Pima County Property Records
What Is Pima County Property Records
Pima County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Pima County, Arizona. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and transactions throughout the county. The primary purpose of maintaining these records is to establish legal ownership (chain of title), provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
Property records in Pima County are governed by Arizona Revised Statutes § 11-461, which mandates the recording of instruments affecting real property. The Pima County Recorder's Office is responsible for maintaining these records in accordance with state law.
Pima County Recorder's Office
240 N. Stone Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-4350
Pima County Recorder
Property records maintained by Pima County include:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Plat maps and surveys
- Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)
- Tax assessment records
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
These records collectively form the foundation of real property ownership and transfer systems in Pima County, providing legal certainty and public transparency regarding land ownership.
Are Property Records Public Information In Pima County?
Property records in Pima County are public information and accessible to all citizens pursuant to both Arizona state law and county regulations. The Arizona Public Records Law, codified in Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121, establishes that "Public records and other matters in the custody of any officer shall be open to inspection by any person at all times during office hours." This statute, in conjunction with A.R.S. § 11-461, which governs the recording of instruments affecting real property, forms the legal basis for public access to property records.
The public nature of property records serves several important functions:
- Establishes transparency in land ownership and transfers
- Provides constructive notice of property interests to all parties
- Protects property rights by creating an official record
- Facilitates real estate transactions and property research
- Supports property tax assessment and collection
Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy reflects the fundamental principle that property ownership is a matter of public record in the United States legal system.
Pima County maintains these public records through several departments, including:
Pima County Assessor's Office
240 N. Stone Avenue, 1st Floor
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-8630
Pima County Assessor
Pima County Treasurer's Office
240 N. Stone Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-8341
Pima County Treasurer
While property records are public, certain personal information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and regulations to protect individuals from identity theft and fraud.
How To Search Property Records in Pima County in 2026
Pima County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access property information:
Online Search Methods:
- Visit the Pima County Recorder's Office website and select "Search Records"
- Access the Pima County Property Search portal maintained by the Treasurer's Office
- Navigate to the Pima County Assessor's property database for assessment information
- Use the Pima County GIS Parcel Search for map-based property information
In-Person Search Methods:
- Visit the Pima County Recorder's Office public terminals during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Request assistance from staff at the public counter
- Submit a written request for specific property records
Search by Mail:
- Submit a written request including property information (address, parcel number, or owner name)
- Include appropriate search fees
- Provide return address for document delivery
When searching property records, users may utilize various identifiers:
- Parcel identification number (most precise method)
- Property address
- Property owner name
- Legal description
- Subdivision name and lot number
The Pima County Recorder's Office maintains a comprehensive index of recorded documents that can be searched by:
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Document number
- Names of parties to the transaction
For complex searches or assistance with historical records, staff members at the Recorder's Office are available to provide guidance during regular business hours.
How To Find Property Records in Pima County Online?
Pima County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several official websites. The digital resources allow for efficient searching of property information without visiting county offices in person. To find property records online, follow these specific steps:
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For Recorded Documents (deeds, mortgages, liens):
- Navigate to the Pima County Recorder's Office website
- Select "Search Records" from the main menu
- Choose search criteria: name, document type, recording date, or document number
- Enter the relevant information and execute the search
- View document index information for free
- Purchase copies of documents for a nominal fee
-
For Property Tax and Assessment Information:
- Visit the Pima County Property Search portal
- Search by parcel number, owner name, or property address
- Review tax assessment values, payment status, and tax history
- Access property characteristic information and valuation details
-
For Parcel Maps and GIS Data:
- Access the Pima County GIS Parcel Search
- Enter parcel number or address
- View interactive maps showing property boundaries
- Access aerial imagery and zoning information
- Link to related property data from other county departments
-
For Building Permits and Zoning Information:
- Visit the Pima County Development Services website
- Use the permit search function
- Enter property address or parcel number
- Review building permit history and status
When using these online resources, users should note that:
- Some detailed document images may require payment of a fee
- The most recent transactions may have a slight delay before appearing in online systems
- Complex property research may still require assistance from county staff
- Historical records prior to digital conversion may have limited online availability
The online systems are regularly updated to reflect current property information and provide 24/7 access to public records.
