Deschutes County Property Records
What Is Deschutes County Property Records
Deschutes County property records constitute the official documentation of real property ownership, transactions, and characteristics within Deschutes County, Oregon. These records are maintained by several county departments and serve as the authoritative source of information regarding land and structures within county boundaries. Property records typically include:
- Ownership information and history
- Legal descriptions of parcels
- Property tax assessment values
- Maps and surveys
- Recorded deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Building permits and improvements
- Land use designations
The primary custodians of these records are the Deschutes County Assessor's Office and the Deschutes County Clerk's Office. These departments work in accordance with Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 205, which governs county recording practices, and ORS Chapter 308, which addresses property tax assessment.
Deschutes County Assessor's Office
1300 NW Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97703
541-388-6508
Deschutes County Assessor
Deschutes County Clerk's Office
1300 NW Wall Street, Suite 202
Bend, OR 97703
541-388-6547
Deschutes County Clerk
Are Property Records Public Information In Deschutes County?
Property records in Deschutes County are considered public information pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law (ORS Chapter 192). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including property records, shall be accessible to the public with limited exceptions. The public status of these records serves several important functions:
- Ensures transparency in property ownership and taxation
- Facilitates real estate transactions
- Provides information for legal proceedings
- Supports historical and genealogical research
- Enables market analysis for property valuation
While property records are public, certain personal information may be redacted in accordance with ORS 192.355, which provides exemptions for confidential information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and other sensitive personal identifiers. Additionally, pursuant to ORS 192.345, certain records may be exempt from disclosure if the public interest in confidentiality clearly outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
Members of the public seeking access to property records may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours, submit written requests, or utilize online resources provided by Deschutes County. The county is required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time frame as specified in ORS 192.324.
How To Search Property Records in Deschutes County in 2025
Deschutes County offers multiple methods for searching property records in 2025. Individuals seeking property information may utilize the following procedures:
In-Person Research:
- Visit the Deschutes County Clerk's Office during public counter hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form specifying the property of interest
- Staff will assist with accessing microfilm, digital records, or physical documents
- Self-service computer terminals are available for public use
Online Search Methods:
- Access the Deschutes County property records portal for recorded documents
- Utilize the Deschutes Interactive Access Line (DIAL) system for comprehensive property information
- Search tax maps and assessment data through the Assessor's Office website
Search Parameters Available:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Tax lot number
- Map and tax lot (e.g., 17-12-34BD-00100)
- Subdivision name and lot number
- Document number or book and page
- Date range of recording
For complex searches or historical records predating digital conversion, the County Clerk's Office recommends scheduling an appointment with records staff by calling 541-388-6547. Pursuant to Deschutes County Ordinance 2024-001, certain search fees may apply for extensive research requests requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time.
How To Find Property Records in Deschutes County Online?
Deschutes County maintains several online platforms that provide public access to property records. These digital resources are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, subject to occasional maintenance periods. To access property records online, members of the public may utilize the following resources:
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Deschutes County Property Information Portal
- Navigate to the Assessor's Office website
- Select "Property Information Search" from the menu options
- Enter search criteria (address, owner name, or account number)
- View property characteristics, values, and tax information
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Deschutes Interactive Access Line (DIAL)
- Access the DIAL system
- Create a free user account for enhanced search capabilities
- Search by address, tax lot, or owner name
- View zoning information, permits, and land use history
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Recorded Documents Search
- Visit the Records Research page
- Select "Search Recorded Documents"
- Enter relevant search criteria
- Access deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded instruments
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Tax Maps and GIS Data
- Navigate to the Tax Maps portal
- Use the interactive mapping interface
- View parcel boundaries, dimensions, and related spatial data
Users should note that while basic property information is available without charge, accessing certain detailed records or obtaining certified copies may incur fees as established by the Deschutes County Fee Schedule, pursuant to ORS 205.320. Technical assistance for online searches is available by contacting the Deschutes County Information Technology Department at 541-617-4747.
Can You Look Up Deschutes County Property Records for Free?
Deschutes County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic property records. In accordance with Oregon Revised Statutes § 192.324, which governs public records access, the county maintains free public viewing options while reserving the right to charge reasonable fees for certain services. The following free access methods are available:
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Public Access Terminals: Computer workstations located at the Deschutes County Clerk's Office and Assessor's Office provide free on-site access to digital property records during regular business hours.
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Online Basic Property Information: The Deschutes County Assessor's website offers free access to fundamental property details including ownership information, property values, and tax data.
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GIS Map Viewer: The county's online tax maps portal allows free viewing of parcel boundaries, dimensions, and basic property characteristics.
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DIAL System: Basic searches in the Deschutes Interactive Access Line are available without charge.
While basic lookup services are provided at no cost, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of documents ($7.75 per document as of 2025)
- Extensive research requiring staff assistance (fees begin after 30 minutes)
- Bulk data requests or specialized reports
- Printed maps or large-format documents
Fee schedules are established pursuant to ORS 205.320 and Deschutes County Ordinance 2024-001. The Property Tax Collection department can provide current fee information for specialized services.
