Whatcom County Property Records
What Is Whatcom County Property Records
Property records in Whatcom County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Pursuant to Washington State law RCW 65.08.070, all instruments affecting real property must be recorded to provide constructive notice to the public.
The primary purposes of Whatcom County property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
- Enabling land use planning and development
The Whatcom County Auditor's Office maintains the official repository of property records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other documents affecting real property interests. These records date back to the county's formation in 1854 and constitute an unbroken chain of title documentation essential for property ownership verification.
Under Washington State's recording statutes, specifically RCW § 65.08.070, all instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the county auditor to provide constructive notice to the public. This statutory requirement ensures transparency in property ownership and protects the interests of all parties involved in real estate transactions.
Are Property Records Public Information In Whatcom County?
Property records in Whatcom County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Washington State law. The Washington Public Records Act (PRA), RCW Chapter 42.56, establishes that public records, including property records, must be available for public inspection and copying. Additionally, RCW § 65.04.140 specifically mandates that all recorded instruments related to real property be open to public examination.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public accessibility to provide constructive notice
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property research
Any member of the public may access Whatcom County property records without demonstrating a specific interest or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy aligns with Washington's strong commitment to government transparency and public information accessibility.
Whatcom County Auditor's Office
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 778-5100
Whatcom County Auditor
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
How To Search Property Records in Whatcom County in 2026
Searching property records in Whatcom County involves several methods depending on the specific information needed and preferred access method. The county maintains comprehensive digital systems while continuing to provide in-person services for property record searches.
For online property record searches:
- Visit the Whatcom County property records portal
- Select the appropriate search option (parcel number, owner name, address)
- Enter the search criteria in the designated fields
- Review the search results and select the property of interest
- Access available documents and property information
For in-person property record searches:
- Visit the Whatcom County Auditor's Office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form at the public counter
- Provide specific search criteria to staff
- Review available records with assistance from county personnel
- Request copies of relevant documents (fees may apply)
The county also offers telephone assistance for property record inquiries at (360) 778-5100, where staff can provide guidance on search methods and available records.
For complex property research, members of the public may submit a written request to:
Whatcom County Auditor's Office
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103
Bellingham, WA 98225
Include specific search parameters, time period of interest, and contact information for response.
How To Find Property Records in Whatcom County Online?
Whatcom County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms maintained by county departments. These systems provide convenient 24/7 access to property information without requiring an in-person visit to county offices.
The primary online resources for property records include:
-
Whatcom County Property Search Portal
- Access via the Whatcom County website
- Search by parcel number, owner name, or property address
- View property characteristics, assessed values, and tax information
- Access links to related property documents
-
Whatcom County Auditor's Recording System
- Access via the Auditor's Recording page
- Search recorded documents by name, document type, or recording number
- View document images for deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded instruments
- Download or print document copies (fees may apply)
-
Whatcom County GIS Tax Parcel Viewer
- Interactive mapping system showing property boundaries
- Linked to property record data and ownership information
- Provides spatial context for property research
- Includes zoning, critical areas, and other land use information
-
Washington State Digital Archives
- Access historical land records for Whatcom County
- Search by grantor/grantee names, document types, or recording dates
- View digitized images of historical property documents
- Research property ownership history and chain of title
Users should note that while most property records are available online, some older records or specialized documents may require in-person research at county offices.
How To Look Up Whatcom County Property Records for Free?
Whatcom County provides several free options for accessing property records, ensuring public information remains accessible to all citizens regardless of financial resources. These free services are available both online and in person.
Free online property record access includes:
- Whatcom County Property Search - Basic property information, ownership data, and assessed values
- GIS Tax Parcel Viewer - Property boundaries, dimensions, and spatial information
- Assessor's Property Search - Tax assessment information, property characteristics, and valuation history
Free in-person property record access:
- Public computer terminals at the Whatcom County Auditor's Office
- Assistance from county staff for basic property record searches
- Self-service research using public record indexes and finding aids
Whatcom County Assessor's Office
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 106
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 778-5050
Whatcom County Assessor
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
While basic property record searches are free, users should be aware that fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of recorded documents
- Large-volume document reproduction
- Specialized research assistance
- Document recording services
The Washington Department of Revenue provides additional guidance on accessing county property tax information throughout the state.
What's Included in a Whatcom County Property Record?
Whatcom County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and data related to real property within county boundaries. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for specific aspects of property documentation.
Property records typically include:
Ownership Documents:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Transfer on death deeds
- Trustee's deeds
- Tax deeds
- Judicial deeds
Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Releases and satisfactions
- Assignments of mortgage
- Foreclosure documents
Property Rights Documents:
- Easements and right-of-way agreements
- Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)
- Condominium declarations
- Homeowners association documents
- Conservation easements
Assessment and Taxation Records:
- Property tax statements
- Assessment notices
- Tax exemption documents
- Special assessment records
- Tax appeal decisions
Land Use Records:
- Subdivision plats
- Boundary line adjustments
- Short plats
- Binding site plans
- Survey records
Building and Development Records:
- Building permits
- Occupancy certificates
- Code enforcement actions
- Land use approvals
- Environmental permits
Pursuant to RCW § 84.40.175, property records must include detailed information for assessment purposes, including physical characteristics, improvements, and valuation data. The Planning & Development Services department maintains records related to land use, building permits, and development approvals.