How To Look Up Pima County Property Records for Free?
Pima County offers several no-cost options for accessing property records. Members of the public may utilize these free resources to obtain basic property information without incurring fees:
Free Online Resources:
-
Pima County Assessor's Property Search:
- Visit the Pima County Assessor's website
- Select "Parcel Search" from the main menu
- Enter property address, owner name, or parcel number
- Access free information including:
- Property ownership details
- Property characteristics (size, year built, etc.)
- Assessment values
- Limited sales history
-
Pima County GIS Map Services:
- Navigate to the Pima County GIS Parcel Search
- Search by address or parcel number
- View property boundaries, dimensions, and location
- Access zoning information and flood zone status
- View aerial imagery of the property
-
Pima County Treasurer's Property Tax Information:
- Access the Pima County Property Tax portal
- Search by parcel number or property address
- View current tax status and payment history
- Access tax bill information and valuation notices
Free In-Person Options:
-
Public Access Terminals:
- Visit the Pima County Recorder's Office during business hours
- Use self-service computer terminals at no charge
- Search recorded documents by name, date, or document type
- View index information for all recorded documents
-
Assessor's Office Public Counter:
- Visit the Pima County Assessor's Office
- Request basic property information from staff
- View property record cards and assessment information
- Access maps and other public documents
While basic property information is available at no cost, users should be aware that:
- Printed copies of documents typically incur a fee (currently $1.00 per page)
- Certified copies have additional charges
- Extensive research assistance may involve service fees
- Some specialized searches may require professional assistance
These free resources provide sufficient information for most basic property inquiries, allowing citizens to access essential property data without financial barriers.
What's Included in a Pima County Property Record?
Pima County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within the county boundaries. Real property, as distinguished from personal property, refers to land and anything permanently attached to the land, such as buildings and improvements. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation.
A complete Pima County property record typically includes the following components:
Ownership Information:
- Current property owner name(s)
- Previous owner history (chain of title)
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Type of ownership (individual, joint, trust, corporate)
Property Identification:
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Legal description
- Property address
- Subdivision name and lot number
- Township, range, and section coordinates
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building square footage
- Number of rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Year built and effective age
- Construction type and quality
- Amenities and special features
- Improvements and additions
Valuation and Tax Information:
- Full cash value (market value)
- Limited property value
- Assessment ratio
- Property classification
- Tax area code
- Annual tax amounts
- Payment history
Transaction History:
- Sale dates and prices
- Mortgage information
- Refinancing records
- Foreclosure actions (if applicable)
Legal Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)
- Homeowners association information
Permits and Zoning:
- Building permits
- Certificates of occupancy
- Zoning classification
- Land use restrictions
- Variance approvals
These records are maintained pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 11-462, which establishes requirements for recording and indexing instruments affecting real property.
How Long Does Pima County Keep Property Records?
Pima County maintains property records in perpetuity for most essential documents related to property ownership and transfers. The retention of these records is governed by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records retention schedules and Arizona Revised Statutes § 11-465, which establishes requirements for preservation of public records.
The retention periods for various property-related documents are as follows:
Permanent Retention (Indefinite):
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Subdivision plats and surveys
- Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)
- Annexation documents
- Original tax assessment rolls
- Property record cards
- Zoning maps and master plans
Long-Term Retention (15-25 years):
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Variance applications and decisions
- Conditional use permits
- Tax liens (after release or expiration)
- Special assessment records
- Property tax payment records
Medium-Term Retention (5-10 years):
- Building inspection reports
- Temporary permits
- Code enforcement actions
- Property maintenance records
- Routine correspondence regarding properties
Short-Term Retention (1-3 years):
- Permit applications (after completion)
- Routine information requests
- Temporary property use authorizations
The Pima County Recorder's Office has implemented digital preservation systems to ensure the long-term accessibility of historical property records. Many records dating back to the county's formation in 1864 have been digitized and are available through electronic systems.
