San Luis Obispo Property Records

Property records in San Luis Obispo County are maintained at the Clerk-Recorder office on Monterey Street. The office handles all deeds, mortgages, and liens for the county. Staff work with the public Monday through Friday, with slightly shorter hours on Wednesday. You can record documents in person or search for existing records. The base fee is $14 for the first page. Additional pages cost $3 each. The office is in suite D120 at 1055 Monterey Street in downtown San Luis Obispo.

Clerk-Recorder Office Information

The Clerk-Recorder in San Luis Obispo County accepts documents for filing each weekday. Office hours run from 8 am to 5 pm on most days. On Wednesday, the office closes at 4 pm. If you plan to visit on a Wednesday, get there early. Staff help you with forms and answer questions about what papers you need to file.

When you bring a document to record, staff review it for compliance with state law. They check margins, font size, and notary stamps. If your paper meets the rules, they record it right away. You get a stamped copy before you leave. The time stamp on that copy proves when it became part of the public record in San Luis Obispo County.

Parking can be tight in downtown San Luis Obispo. Look for metered spots on nearby streets. Some lots charge a fee. Plan for extra time to find parking when you visit the Clerk-Recorder.

Recording Fees and Costs

The base fee for recording in San Luis Obispo County is $14 for the first page. Each page after that adds $3 to the cost. The state charges an extra $75 per parcel under SB2. This applies to most real estate transfers. A Monument Preservation fee may also apply on some document types.

For a standard deed with three pages, you pay $14 for the first page and $6 for two more pages. That comes to $20 in base fees. Add $75 for SB2 and the total is $95. Some filings have added fees depending on what you are recording. Ask the clerk for a fee estimate if you are not sure what you will owe in San Luis Obispo County.

Main recording fees in San Luis Obispo County:

• First page: $14
• Each added page: $3
• SB2 Building Homes and Jobs Act: $75 per parcel
• Monument Preservation Fund: $10 on qualifying documents

You can pay with cash, check, or card. Some card types may have a fee. Check with staff when you file your document.

Searching Property Records

You can search property records in San Luis Obispo County at the Clerk-Recorder office. Staff help you use the public computers. You can look up records by name or parcel number. The index shows who filed what and when. Some older records may not be in the digital system yet. Those require a search of paper books or microfilm.

If you need a copy of a recorded document, ask at the counter. Staff can print it from the system. The cost is based on the number of pages. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Bring the document number if you have it. That speeds up the search. You can also bring the names of the parties or the address of the property in San Luis Obispo County.

The office does not offer online searches for the general public at this time. You must visit in person or call to request documents. Some title companies have access to county records through third-party systems. Check with your title company if you need records for a real estate transaction in San Luis Obispo County.

Property Tax Information

The San Luis Obispo County Tax Collector handles all property tax billing and collection. Tax bills go out twice per year. The first part is due November 1. It becomes late after December 10. A 10% penalty applies if you miss the deadline. The second part is due February 1 and goes late on April 10. That late payment also gets a 10% penalty plus a $10 cost fee.

You can pay taxes online or by mail. The county accepts checks and electronic payments. Look up your bill online using your parcel number or property address. The site shows what you owe and when it is due. You can also see past payments and any penalties on your account in San Luis Obispo County.

If you do not pay by the end of June, the property goes on the defaulted tax roll. Interest starts at 1.5% per month. A redemption fee is added. These costs pile up fast. The county can sell your property at a tax sale if you do not pay within five years. Pay on time to avoid these extra charges in San Luis Obispo County.

Property Assessment Process

The San Luis Obispo County Assessor values all land and buildings for tax purposes. Values are set based on purchase price when a property changes hands. Under Proposition 13, the value can rise no more than 2% per year after that. This keeps your tax bill from jumping too much in one year.

When you buy property, you get a change in ownership form from the county. Fill it out and return it within 45 days. The assessor uses it to set a new base value. That value determines your tax bill. If you think the value is too high, you can appeal. File your appeal between July 2 and September 15. The county has a board that hears appeals and decides if a change is needed.

Use form BOE-305-AH to file an appeal. You must show that the assessed value is more than the market value. Bring an appraisal or sales data for similar homes. Many owners hire professionals to help with the appeal process in San Luis Obispo County.

Cities in San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo County includes several cities. All property records for these areas are kept at the county Clerk-Recorder office. No city has its own separate recorder. Go to the county office in San Luis Obispo to file or search for deeds and other documents.

Cities in San Luis Obispo County include San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Atascadero, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, and Grover Beach. All file property records at the county Clerk-Recorder office.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near San Luis Obispo County. If your property is not in San Luis Obispo County, check the county where it sits. Each county has its own recorder and tax collector.