Stark County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Stark County?

Public records in Stark County, Ohio encompass a wide range of official documents, files, and information maintained by county government offices and agencies. These records are created, received, or maintained by public offices in accordance with the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). Stark County maintains numerous categories of public records, including:

Property records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and property transfers maintained by the Stark County Recorder
Property tax assessment records and valuation information maintained by the Stark County Auditor
Court records, including civil and criminal case files, dockets, and judgments maintained by the Stark County Clerk of Courts
Vital records, including birth and death certificates (from December 20, 1908, to present)
Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
Voter registration information and election results maintained by the Stark County Board of Elections
Property tax payment records maintained by the Stark County Treasurer
Geographic Information System (GIS) data, including property maps and parcel information
Law enforcement records, including incident reports and jail records maintained by the Stark County Sheriff's Office
County budget and financial records
Meeting minutes and agendas for county boards and commissions
Building permits and zoning records
Business licenses and registrations

These records are maintained across various county departments and are generally available for public inspection during regular business hours, subject to certain exemptions and restrictions as provided by Ohio law.

Is Stark County an Open Records County?

Stark County is an open records county, operating in compliance with the Ohio Public Records Act (ORC § 149.43). This state law establishes the legal framework for public access to government records throughout Ohio, including Stark County. The Act defines public records as "records kept by any public office" and mandates that these records be promptly prepared and made available for inspection to any person during regular business hours.

Pursuant to ORC § 149.43(B)(1), Stark County government offices are required to make public records available for inspection upon request within a reasonable period of time. The county's commitment to transparency is further evidenced by its adoption of a comprehensive public records policy that outlines procedures for requesting and obtaining public records.

The Stark County Commissioners have formally adopted this policy in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(E)(1), which requires all public offices to adopt a public records policy. This policy affirms that public records are the property of the citizens of Ohio and that the county will facilitate broad access to these records in accordance with state law.

Additionally, many Stark County offices have implemented electronic record-keeping systems and online portals to enhance public access to records, demonstrating the county's commitment to open government principles beyond the minimum requirements of state law.

How Do I Find Public Records in Stark County in 2025

Members of the public seeking access to Stark County public records in 2025 may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need. The county has implemented multiple access points to facilitate public record retrieval:

Online Access: The Stark County Public Records Portal serves as a centralized gateway to many digital records. Users may search for:
- Property records and tax information
- Court case information
- Recorded documents
- GIS and mapping data
- Voter registration verification
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to request records in person. Staff members are available to assist with locating specific records.
Written Requests: Public records requests may be submitted in writing to the relevant county department. While not required by Ohio law, written requests help ensure accuracy and create documentation of the request.
Department-Specific Resources:
- For property records: Stark County Recorder's Office maintains deeds, mortgages, and land records
- For court records: Stark County Clerk of Courts provides access to civil and criminal case files
- For property tax information: Stark County Auditor maintains property valuations and tax assessment records
- For GIS data: Stark County GIS Department offers mapping and property location services
Legal Research: The Stark County Law Library provides access to legal resources, including county ordinances and regulations.

When requesting records, individuals should provide sufficient information to identify the specific records sought. While requesters are not required to identify themselves or explain the purpose of their request under Ohio law, providing contact information facilitates communication regarding the request.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Stark County?

The cost to obtain public records in Stark County is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6), which permits public offices to charge only the actual cost of making copies, not including employee time. Stark County has established the following fee schedule for public records:

Standard paper copies: $0.05 per page for black and white copies (8.5" x 11")
Color copies: $0.10 per page (8.5" x 11")
Large format copies (maps, plats, etc.): $2.00 to $5.00 per sheet, depending on size
Electronic copies provided on CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc
Electronic copies provided via email: No charge when feasible
Certified copies: Additional $1.00 per document certification

Specialized records may have statutorily defined fees that differ from the standard copying costs:

Recorded documents from the Recorder's Office: $2.00 per page for the first two pages, $1.00 for each additional page
Birth and death certificates: $25.00 per certified copy
Marriage licenses: $2.00 per certified copy
Court records from the Clerk of Courts: $1.00 per page for certified copies

Pursuant to ORC § 149.43(B)(7), Stark County may require prepayment of costs if the total exceeds $10.00. The county does not charge for inspection of records when no copies are made. Additionally, postage fees may apply if records are to be mailed to the requester.

For voluminous requests or requests requiring extensive redaction, the county may advise requesters of the estimated cost before proceeding with the request. Payment may be made by cash, check, or money order, with some departments also accepting credit card payments with an additional processing fee.

Does Stark County Have Free Public Records?

