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Kitsap County Property Records

What Is Kitsap County Property Records

Property records in Kitsap 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 who owns what land and buildings throughout Kitsap County, Washington.

The primary purpose of maintaining property records is to:

  • Establish legal ownership and chain of title
  • Provide public notice of property interests
  • Protect property rights of owners and lienholders
  • Facilitate real estate transactions
  • Support property taxation and assessment
  • Enable land use planning and zoning enforcement

Pursuant to Washington State law RCW 65.08.070, all real property conveyances must be recorded with the county auditor where the property is located. This statutory requirement ensures that ownership interests are properly documented and publicly accessible. The Kitsap County Auditor's Office maintains the official repository of these property records.

Property records in Kitsap County encompass a wide range of documents, including:

  • Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
  • Mortgages and deeds of trust
  • Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
  • Easements and covenants
  • Plats and surveys
  • Foreclosure documents
  • Tax assessment records

These records collectively form the foundation of real property ownership in Kitsap County, providing legal certainty and transparency in land transactions.

Are Property Records Public Information In Kitsap County?

Property records in Kitsap County are indeed public information, accessible to all citizens without restriction. This public access is mandated by both state and federal law, reflecting the fundamental principle that property ownership is a matter of public record in the United States.

The legal basis for public access to property records in Kitsap County is established by:

  • The Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), which declares that public records shall be available for inspection and copying by any person
  • Washington's recording statutes, particularly RCW § 65.04.110, which requires county auditors to maintain indices of recorded documents that are open to public inspection
  • Constitutional principles of transparency in government operations and property ownership

The public nature of property records serves several important functions:

  • It provides notice to potential buyers, creditors, and other interested parties about ownership and encumbrances
  • It prevents fraud by making property transactions transparent
  • It facilitates efficient real estate markets by reducing information asymmetries
  • It supports property taxation and local government operations

Any member of the public may access Kitsap County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This unrestricted access applies to both in-person requests at county offices and online searches through the county's digital platforms.

How To Search Property Records in Kitsap County in 2026

Kitsap County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access these documents:

Online Search Options:

  1. Visit the Kitsap County Assessor's online property search portal
  2. Enter search criteria such as:
    • Property address
    • Owner name
    • Parcel number (tax account number)
    • Legal description
  3. Review search results and select the property of interest
  4. Access available property information including ownership details, assessed value, and property characteristics

In-Person Search Options:

Individuals may conduct property record searches in person at:

Kitsap County Assessor's Office
614 Division Street, MS-22
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: 360-337-7160
Kitsap County Assessor

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Kitsap County Auditor's Office
614 Division Street, MS-31
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: 360-337-4935
Kitsap County Auditor

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Search by Mail:

Written requests for property records may be submitted to either the Assessor's or Auditor's office at the addresses listed above. Requests should include:

  • Specific property information (address, parcel number, or owner name)
  • Document types requested
  • Contact information for response
  • Payment for applicable fees (contact offices for current fee schedule)

For complex searches or historical records, staff assistance may be requested at either office. Public terminals are available for self-service searching during regular business hours.

How To Find Property Records in Kitsap County Online?

Kitsap County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These resources allow users to search, view, and in some cases download property-related documents without visiting county offices.

The primary online resources for accessing Kitsap County property records include:

  1. Kitsap County Assessor's Parcel Search

    • Navigate to the Kitsap County Assessor's website
    • Select "Property Search" from the available options
    • Search by address, parcel number, or owner name
    • Access property details including:
      • Current ownership information
      • Property characteristics (size, use, improvements)
      • Assessed values and tax information
      • Sales history
      • Building permit history

  2. Kitsap County Auditor's Document Search

    • Visit the Kitsap County Auditor's document search portal
    • Select "Guest Login" for public access
    • Search by:
      • Document number
      • Recording date
      • Grantor/Grantee name
      • Legal description
      • Document type
    • View and print document images for deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded instruments

  3. Kitsap County GIS Mapping System

    • Access the Kitsap County GIS portal
    • Navigate the interactive map to locate properties
    • Click on parcels to view basic property information
    • Link to detailed property records in the Assessor's database

  4. Washington State Digital Archives

    • Visit the Washington State Digital Archives
    • Access historical Kitsap County land records dating back to 1987
    • Search by name, document type, or recording information
    • View digitized images of historical property documents

When using these online systems, users should note that while basic property information is available at no cost, some document images or specialized reports may require payment of nominal fees. Additionally, the most recent property transactions may experience a brief processing delay before appearing in online systems.

How To Look Up Kitsap County Property Records for Free?

Kitsap County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records. These free resources enable citizens to obtain essential property information without incurring fees.