What's Included in a Deschutes County Property Record?
Deschutes County property records contain comprehensive information about real estate parcels within county boundaries. These records are maintained in accordance with Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 308 and include the following components:
Ownership Information:
- Current property owner name(s)
- Mailing address for tax purposes
- Deed references and ownership history
- Date of acquisition
Property Characteristics:
- Physical address and legal description
- Tax lot identification number
- Lot size and dimensions
- Zoning classification and land use designation
- Year built (for structures)
- Building characteristics (square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms)
- Construction type and quality classification
Valuation and Tax Data:
- Real market value (land and improvements)
- Assessed value
- Tax code area
- Special assessment status (if applicable)
- Property tax amounts and payment history
- Tax exemptions or deferrals
Additional Documentation:
- Recorded deeds, mortgages, and satisfaction documents
- Liens and encumbrances
- Easements and right-of-way information
- Plat maps and surveys
- Building permits and inspection records
- Land use applications and decisions
The comprehensiveness of property records may vary based on the age of the property and the digitization status of historical documents. The Deschutes County Assessor and County Clerk maintain these records in accordance with state archival requirements.
How Long Does Deschutes County Keep Property Records?
Deschutes County maintains property records in perpetuity in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 166-150-0005 through 166-150-0215, which establish retention schedules for county records. The permanent retention of property records ensures the continuity of ownership history and supports legal and historical research needs. The county employs a multi-tiered storage system:
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Active Digital Records: Current property records are maintained in electronic databases with regular backups and are immediately accessible through county systems.
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Historical Documents: Older records have been digitized and indexed, with original documents preserved according to archival standards. These include:
- Deed books dating to county formation in 1916
- Plat maps and surveys
- Historical tax assessment rolls
- Land patents and homestead records
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Microfilm Archives: As a redundancy measure, many historical records have been preserved on microfilm and are stored in climate-controlled facilities.
The Deschutes County Clerk's Office serves as the official custodian of recorded property documents pursuant to ORS 205.110, while the Assessor's Office maintains valuation and tax records in accordance with ORS 308.210. Both offices coordinate with the Oregon State Archives to ensure compliance with state retention requirements.
For research purposes, property records dating back to the county's formation are available, though the format and accessibility of very old records may require specialized assistance from county staff.
How To Find Liens on Property In Deschutes County?
Liens on property in Deschutes County are documented through the official records maintained by the County Clerk's Office. Members of the public seeking lien information may utilize several research methods in accordance with Oregon Revised Statutes § 205.125, which governs the recording of liens against real property. The following procedures are available:
Online Lien Search:
- Navigate to the Deschutes County Records Research portal
- Select "Search Recorded Documents"
- Enter the property owner name or property address
- Filter document types to include:
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Assessment liens
- Federal tax liens
- Child support liens
In-Person Research:
- Visit the Deschutes County Clerk's Office 1300 NW Wall Street, Suite 202 Bend, OR 97703
- Request assistance with lien searches from records staff
- Utilize public access terminals for self-directed research
Title Company Reports:
- Professional title searches may be commissioned through private title companies operating in Deschutes County
- These reports typically include comprehensive lien information
Liens are recorded chronologically and indexed by the name of the property owner at the time of recording. Pursuant to ORS 93.643, priority of liens is generally determined by date of recording, with certain statutory exceptions for tax liens and other governmental assessments. The Oregon Department of Revenue provides additional guidance on state tax liens and their enforcement.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Deschutes County?
The Property Owner Rule in Deschutes County refers to the legal principle codified in Oregon Revised Statutes § 93.040 and § 93.680 regarding the recording and indexing of documents affecting real property interests. This rule establishes that property records are indexed primarily by the names of grantors and grantees, creating a chain of title that must be researched sequentially to establish ownership history.
Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
- Documents affecting real property must identify the current property owner(s) as established in previously recorded documents
- Instruments are indexed under both the grantor (seller/transferor) and grantee (buyer/transferee) names
- Title searches must follow the chronological chain of ownership to identify all encumbrances
- Gaps in the chain of title may create "cloud on title" issues requiring legal resolution
The Deschutes County Clerk's Office implements this rule through its indexing system in accordance with ORS 205.160, which requires the maintenance of direct and indirect indexes of all recorded instruments. The practical application of this rule means that:
- Property searches typically begin with the current owner and work backward through time
- Each transfer must reference the previous deed of record
- Proper legal descriptions must be consistent throughout the chain of title
- Name variations or corporate entity changes must be properly documented
For assistance with complex title issues related to the Property Owner Rule, the Deschutes County Assessor's Office recommends consulting with a licensed title professional or real estate attorney. Additional guidance on property ownership documentation requirements is available through the Oregon Department of Revenue.
Lookup Property Records in Deschutes County
Search property assessment records
Access recorded documents and deeds
View county tax maps and parcel information
Check property tax statements and payment history