Kern County Property Records
What Is Kern County Property Records
Kern County property records constitute official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within Kern County, California. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of who owns what land and buildings throughout the county's jurisdiction. Property records in Kern County are maintained pursuant to California Government Code § 27201, which establishes requirements for recording instruments affecting real property.
The primary purposes of Kern County property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Creating a permanent record of property history
The Kern 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 in 1866.
Kern County Assessor-Recorder's Office
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 1st Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3485
Kern County Assessor-Recorder
Property records in Kern County typically include deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other documents that affect real property interests. These records are indexed by property address, Assessor's Parcel Number (APN), and the names of parties to transactions, allowing for efficient retrieval by county staff and members of the public.
Are Property Records Public Information In Kern County?
Property records in Kern County are public information and accessible to all citizens under California law. The California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270) establishes the fundamental right of access to information concerning the conduct of public business. Additionally, California Government Code § 27201-27297.7 specifically addresses the recording and accessibility of 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 notice of property interests
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property research
Any member of the public may access Kern County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This open access policy reflects California's commitment to government transparency and the public's right to information.
The Kern County Assessor-Recorder maintains these public records and makes them available through in-person visits, mail requests, and online access systems. While basic access is provided at no cost, fees may apply for certified copies or extensive research assistance, as permitted under California Government Code § 27366.
How To Search Property Records in Kern County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search Kern County property records may utilize several methods currently available through the Kern County Assessor-Recorder's Office. The following procedures outline the process for accessing these records:
Online Search Method:
- Visit the Kern County Assessor-Recorder's official website
- Navigate to the "Property Search" or "Records Search" section
- Select the appropriate search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- Enter the search criteria in the designated fields
- Review the search results and select the property of interest
- Access available property record information and document images
- Download or print records as needed (fees may apply for certain documents)
In-Person Search Method:
- Visit the Kern County Assessor-Recorder's Office during regular business hours:
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
- Complete a records request form at the public counter
- Provide specific property information to staff (address, APN, or owner name)
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records
- Review documents at designated research stations
- Request copies of needed documents (fees apply for reproduction)
Mail Request Method:
- Download the Records Request Form from the county website
- Complete all required fields with specific property information
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
- Mail the completed form and payment to:
Kern County Assessor-Recorder's Office
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 1st Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3485
Kern County Assessor-Recorder
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing and return mail delivery
For complex searches or historical records, the Assessor-Recorder's Office recommends scheduling an appointment with research staff who can provide specialized assistance with navigating the county's extensive property records collection.
How To Find Property Records in Kern County Online?
Kern County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms maintained by county departments. The following steps outline the process for locating property records through these online resources:
Assessor-Recorder's Property Search Portal:
- Access the Kern County Assessor-Recorder's Property Information Portal
- Select a search method:
- Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
- Property address
- Owner name
- Enter the required information in the search fields
- Review the property information summary
- Access available document images by selecting the "Documents" tab
- View, download, or print available records
Kern County GIS Property Information System:
- Visit the Kern County Geographic Information System
- Use the search bar to enter a property address or APN
- Click on the property on the map to view basic information
- Select "Property Information" to access detailed records
- Navigate through available layers for additional property data
Kern County Treasurer-Tax Collector Property Tax Records:
- Access the Kern County Treasurer-Tax Collector website
- Select "Property Tax" from the main navigation
- Enter the APN or property address in the search field
- Review current and historical tax information
- Access tax bills, payment history, and assessment information
For records not available through these online systems, users may need to submit a Public Records Request through the county's centralized request system. This system allows for electronic submission of requests for documents not readily accessible through the public-facing portals.
Online access to certain documents may require payment of statutory fees, particularly for certified copies or extensive document collections. The county accepts major credit cards for online payment processing.
How To Look Up Kern County Property Records for Free?
Kern County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic property records information. Members of the public may utilize these free resources to conduct preliminary property research without incurring fees:
Free Online Resources:
- The Kern County Assessor's Property Information Portal offers free access to basic property characteristics, ownership information, and assessed values.
- The Kern County GIS Mapping System provides free access to property boundaries, dimensions, and basic property information.
- The Kern County Treasurer-Tax Collector's Property Tax Portal allows free searches of current tax status and payment information.
Free In-Person Access:
Members of the public may visit the following locations to access property records at no charge:
Kern County Assessor-Recorder's Office
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 1st Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3485
Kern County Assessor-Recorder
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Kern County Law Library
1415 Truxtun Avenue, 3rd Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-5320
Kern County Law Library
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
While basic access to property records is provided at no cost, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of documents
- Extensive research assistance from county staff
- Reproduction of large document sets
- Expedited processing of requests
- Special handling or delivery services
The California Public Records Act permits agencies to charge fees that cover the direct costs of duplication or statutory fees, but not for the staff time required to search for records.
What's Included in a Kern County Property Record?
Kern County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within county boundaries. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable items not affixed to land). Multiple county offices maintain different aspects of property records, creating a distributed but interconnected system of documentation.
Property records typically include the following components:
Ownership Documents:
- Grant Deeds - recording transfer of title between parties
- Quitclaim Deeds - releasing interest in property without warranties
- Trust Deeds - securing property as collateral for loans
- Trustee's Deeds - transferring property after foreclosure
- Tax Deeds - conveying property sold for tax delinquency
Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and Deeds of Trust
- Mechanics' Liens
- Tax Liens (federal, state, and local)
- Judgment Liens
- Child Support Liens
- Homeowners Association Liens
Property Characteristics:
- Legal Description
- Lot Size and Dimensions
- Structure Information (square footage, rooms, features)
- Year Built
- Construction Type
- Improvement Details
Assessment Information:
- Assessed Value (land and improvements)
- Tax Rate Area
- Exemption Status
- Assessment Appeals History
- Property Tax Bills and Payment History
Land Use Information:
- Zoning Classification
- General Plan Designation
- Special Districts
- Flood Zone Status
- Environmental Constraints
These records are maintained pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code § 408, which governs the assessment records and their accessibility, and California Government Code § 27280-27297.7, which establishes requirements for recording instruments affecting real property.
