Stark County Property Records
What Is Stark County Property Records
Stark County property records are official documents maintained by Stark County government offices that contain detailed information about real estate parcels within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative source of property ownership history, valuation, and legal status for all real property in Stark County, Ohio. Property records are maintained pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 317.09, which mandates the proper recording and preservation of all real estate transactions.
The primary responsibility for maintaining these records is divided between two county offices:
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Stark County Auditor's Office
110 Central Plaza South, Suite 220
Canton, OH 44702
(330) 451-7357
Stark County Auditor
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM -
Stark County Recorder's Office
110 Central Plaza South, Suite 170
Canton, OH 44702
(330) 451-7443
Stark County Recorder
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Property records typically include deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, property tax information, property dimensions, zoning classifications, and improvement details. These documents establish a chain of title that traces ownership from the current property owner back through previous owners, often for decades or even centuries.
Are Property Records Public Information In Stark County?
Property records in Stark County are public information and accessible to all citizens in accordance with Ohio's Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This statute establishes that government records, including property records, shall be made available for inspection to any person during regular business hours.
The public nature of these records serves several important functions:
- Provides transparency in property ownership and transfers
- Enables potential buyers to verify property ownership before purchase
- Allows lenders to confirm property status before issuing loans
- Assists government agencies in property tax assessment and collection
- Supports legal proceedings related to property disputes
While property records are public, certain personal information may be redacted in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.45, which provides for the redaction of social security numbers, financial account numbers, and other sensitive personal information from public records.
Members of the public seeking to access property records may do so through:
- In-person visits to the Stark County Auditor's or Recorder's offices
- Online searches through the Stark County Property Search portal
- Written requests submitted to the appropriate county office
No appointment is necessary for in-person record searches, though visitors must comply with standard security procedures when entering county buildings.
How To Search Property Records in Stark County in 2025
Searching property records in Stark County in 2025 can be accomplished through multiple methods, each designed to accommodate different research needs and technical capabilities. The Stark County government has implemented several user-friendly systems to facilitate public access to these important documents.
For in-person searches, individuals may visit:
Stark County Auditor's Office
110 Central Plaza South, Suite 220
Canton, OH 44702
(330) 451-7357
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The in-person search process typically involves:
- Completing a public records request form
- Providing specific property information (address, parcel number, or owner name)
- Working with staff to locate relevant records
- Paying applicable copy fees ($0.10 per page for standard copies as of 2025)
For online searches, the county maintains a comprehensive property records database accessible through the Stark County Property Search portal. This system allows users to search by:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel identification number
- Property characteristics
The online system has been updated for 2025 with enhanced search capabilities and mobile responsiveness. Users can now filter search results by property type, sale date range, and valuation parameters.
For complex searches or historical records that may not be digitized, assistance from county staff is available by calling (330) 451-7357 during regular business hours.
How To Find Property Records in Stark County Online?
Finding property records online in Stark County has been streamlined through the county's digital records initiative. The primary online resource for property record searches is the official Stark County Property Search portal, which provides 24/7 access to property information.
To conduct an effective online search, users should follow these steps:
- Navigate to the Stark County Property Search website
- Select the desired search method (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate fields
- Review the list of matching properties
- Select a specific property to view detailed information
- Access available documents through the "Documents" tab
The online system provides access to:
- Current and historical property ownership information
- Property valuation and tax data
- Building characteristics and improvements
- Recent sales information
- Property dimensions and legal descriptions
- Tax district information
For payment of property taxes, users may utilize the Stark County Payment Portal, which accepts major credit cards and electronic checks.
Users experiencing technical difficulties with the online system may contact the Stark County IT Department at (330) 451-7650 during regular business hours for assistance.
Can You Look Up Stark County Property Records for Free?
Stark County property records are available to the public free of charge for basic searches and viewing. In accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), which states that "all public records shall be promptly prepared and made available for inspection to any person at all reasonable times during regular business hours," the county provides multiple no-cost options for accessing property information.
Free access options include:
- Online viewing through the Stark County Property Search portal
- In-person inspection at the Stark County Auditor's Office or Recorder's Office
- Basic property information available through the Stark County Government website
While basic searches and viewing are free, certain services do carry nominal fees:
- Printed copies: $0.10 per page
- Certified copies: $2.00 per document
- Bulk data requests: Fees vary based on scope and format
- Commercial use licenses: Contact the Recorder's Office for current fee schedule
The Stark County Recorder's Office maintains a complete fee schedule pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 317.32, which establishes the statutory fees for recording and copying services. This schedule is posted at the Recorder's Office and available upon request.