How Long Does Whatcom County Keep Property Records?
Whatcom County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives under the authority of RCW § 40.14.070, which governs the preservation and destruction of public records. Property records are subject to varying retention periods based on their type and significance.
Key retention periods for Whatcom County property records include:
-
Permanent Retention:
- Recorded deeds and conveyances
- Mortgage and lien documents
- Plats and surveys
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Condominium declarations
- Property tax rolls
-
Long-Term Retention (10+ years):
- Building permits for significant structures
- Property tax assessment appeals
- Special assessment records
- Environmental impact statements
- Critical areas determinations
-
Medium-Term Retention (3-10 years):
- Building permits for minor structures
- Temporary easements
- Routine property inspections
- Zoning compliance records
- Temporary use permits
-
Short-Term Retention (less than 3 years):
- Routine correspondence
- Public information requests
- Preliminary application materials
- Temporary permits
- Working files and drafts
The Washington State Archives maintains historical property records through its Digital Archives program, which includes digitized land records from Whatcom County dating back to its formation. These historical records are preserved permanently for their historical and legal significance.
County officials follow the Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule (CORE) and the County Records Retention Schedule when determining how long to maintain specific property records.
How To Find Liens on Property In Whatcom County?
Locating liens on property in Whatcom County requires searching specific records maintained by the County Auditor and other government agencies. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold or refinanced.
To search for liens on Whatcom County property:
-
County Auditor's Records Search:
- Visit the Whatcom County Auditor's recording search
- Search by property owner name or parcel number
- Filter results by document type (select "lien" categories)
- Review matching documents for active liens
-
Tax Lien Search:
- Contact the Whatcom County Treasurer's Office
- Request property tax status information
- Verify if delinquent taxes have resulted in tax liens
Whatcom County Treasurer's Office
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 104
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 778-5160
Whatcom County Treasurer -
Federal Tax Lien Search:
- Federal tax liens are recorded with the County Auditor
- Search by taxpayer name in the Auditor's records
- Look specifically for "Notice of Federal Tax Lien" documents
-
Judgment Lien Search:
- Contact the Whatcom County Superior Court
- Request a judgment search against the property owner
- Verify if judgments have been recorded as liens
Whatcom County Superior Court
311 Grand Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 778-5560
Whatcom County Superior Court -
Mechanic's Lien Search:
- Search Auditor's records for construction-related liens
- Look for documents filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers
- Verify filing dates to determine if liens are still valid
Under Washington State law RCW § 60.04.091, mechanic's liens must be filed within 90 days of the last day of work or material delivery, and legal action must be initiated within 8 months to maintain validity.
Professional title companies often provide comprehensive lien search services for a fee, which may be advisable for complex property transactions or when complete assurance is required.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Whatcom County?
The Property Owner Rule in Whatcom County refers to the legal framework governing property ownership rights, responsibilities, and restrictions under Washington State law and county ordinances. This rule encompasses multiple aspects of property ownership that affect how individuals may use, transfer, and develop real property within the county.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Ownership Rights and Limitations:
- Fee simple ownership conveys broad property rights
- Property use must comply with zoning and land use regulations
- Critical areas ordinances may restrict development in environmentally sensitive areas
- Shoreline management regulations apply to waterfront properties
- Historical preservation requirements may affect designated properties
Recording Requirements:
- All property transfers must be recorded with the County Auditor
- Pursuant to RCW § 65.08.070, unrecorded conveyances are valid between parties but void against subsequent purchasers who record first
- Documents must meet formatting standards specified in RCW § 65.04.045
- Excise tax affidavits must accompany property transfers
Property Tax Obligations:
- Property owners are responsible for annual property tax payments
- Tax status follows the property regardless of ownership changes
- Tax liens have priority over most other encumbrances
- Property tax appeals must follow procedures established by the Board of Equalization
Development Regulations:
- Building permits required for most construction activities
- Land divisions must comply with subdivision regulations
- Critical areas ordinances protect wetlands, steep slopes, and habitat areas
- Stormwater management requirements apply to development projects
- Comprehensive Plan designations guide allowable land uses
The Whatcom County Code, particularly Title 20 (Zoning) and Title 21 (Land Division Regulations), establishes specific requirements for property development and use. Property owners should consult with Planning & Development Services before undertaking significant property improvements or changes in use.
Lookup Property Records in Whatcom County
Whatcom County Official Website
Washington State Digital Archives - Whatcom County Land Records
Whatcom County Planning & Development Services
Washington Department of Revenue - County Property Tax Information