How Long Does Kern County Keep Property Records?
Kern County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by state law and county ordinance. These retention periods ensure the preservation of essential property documentation while allowing for the appropriate disposition of obsolete records. The county's retention practices are governed by California Government Code § 26202, which establishes the framework for county records management.
The following retention periods apply to various property records in Kern County:
Permanent Retention (Never Destroyed):
- Deeds and Conveyances
- Mortgages and Deeds of Trust
- Easements and Rights-of-Way
- Subdivision Maps and Parcel Maps
- Condominium Plans
- Official Records Indexes
- Assessment Rolls
- Tax Rate Area Maps
Long-Term Retention (50+ Years):
- Property Tax Assessment Records (50 years)
- Building Permits for Significant Structures (50 years)
- Environmental Impact Reports (75 years)
- Zoning Changes and Variances (50 years)
Medium-Term Retention (10-25 Years):
- Building Permits for Minor Structures (10 years after completion)
- Property Tax Bills (12 years)
- Assessment Appeals (10 years after final decision)
- Code Enforcement Cases (10 years after closure)
Short-Term Retention (Less than 10 Years):
- Temporary Construction Permits (3 years after expiration)
- Routine Correspondence (2 years)
- Research Requests (2 years)
- Public Records Requests (2 years)
The Kern County Records Management Program oversees the implementation of these retention schedules in coordination with the County Clerk and department heads. Historical property records of significant value may be transferred to the Kern County Museum or other archival repositories for permanent preservation.
Digital conversion efforts are currently underway to preserve older paper records in electronic format, enhancing accessibility while ensuring long-term preservation of these vital documents.
How To Find Liens on Property In Kern County?
Locating liens on property in Kern County requires searching records maintained by multiple county offices and external agencies. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold. The following methods are available for identifying liens on Kern County properties:
County Recorder's Office Search:
- Visit the Kern County Assessor-Recorder's Office in person or access their online portal
- Search by property address, owner name, or Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
- Request a "Property Profile" or "Title Search" report
- Review the documents section for recorded liens, including:
- Mechanics' liens
- Judgment liens
- Tax liens
- Child support liens
- Homeowners Association liens
Kern County Treasurer-Tax Collector Search:
- Access the Kern County Treasurer-Tax Collector website
- Search by APN or property address
- Review current and delinquent tax status
- Identify any property tax liens or special assessments
Superior Court Records Search:
- Visit the Kern County Superior Court website or offices
- Search civil case records by property owner name
- Review judgment dockets for liens resulting from court judgments
- Request copies of relevant judgments that may affect the property
State and Federal Tax Lien Search:
- Check California State Tax Liens through the Franchise Tax Board
- Search Federal Tax Liens through the IRS database or county records
- Review Secretary of State UCC filings for personal property liens
For comprehensive lien searches, many property owners and professionals utilize the services of title companies, which maintain private databases of liens and encumbrances. These companies can provide title reports that identify all recorded liens affecting a property.
Kern County Title Companies:
- First American Title Company: 4550 California Ave #600, Bakersfield, CA 93309
- Chicago Title Company: 5016 California Ave #8, Bakersfield, CA 93309
- Fidelity National Title: 5060 California Ave #1000, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Pursuant to California Civil Code § 2941, when liens are satisfied, a release or reconveyance document must be recorded to clear the property title. These releases should also be verified during a comprehensive lien search.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Kern County?
The Property Owner Rule in Kern County refers to a set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership rights and responsibilities within the county's jurisdiction. These rules are derived from California state law and local ordinances, establishing the framework for property ownership, transfer, and management.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule in Kern County include:
Ownership Recording Requirements:
Property ownership in Kern County must be officially recorded with the County Recorder's Office pursuant to California Government Code § 27280. This statute requires that instruments affecting real property title be properly recorded to provide constructive notice to the public. Unrecorded transfers may be valid between parties but lack protection against subsequent purchasers or creditors.
Property Tax Responsibilities:
Property owners in Kern County are subject to annual property tax assessments under California Revenue and Taxation Code § 401. The Kern County Assessor determines property values, while the Treasurer-Tax Collector collects taxes in two installments due November 1 and February 1, with delinquency dates of December 10 and April 10 respectively.
Disclosure Requirements:
When selling property in Kern County, owners must comply with California's disclosure laws, including the Transfer Disclosure Statement requirements. These disclosures must reveal known material defects, environmental hazards, and other conditions that might affect the property's value.
Ownership Forms and Rights:
Kern County recognizes several forms of property ownership, including:
- Fee Simple (complete ownership)
- Joint Tenancy (with right of survivorship)
- Tenancy in Common (divisible interests)
- Community Property (for married couples)
- Trust Ownership (property held in trust)
Each ownership form carries specific legal implications for property transfer, inheritance, and liability.
Land Use Restrictions:
Property owners must comply with the Kern County Zoning Ordinance, which establishes permitted uses, building requirements, and development standards. These regulations vary by zone and may limit an owner's use of their property to ensure compatibility with surrounding areas and the county's general plan.
Water Rights:
In Kern County, where water resources are critical, property ownership may include or exclude water rights. These rights are governed by complex state laws and local water district regulations, particularly important in agricultural areas where the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act impacts property owners' water usage.
Property owners seeking specific guidance on these rules should consult with the appropriate county department or seek legal counsel for their particular situation.