Free Online Resources:

  1. Kitsap County Assessor's Property Search

    • The Assessor's public records portal provides free access to:
      • Current ownership information
      • Property characteristics and improvements
      • Assessed values
      • Tax information
      • Recent sales data
      • Property maps
    • No registration or fees required for basic property information

  2. Kitsap County Auditor's Guest Access

    • The Auditor's document search system offers free guest access to:
      • Document indices (grantor/grantee)
      • Basic document information
      • Limited document viewing
    • Available without registration or subscription

  3. Kitsap County GIS Mapping

    • The county's Geographic Information System provides free access to:
      • Interactive property maps
      • Parcel boundaries
      • Zoning information
      • Basic property details
    • Accessible without login credentials

Free In-Person Resources:

Public terminals are available for free use at:

Kitsap County Assessor's Office
614 Division Street, MS-22
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: 360-337-7160
Kitsap County Assessor

Kitsap County Auditor's Office
614 Division Street, MS-31
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: 360-337-4935
Kitsap County Auditor

Kitsap Regional Libraries Several branch locations offer public computers with internet access to county property record systems.

While basic property record searches are free, users should be aware that certain services may incur fees:

  • Printed copies (typically $0.15-$1.00 per page)
  • Certified copies of documents ($5.00-$10.00 per document)
  • Bulk data requests or specialized research assistance
  • Subscription access for high-volume professional users

The Washington Public Records Act authorizes counties to charge reasonable fees to recover the actual costs of providing copies of public records.

What's Included in a Kitsap County Property Record?

Kitsap County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within county boundaries. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation.

Types of Property Records:

  1. Real Property Records - Documents pertaining to land and permanently attached structures
  2. Personal Property Records - Information about taxable business equipment and certain mobile assets

Property Records by County Office:

The Kitsap County Assessor maintains:

  • Property characteristics and physical attributes
  • Land and improvement values
  • Property tax assessment information
  • Ownership information for tax purposes
  • Property classification data
  • Exemption status information

The Kitsap County Auditor maintains:

  • Deeds and conveyance documents
  • Mortgages and deeds of trust
  • Liens and encumbrances
  • Easements and covenants
  • Plats and surveys
  • Military discharge records affecting property

The Kitsap County Treasurer maintains:

  • Property tax payment records
  • Tax foreclosure information
  • Special assessment data

Detailed Information in Property Records:

A comprehensive Kitsap County property record typically includes:

  • Identification Information

    • Parcel number (tax account number)
    • Legal description
    • Property address
    • Geographic identifiers

  • Ownership Information

    • Current owner name(s)
    • Ownership type (individual, joint, corporate)
    • Mailing address
    • Transfer history

  • Property Characteristics

    • Land size and dimensions
    • Building size and specifications
    • Year built
    • Construction details
    • Number of rooms/units
    • Utility information
    • Special features

  • Valuation Information

    • Assessed land value
    • Assessed improvement value
    • Total assessed value
    • Previous valuations
    • Exemption amounts

  • Land Use Information

    • Zoning classification
    • Current use
    • Permitted uses
    • Development restrictions

  • Transaction History

    • Sale dates and prices
    • Mortgage information
    • Refinancing history
    • Foreclosure actions

Pursuant to RCW § 84.40.160, the Kitsap County Assessor is required to maintain detailed property characteristics for accurate valuation and taxation purposes.

How Long Does Kitsap County Keep Property Records?

Kitsap County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives. These schedules, mandated by RCW § 40.14.070, specify minimum retention periods for various document types.

Permanent Records:

The following property records are maintained permanently:

  • Deeds and conveyance documents
  • Plats and surveys
  • Easements and covenants
  • Property maps and legal descriptions
  • Original assessment rolls
  • Land classification records

Long-Term Retention (15+ years):

  • Property record cards (retained until superseded plus 6 years)
  • Tax rolls and ledgers (15 years)
  • Special assessment records (15 years after paid or foreclosed)
  • Building permits for significant structures (life of structure)

Medium-Term Retention (6-15 years):

  • Property tax payment records (8 years)
  • Building permits for minor structures (6 years after final inspection)
  • Temporary tax exemption records (6 years after expiration)
  • Property appeals documentation (6 years after resolution)

Short-Term Retention (less than 6 years):

  • Routine correspondence (2-5 years)
  • Research requests (2 years)
  • Preliminary valuations (until superseded)

The Washington State Archives provides oversight for county records management and may transfer historically significant property records to state archival facilities for permanent preservation. The Digital Archives program has digitized many historical Kitsap County property records dating back to 1987.