Stark County provides several avenues for accessing public records at no cost to residents and other interested parties. While fees may apply for physical copies as outlined in the county's fee schedule, the following free options are available:

In-person inspection: Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), all public records may be inspected free of charge during regular business hours at the office where they are maintained. No fee may be charged for viewing records.
Online access: The county has invested in digital infrastructure to provide free online access to numerous public records through the Stark County Public Records Portal. Free online resources include:
- Property record searches through the Auditor's and Recorder's online databases
- Court case information through the Clerk of Courts' online docket system
- GIS mapping and property information
- Voter registration verification
- County budget and financial reports
Email delivery: When records exist in electronic format and can be transmitted via email, Stark County offices typically provide these at no charge, as permitted by ORC § 149.43(B)(7).
Public access terminals: Computer terminals are available for public use at various county offices, including:
- The Stark County Law Library
- The Recorder's Office
- The Clerk of Courts
- The Board of Elections

These terminals allow visitors to search and view electronic records without printing fees.

Additionally, certain public notices, meeting minutes, and county reports are routinely published on the county website at no cost to enhance government transparency and public access to information.

Who Can Request Public Records In Stark County?

Under the Ohio Public Records Act (ORC § 149.43), any person, regardless of residency, citizenship status, age, or purpose, may request and receive public records from Stark County government offices. The law defines "person" broadly to include:

Individual citizens
Corporations, businesses, and organizations
Media representatives
Non-Ohio residents
Non-U.S. citizens
Incarcerated persons (with certain limitations)
Anonymous requesters

Key provisions regarding who may request records include:

No identification requirement: Requesters are not required to identify themselves when making a public records request. Anonymous requests are permitted under Ohio law.
No purpose requirement: Requesters need not disclose the reason for their request or how they intend to use the records.
No format restrictions: Requests may be made verbally, in writing, by email, by telephone, or in person.
Equal access: All requesters must be treated equally, regardless of their identity or purpose.
Limitations for incarcerated persons: Pursuant to ORC § 149.43(B)(8), inmates' rights to public records are limited to records concerning their criminal prosecution or sentencing, and they must obtain approval from the sentencing judge.
Representatives: Attorneys, researchers, or other agents may request records on behalf of others.

Stark County government offices are prohibited from denying access to public records based on the identity of the requester or requiring the requester to disclose their identity or the intended use of the records, except in the specific case of incarcerated persons as noted above.

What Records Are Confidential In Stark County?

While Stark County maintains a presumption of openness for public records, certain records and information are exempt from disclosure under Ohio law. These confidential records are protected by specific exemptions outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1) and other statutes. Records that are confidential in Stark County include:

Medical records and protected health information covered by HIPAA
Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information
Juvenile court records, except as specifically permitted by law
Adoption records and proceedings
Records pertaining to minors seeking abortion consent without parental notification
Certain law enforcement investigatory records, including:
- Confidential law enforcement investigatory records that would disclose the identity of uncharged suspects
- Confidential informant identities
- Specific investigative techniques or procedures
- Information that would endanger law enforcement personnel, witnesses, or victims
Records protected by attorney-client privilege
Trial preparation records
Peace officer residential and familial information
Infrastructure and security records that could pose a security risk
Economic development records containing trade secrets or confidential business information
Records whose release is prohibited by state or federal law
Certain records related to child welfare and adult protective services
Records of the Child Fatality Review Board
Certain records of the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board

County officials are required to redact exempt information from records that contain both public and confidential information, rather than withholding the entire record. When a record is withheld or redacted, the requester must be provided with an explanation, including the legal authority for the denial or redaction, pursuant to ORC § 149.43(B)(3).

Stark County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Stark County Recorder's Office
110 Central Plaza South, Suite 170
Canton, OH 44702
(330) 451-7443
Stark County Recorder

Public Counter Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

The Stark County Recorder's Office serves as the official custodian of land records and other important documents for Stark County. The office is responsible for recording, maintaining, and providing access to various legal documents, including:

Deeds and property transfers
Mortgages and mortgage releases
Liens and lien releases
Plats and surveys
Military discharge records (DD-214)
Powers of attorney
Partnership agreements
Financing statements

The Recorder's Office maintains records dating back to the county's formation in 1809. Historical records are available on microfilm, while more recent records (from 1988 forward) are accessible through the office's computerized index system. The office provides both certified and uncertified copies of recorded documents upon request.

Visitors to the Recorder's Office may use public access terminals to search and view recorded documents at no charge. Staff members are available during business hours to assist with locating specific records and answering questions about the recording process.

For those unable to visit in person, the Recorder's Office offers an online search portal that provides access to digitized records. This service allows users to search for documents by name, date, or document type from any internet-connected device.