For extensive research projects, members of the public may wish to consult with county staff about the most cost-effective approach to obtaining needed records.
What's Included in a Stark County Property Record?
Stark County property records contain comprehensive information about real estate parcels within the county. These records are maintained in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 317.08, which specifies the types of instruments that must be recorded. A complete property record typically includes multiple documents and data points organized into several categories.
Property identification information includes:
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Legal description of the property
- Property address
- Lot and subdivision information
- Geographic coordinates
- Tax district designation
Ownership information contains:
- Current owner's name and mailing address
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Deed references and recording dates
- Type of ownership (individual, joint, trust, corporate)
Valuation and tax information encompasses:
- Current assessed value
- Market value estimates
- Annual property tax amounts
- Tax payment history
- Special assessments
- Tax exemptions or abatements
Physical characteristics documented include:
- Land area and dimensions
- Building square footage
- Number of rooms and bathrooms
- Construction type and quality
- Year built and effective age
- Recent improvements or additions
Legal encumbrances recorded may include:
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Tax liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Judgments affecting title
These records are maintained by both the Stark County Auditor's Office and the Stark County Recorder's Office, with each office responsible for specific aspects of the property record.
How Long Does Stark County Keep Property Records?
Stark County maintains property records permanently in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.39, which establishes retention schedules for county records. The permanent preservation of property records ensures the continuity of land ownership documentation and provides an unbroken chain of title for all real property within county boundaries.
The county employs a multi-tiered records management system:
- Active records (current and recent years) are maintained in readily accessible digital formats and original paper documents
- Older records are preserved through microfilm, digital archives, and climate-controlled storage
- Historical records dating to the county's formation in 1808 are maintained in special archival facilities
The Stark County Records Center, located at 110 Central Plaza South, Canton, OH 44702, serves as the central repository for historical property records. This facility employs archival preservation methods to ensure the longevity of these important documents.
Digital preservation efforts include:
- Regular backup of electronic records
- Migration of data to current formats
- Redundant storage systems
- Climate-controlled server facilities
- Disaster recovery protocols
Members of the public researching historical property records may need to consult with specialized staff at the Recorder's Office, who can assist in locating and interpreting older documents that may use archaic legal terminology or reference outdated geographic boundaries.
How To Find Liens on Property In Stark County?
Finding liens on property in Stark County requires searching records maintained by multiple county offices. Liens are legal claims against property that serve as security for debt payment and are recorded pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 1311.06 for mechanic's liens and various other statutes for other lien types.
To conduct a comprehensive lien search, interested parties should check records at:
Stark County Recorder's Office
110 Central Plaza South, Suite 170
Canton, OH 44702
(330) 451-7443
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Stark County Clerk of Courts
115 Central Plaza North
Canton, OH 44702
(330) 451-7786
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Stark County Treasurer's Office
110 Central Plaza South, Suite 250
Canton, OH 44702
(330) 451-7814
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Common types of liens that may be discovered include:
- Tax liens (property tax delinquencies)
- Mortgage liens
- Mechanic's liens (for unpaid construction work)
- Judgment liens
- Federal tax liens
- Child support liens
- Utility liens
Online searches for liens can be initiated through the Stark County Property Search portal, though a complete lien search may require in-person visits to multiple offices. For the most comprehensive results, many real estate professionals recommend working with a title company that specializes in lien searches.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Stark County?
The Property Owner Rule in Stark County refers to the legal principle established under Ohio Revised Code § 5301.25 that governs the recording of property documents and establishes the rights of property owners. This rule stipulates that property ownership is officially recognized when properly executed deeds and other instruments are recorded with the County Recorder's Office.
Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
- All deeds, land contracts, and other instruments transferring an interest in real property must be recorded to provide constructive notice to third parties
- Unrecorded instruments are valid between the parties but may not be enforceable against subsequent purchasers who record their interests
- Recording establishes priority of interests, with earlier recorded documents generally taking precedence over later ones
- Property owners have the right to access and review all recorded documents affecting their property
The rule operates on the principle of "first in time, first in right," meaning that the first person to properly record a valid interest in property generally has superior rights to those who record later. This creates a strong incentive for prompt recording of property documents.
Property owners in Stark County should be aware that:
- Recording fees must be paid at the time documents are submitted
- Documents must meet specific formatting requirements to be accepted for recording
- Proper notarization is required for most property documents
- Tax identification numbers must be included on most recorded documents
For specific questions regarding the Property Owner Rule and its application to individual situations, property owners should consult with a licensed attorney specializing in real estate law.
Lookup Property Records in Stark County
Stark County Auditor Property Records
Stark County Recorder Document Search