Santa Cruz County Records

The Recorder office in Santa Cruz County is at 701 Ocean Street, room 230. Staff help the public from 8 am to noon and from 1 pm to 3 pm each weekday. The office closes during the lunch hour. You can file deeds, liens, and other documents during these hours. The first page costs $14 to record. Each added page is $3. Call 831-454-2800 for questions about filing or searching property records in Santa Cruz County.

Recorder Office Information

The Recorder office handles all property filings in Santa Cruz County. You can walk in during public hours. Bring your documents ready to file. Staff check each page to make sure it meets state rules. They look at margins, font size, and notary seals. If your paper passes review, they record it right away. You get a stamped copy before you leave.

The office closes from noon to 1 pm each day. Plan your visit for the morning or afternoon window. Get there early if you want help from staff. The office can get busy near closing time. If you have questions about what forms you need, call ahead. Staff can tell you what to bring in Santa Cruz County.

Recording Fees

The first page costs $14 to record in Santa Cruz County. Each page after that adds $3 to the total. The state charges an extra $75 per parcel under SB2. This applies to most real estate transfers. Some documents also have a Monument Preservation fee. All fees are due when you file your document.

For a three-page grant deed, you pay $14 for page one, $6 for two more pages, and $75 for SB2. That comes to $95. If your document has more pages or covers more than one parcel, the fee goes up. Ask the clerk for a fee quote when you bring your papers to the counter in Santa Cruz County.

Standard recording fees:

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

Searching Property Records

You can search property records at the Recorder office in Santa Cruz County. Use the public terminals to look up documents by name, date, or type. Staff help you get started with the search system. 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 film.

If you find a document you need, ask staff for a copy. They can print it from the system. The cost is based on how many pages it has. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Bring the document number if you have it. That speeds up the search. You can also bring names of the parties or the property address in Santa Cruz County.

Property Tax Payments

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

You can pay online through the county tax payment portal. Look up your bill by parcel number or address. The site accepts eChecks with no fee. Credit and debit cards have a small service charge. Many people pay online to avoid a trip to the office in Santa Cruz 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. Pay on time to avoid these extra costs in Santa Cruz County.

Property Assessments

The Assessor office values all property in Santa Cruz County for tax purposes. Values are set when you buy a home and can rise 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.

File a change in ownership form within 45 days of buying property. 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.

Cities in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County includes several cities. All property records are kept at the county Recorder office on Ocean Street. No city has a separate recorder. Visit the county office to file or search for deeds and land records.

Cities in Santa Cruz County include Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, and Capitola. All file property records at the county Recorder office.

Nearby Counties

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