27201, which establishes the requirements for recording instruments affecting real property.
The primary purposes of Solano County property records include:
- Establishing and documenting legal ownership of real property
- Providing public notice of property interests and encumbrances
- Protecting property rights through official documentation
- Facilitating real estate transactions by providing reliable ownership information
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
The Solano County Assessor-Recorder's Office serves as the official custodian of these records, maintaining a comprehensive system of documents dating back to the county's formation. These records form the foundation of real property ownership in the county and are essential to the proper functioning of the real estate market, lending industry, and local government.
Are Property Records Public Information In Solano County?
Property records in Solano County are public information and accessible to all members of the public under California law. The public nature of these records is established by the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270) and specifically reinforced by California Government Code § 27201-27297.6, which governs the recording of instruments affecting real property.
The legal basis for public access to property records rests on several foundational 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 proper functioning of real estate markets
Any member of the public may access property records maintained by Solano County without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This open access policy reflects the state's commitment to transparency in property ownership and transactions.
Solano County Assessor-Recorder's Office
675 Texas Street, Suite 2700
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 784-6210
Solano County Assessor-Recorder
How To Search Property Records in Solano County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search property records in Solano County may utilize several methods currently available through the Assessor-Recorder's Office. The following procedures outline the standard process for conducting property record searches:
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Identify the specific property information needed (deed, mortgage, lien, etc.)
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Gather identifying information about the property:
- Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
- Property address
- Owner name(s)
- Document recording information (if known)
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Select the appropriate search method:
- Online search through the Solano County Recorder's online portal
- In-person visit to the Assessor-Recorder's Office
- Written request submitted by mail
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For online searches:
- Navigate to the official Solano County Recorder's website
- Select the appropriate search criteria (name, document type, date range)
- Review search results and select relevant documents
- Pay applicable fees for document copies if needed
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For in-person searches:
- Visit the Assessor-Recorder's Office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form at the public counter
- Utilize public terminals for searching the electronic index
- Request assistance from staff if needed
- Pay applicable fees for document copies
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For mail requests:
- Submit a written request including all relevant property information
- Include payment for applicable fees
- Provide return address for document delivery
The Assessor-Recorder's Office maintains a Records Request Form that may be used to facilitate the search process.
How To Find Property Records in Solano County Online?
Solano County provides comprehensive online access to property records through its electronic records system. The digital platform allows for efficient searching of recorded documents without requiring an in-person visit to county offices. To find property records online, members of the public should follow these steps:
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Access the Solano County Recorder's online portal
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Select the appropriate search method based on available information:
- Property address search
- Owner name search
- Document number search
- Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) search
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Enter the required search criteria:
- For name searches: Enter last name followed by first name
- For address searches: Enter street number and name
- For APN searches: Enter the complete parcel number
- For document searches: Enter the document number or date range
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Review search results displayed on screen:
- Results typically show document type, recording date, and parties involved
- Select specific documents to view additional details
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Request document copies if needed:
- Official copies may require payment of statutory fees
- Unofficial copies may be available for viewing or printing directly
- Follow on-screen instructions for payment processing
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For complex searches or assistance:
- Contact the Recorder's Office at (707) 784-6210
- Email inquiries to RecorderHelp@SolanoCounty.com
The online system currently provides access to documents recorded from 1980 to present, with ongoing digitization of older records. Users should note that certain personal information may be redacted from online records in accordance with California Government Code § 27301.
How To Look Up Solano County Property Records for Free?
Solano County provides several options for members of the public to access property records at no cost. While obtaining certified copies typically involves statutory fees, the following methods allow for free lookup of basic property information:
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Public Access Terminals:
- Available at the Assessor-Recorder's Office
- Provide free access to the electronic index of recorded documents
- Allow viewing of basic property information without charge
- Located at 675 Texas Street, Suite 2700, Fairfield, CA 94533
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Online Property Information:
- Basic property details available through the Solano County Property Information Portal
- Includes owner name, assessed value, and property characteristics
- Does not require registration or payment
- Limited to current assessment information
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Tax Assessment Rolls:
- Available for public inspection at the Assessor's Office
- Contain property ownership and valuation information
- May be viewed without charge during regular business hours
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GIS Mapping System:
- Solano County GIS Portal provides property boundary information
- Includes parcel numbers, dimensions, and location data
- Free to access and use for reference purposes
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Public Libraries:
- Selected Solano County libraries maintain public access computers
- May provide assistance with accessing online county resources
- Reference librarians can help navigate property record searches
While these resources provide free access to basic property information, users should note that obtaining official copies of recorded documents typically requires payment of statutory fees established by California Government Code § 27366.
What's Included in a Solano County Property Record?
Solano County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents that establish and affect interests in real property within the county. These records are distinguished from personal property records, which pertain to movable assets rather than land and permanent structures. Multiple county offices maintain different aspects of property records, with the Recorder's Office serving as the primary repository for ownership documents.