For historical research purposes, the county maintains microfilm backups of older records and has established archival storage for original documents of historical significance. These preservation efforts ensure that the chain of title for properties can be traced throughout the county's history.
How To Find Liens on Property In Pima County?
Liens on property in Pima County can be identified through several official channels. A lien is a legal claim against a property that must be paid when the property is sold. Finding existing liens is an essential step in property due diligence. Members of the public may locate lien information through the following methods:
Online Lien Search:
-
Recorder's Office Records Search:
- Visit the Pima County Recorder's website
- Select "Search Records" from the main menu
- Search by property owner name or parcel number
- Filter results by document type (select "Lien" or specific lien types)
- Review index information for recorded liens
-
Tax Lien Search:
- Access the Pima County Treasurer's website
- Navigate to the property search function
- Enter the parcel number or property address
- Review tax status for any delinquencies or tax liens
- Check for upcoming tax lien sales affecting the property
-
Judgment Lien Search:
- Visit the Pima County Superior Court records
- Search by property owner name
- Review civil judgments that may attach as liens
- Note case numbers and judgment amounts
In-Person Lien Search:
-
Visit the Pima County Recorder's Office:
- Request a lien search for a specific property
- Provide the property owner's name and/or parcel number
- Review documents at public terminals
- Request copies of relevant lien documents
-
Check with the Pima County Treasurer's Office:
- Inquire about outstanding property tax liens
- Request a tax status certificate
- Verify if the property is subject to special assessments
-
Visit the Pima County Development Services Department:
- Check for code enforcement liens
- Verify if there are outstanding building permit violations
- Inquire about special assessment districts affecting the property
Types of Liens to Search For:
- Tax liens (property tax delinquencies)
- Mechanic's liens (unpaid contractors)
- Judgment liens (court-ordered debts)
- HOA liens (unpaid association fees)
- Federal tax liens (IRS claims)
- Child support liens
- Municipal code enforcement liens
- Special assessment liens
For comprehensive lien searches, many property buyers utilize title companies that perform professional searches to identify all recorded liens affecting a property. These searches typically include a review of records from multiple county departments and courts.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Pima County?
The Property Owner Rule in Pima County refers to a set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership rights and responsibilities within the county. These rules are established through a combination of Arizona state law, Pima County ordinances, and legal precedents. The fundamental aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
Ownership Rights and Responsibilities:
Property owners in Pima County possess certain rights protected by Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-1261 and county ordinances, including:
- The right to possess and use their property
- The authority to exclude others from their property
- The ability to transfer ownership through sale, gift, or inheritance
- The right to develop property in accordance with zoning regulations
- The responsibility to maintain property in compliance with health and safety codes
- The obligation to pay property taxes and assessments
Recording Requirements:
Pima County follows Arizona's "race-notice" recording statute, which establishes that:
- Property ownership documents must be recorded with the Pima County Recorder to establish legal priority
- First-recorded valid documents generally take precedence over later recordings
- Unrecorded documents may be valid between parties but lack protection against subsequent purchasers
- All documents affecting real property must meet formatting requirements specified in county regulations
Property Tax Obligations:
Property owners in Pima County are subject to specific tax rules:
- Property taxes are assessed based on values determined by the Pima County Assessor
- Tax bills are issued annually by the Pima County Treasurer
- Property owners may appeal assessed values through established procedures
- Tax liens attach to properties with delinquent taxes
- Properties with unpaid taxes may be subject to tax lien sales after specified periods
Land Use Regulations:
Property owners must comply with:
- Zoning ordinances establishing permitted uses
- Building codes governing construction standards
- Subdivision regulations for property division
- Environmental protection requirements
- Historic preservation restrictions in designated areas
Water Rights:
In Pima County, property ownership may include specific water rights governed by:
- Arizona groundwater management regulations
- Surface water appropriation rules
- Riparian rights for properties adjacent to waterways
- Well drilling and water use permits
These property owner rules are administered and enforced by various Pima County departments, including the Assessor's Office, Recorder's Office, Development Services Department, and Environmental Quality Department. Property owners seeking clarification on specific rules should consult with the appropriate county office or seek legal advice from qualified professionals.