While minimum retention periods are established by state law, Kitsap County often maintains property records beyond these requirements, particularly for records with historical significance or ongoing administrative value. The county's records management program ensures that property records are preserved according to their legal, fiscal, administrative, and historical value.

How To Find Liens on Property In Kitsap County?

Liens on property in Kitsap County are public records that can be researched through several official channels. These encumbrances represent claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold.

Types of Liens Recorded in Kitsap County:

  • Tax liens (property tax delinquencies)
  • Mechanic's liens (unpaid construction or improvement costs)
  • Judgment liens (court-ordered monetary judgments)
  • Federal tax liens (IRS claims)
  • Child support liens
  • Utility liens
  • Homeowners association liens

Online Lien Search Methods:

  1. Kitsap County Auditor's Records Search

    • Access the Kitsap County Auditor's document search system
    • Select "Guest Login" for public access
    • Search by property owner name or parcel number
    • Filter document types to include:
      • Liens
      • Judgments
      • Lis pendens
      • Notices of claim
    • Review search results for active liens

  2. Kitsap County Treasurer's Tax Search

    • Visit the Kitsap County Treasurer's website
    • Search by parcel number or property address
    • Review tax status for any delinquencies or tax liens
    • Check for special assessments or charges

  3. Washington Courts Judgment Search

    • Access the Washington Courts case management system
    • Search by name to locate judgments that may attach as liens
    • Note case numbers for further research at the Auditor's Office

In-Person Lien Search Methods:

For comprehensive lien searches, in-person research is recommended at:

Kitsap County Auditor's Office
614 Division Street, MS-31
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: 360-337-4935
Kitsap County Auditor

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Kitsap County Treasurer's Office
614 Division Street, MS-11
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: 360-337-7135
Kitsap County Treasurer

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Professional Lien Search Services:

For complex properties or when complete assurance is required (such as before purchasing property), professional title companies offer comprehensive lien search services. These companies maintain private title plants that may contain information not readily accessible through public searches.

When conducting lien searches, it is important to check for liens against both the property (by parcel number) and against current and previous owners (by name). Some liens attach to all property owned by an individual, while others are specific to a particular parcel.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Kitsap County?

The Property Owner Rule in Kitsap County refers to a set of regulations and principles governing property ownership, recording requirements, and the legal effects of property records. These rules establish the framework for recognizing and protecting property rights within the county.

Key Elements of the Property Owner Rule:

  1. Recording Requirement

    • Pursuant to RCW § 65.08.070, all real property conveyances must be recorded with the Kitsap County Auditor
    • Unrecorded conveyances are valid between parties but may be void against subsequent purchasers who record first
    • This "race-notice" system protects those who record their interests promptly

  2. Chain of Title Principle

    • Property ownership must follow an unbroken chain of title from the current owner back to the original government patent
    • Each transfer in the chain must be properly documented and recorded
    • Breaks in the chain may create title defects requiring legal resolution

  3. Ownership Verification Standards

    • The Kitsap County Assessor maintains ownership records for tax purposes
    • Official ownership is determined by recorded documents in the Auditor's records
    • Discrepancies between Assessor and Auditor records are resolved in favor of recorded deeds

  4. Property Boundary Determination

    • Property boundaries are established by legal descriptions in recorded documents
    • Boundary disputes are resolved according to surveying principles established in RCW § 58.09
    • The county maintains official zoning maps showing property boundaries and land use designations

  5. Property Tax Responsibility

    • Property owners of record on January 1 are responsible for that year's property taxes
    • Tax liability follows the property regardless of subsequent transfers
    • New owners assume unpaid tax obligations from previous owners

  6. Notice Requirements

    • Property owners must receive notice of actions affecting their property rights
    • The county must provide notice of:
      • Valuation changes
      • Zoning modifications
      • Tax foreclosure proceedings
      • Eminent domain actions

  7. Property Use Restrictions

    • Property use is governed by Kitsap County zoning regulations
    • Private restrictions may exist through recorded covenants and easements
    • Historical designations may impose additional use limitations

The Property Owner Rule in Kitsap County operates within Washington's legal framework for real property, which combines elements of common law principles with statutory requirements. Property owners should familiarize themselves with these rules to protect their interests and fulfill their legal obligations.

Lookup Property Records in Kitsap County

Property ownership records

Kitsap County Assessor Parcel Search

Kitsap County Assessor's Office

Public Records Request Portal

Kitsap County Document Search

Kitsap County Treasurer

Washington Department of Revenue County Resources

Washington State Digital Archives - Kitsap County Records

Kitsap County GIS Maps

Kitsap County Zoning Information

Kitsap County GIS Portal

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