Santa Barbara Property Records

Property records in Santa Barbara County are managed by the Clerk-Recorder office. The office keeps records from 1900 to present online. You can search for deeds, liens, and other documents at no cost. The online system covers most recorded papers. For older records from 1931 to 1974, the county has a historical index on a separate site. Call the office at 805-568-2250 for help with searches or to order copies of documents.

Clerk-Recorder Office

The Clerk-Recorder handles all recorded documents in Santa Barbara County. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, and maps. Staff file papers each day and index them so the public can search. The office also provides copies of documents on request. You can order in person, by phone, or by mail.

Phone the office at 805-568-2250 to ask about a specific document. Staff can look it up while you wait. If you know the document number, they can find it fast. If you only have a name or address, the search may take more time. Give them as much info as you can to help them find the right record in Santa Barbara County.

Search Records Online

Santa Barbara County offers two online search tools. The main portal covers records from 1900 to the present. Go to records.sbcrecorder.com to search. You can look up documents by name, type, or date. The system shows a list of matches. Click on one to see details like the book and page number.

For records from 1931 to 1974, use the historical index at cosbhistoricalindex.com. This site has older records that may not be in the main system. Both tools are free to use. You do not pay to search or view basic info. You only pay if you order a copy of a document from the Clerk-Recorder in Santa Barbara County.

The search results show who filed the paper, when it was recorded, and what type of document it is. Some entries have images you can view. Others may require you to request a copy from the office. If you need a certified copy, you must order it from the Clerk-Recorder. They charge a fee based on the number of pages in the document.

Copy Fees and Certification

The fee to get a copy of a recorded document is $10 per document. This is a flat fee no matter how many pages the document has. If you want it certified, add $2 for the certification. A certified copy has the county seal and is signed by the Clerk-Recorder. Most legal matters require certified copies in Santa Barbara County.

You can order copies in person, by phone, or by mail. Give the office the document number if you have it. If not, provide the names of the parties and the date of recording. Staff will look it up and tell you the cost. You pay when you pick it up or when they mail it to you. Most requests are filled within a few days in Santa Barbara County.

Copy fees:

• Document copy: $10 per document
• Certification: $2 added to copy fee
• Total for certified copy: $12

Recording Fees

Recording fees in Santa Barbara County follow the state fee schedule. The first page costs $14 to record. Each page after that adds $3. The state charges an extra $75 per parcel under SB2. Some documents also have a Monument Preservation fee. All fees are due when you file your document.

For a standard grant deed with three pages, you pay $14 for the first page, $6 for two more pages, and $75 for SB2. That totals $95. If your document covers more than one parcel, the SB2 fee applies to each one up to a max of $225. Ask the clerk for a fee quote if you are not sure what you will owe in Santa Barbara County.

Standard recording fees:

• First page: $14
• Each added page: $3
• SB2 fee per parcel: $75 (max $225)
• Monument Preservation Fund: $10 on qualifying documents

Property Tax Information

Property taxes in Santa Barbara County are due twice per year. The first bill is due November 1 and goes late on December 10. A 10% penalty applies if you miss the date. The second bill is due February 1 and becomes late on April 10. That payment also gets a 10% penalty plus a $10 cost fee if late.

You can pay online through the county tax payment portal. Look up your bill by parcel number or property address. The site shows what you owe and when it is due. You can pay with an eCheck at no cost. Credit and debit cards have a service fee. Many people use eCheck to avoid the extra charge in Santa Barbara County.

If you do not pay by June 30, the property goes on the defaulted tax roll. Interest starts at 1.5% per month. A redemption fee is added. The county can sell your property at a tax sale if you do not pay within five years. Keep your taxes current to avoid losing your home in Santa Barbara County.

Property Assessments

The Assessor office values all property in Santa Barbara County for tax purposes. Values are set when you buy a home and can go up by no more than 2% per year under Proposition 13. If you add on to the home or it changes hands, the county reassesses it at current market value.

When you buy property, file a change in ownership form within 45 days. The Assessor uses it to set a new base value. That value sets your tax bill. If you think the value is too high, you can appeal. File between July 2 and September 15. Use form BOE-305-AH. The county holds hearings to review appeals and decide if a change is needed in Santa Barbara County.

Cities in Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County includes several cities. All property records are kept at the county Clerk-Recorder office. No city has its own recorder. Go to the county office to file or search for deeds and land records.

Other cities in Santa Barbara County include Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc, Carpinteria, Goleta, Buellton, Guadalupe, and Solvang. All file property records at the county Clerk-Recorder office.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Santa Barbara County. If your property is not in Santa Barbara County, check the county where it is located. Each county has its own recorder and assessor.