Property records typically include the following information:
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Ownership Documents
- Grant Deeds - transferring title between parties
- Quitclaim Deeds - releasing interest in property
- Trust Deeds - creating security interests for loans
- Trustee's Deeds - transferring property after foreclosure
- Tax Deeds - conveying property sold for tax delinquency
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Financial Encumbrances
- Mortgages and Deeds of Trust
- Reconveyances and Satisfactions
- Mechanics' Liens
- Tax Liens (federal, state, local)
- Judgment Liens
- Child Support Liens
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Legal Notifications
- Notices of Default
- Lis Pendens (pending litigation)
- Notices of Trustee Sale
- Notices of Completion
- Notices of Cessation
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Property Descriptions
- Legal description of boundaries
- Parcel maps and surveys
- Lot and block designations
- Metes and bounds descriptions
- References to subdivision maps
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Restrictions and Agreements
- Easements and Rights of Way
- Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs)
- Development Agreements
- Conservation Easements
- Mineral Rights Reservations
The content and format of these records are governed by California Government Code § 27280-27297.7, which establishes requirements for recordable instruments affecting real property.
How Long Does Solano County Keep Property Records?
Solano County maintains property records in perpetuity, with no expiration date for documents establishing ownership and interests in real property. This permanent retention policy ensures the continuous chain of title necessary for property rights protection. The county's records retention practices are governed by California Government Code § 26205.1, which establishes minimum retention periods for county records.
Specific retention periods for various property-related documents include:
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Permanent Retention (Never Destroyed)
- Deeds and conveyances of real property
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Reconveyances and satisfactions
- Judgments affecting title to real property
- Maps and surveys of record
- Official records books and indexes
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Long-Term Retention (75+ Years)
- Tax assessment rolls and maps
- Property tax payment records
- Building permits for significant structures
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Medium-Term Retention (10-25 Years)
- Building inspection records
- Temporary easements (after expiration)
- Certain planning and zoning records
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Short-Term Retention (2-10 Years)
- Routine correspondence about property
- Temporary permits
- Preliminary title reports
The Solano County Records Management Program maintains a comprehensive Records Retention Schedule that details specific retention periods for all county records, including property-related documents. This schedule is periodically updated to reflect changes in state law and administrative requirements.
While some documents may be converted to electronic format after a specified period, the informational content remains available permanently in accordance with state mandates for property records preservation.
How To Find Liens on Property In Solano County?
Liens on property in Solano County are recorded as public documents and may be searched through several established methods. Members of the public seeking to identify encumbrances on real property should follow these procedures:
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Recorder's Office Search
- Visit the Solano County Recorder's Office in person
- Request a lien search by property address or Assessor's Parcel Number
- Staff can assist with navigating the grantor-grantee index
- Address: 675 Texas Street, Suite 2700, Fairfield, CA 94533
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Online Records Search
- Access the Solano County Recorder's online portal
- Search by property owner name (grantor/grantee index)
- Search by property address or parcel number
- Filter results by document type (select "lien" categories)
- Review results for active liens
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Title Company Reports
- Request a property profile or preliminary title report
- Title companies maintain private databases of recorded documents
- Reports identify all recorded liens affecting the property
- Fees typically apply for this professional service
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Tax Collector's Office
- Check for property tax liens and special assessments
- Visit the Solano County Tax Collector's website
- Search by Assessor's Parcel Number
- Address: 675 Texas Street, Suite 1900, Fairfield, CA 94533
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Court Records Search
- Check Superior Court records for judgment liens
- Visit the Solano County Superior Court
- Search by property owner name
- Address: 600 Union Avenue, Fairfield, CA 94533
Common types of liens that may be discovered include:
- Tax liens (property, income, business)
- Mortgage liens and deeds of trust
- Mechanics' liens for unpaid construction work
- Judgment liens from court cases
- Child support liens
- Homeowners Association (HOA) assessment liens
- Utility liens
Searchers should note that some liens, particularly federal tax liens, may be indexed under the property owner's name rather than the property address or parcel number, necessitating a thorough search of all possible indexing methods.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Solano County?
The Property Owner Rule in Solano County refers to a set of regulations governing property ownership, recording requirements, and the establishment of legal title. These rules are derived from California state law and implemented through county ordinances and procedures. The fundamental principles of the Property Owner Rule include:
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Recording Requirement
- All instruments affecting real property title must be recorded with the County Recorder
- Unrecorded documents may be valid between parties but lack priority against subsequent recorded documents
- This requirement is established by California Civil Code § 1213-1214
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Race-Notice Priority System
- California operates under a "race-notice" recording statute
- First to record a valid instrument without notice of prior unrecorded interests gains priority
- Subsequent purchasers for value without notice of unrecorded interests are protected
- Governed by California Civil Code § 1214
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Chain of Title Requirement
- Property transfers must maintain an unbroken chain of title
- Each grantor must have received title through proper legal channels
- Gaps in the chain of title create "cloud on title" requiring legal resolution
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Marketable Title Standards
- Property owners must maintain marketable title free from reasonable objections
- Title defects must be cured before property can be transferred
- Standards established by California Land Title Association and state law
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Ownership Disclosure Requirements
- Property owners must be identified in assessment records
- Beneficial owners of properties held in entities may be subject to disclosure
- Transparency requirements support proper taxation and legal accountability
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Adverse Possession Provisions
- Property may be acquired through open, notorious, and continuous possession
- Requires payment of property taxes and satisfaction of statutory time period
- Governed by California Code of Civil Procedure § 325
These rules collectively establish the framework for property ownership in Solano County, providing certainty in real estate transactions and protecting the interests of property owners, lenders, and the public.