Cowlitz County, Washington, is home to five cities. In Cowlitz County, WA, property records are thorough sources of information about an asset’s history, including past owners and value changes. They are necessary to ensure transparency in property transactions.

A closer look at Cowlitz County property records unveils the local real estate dynamics, giving data such as the median home value of $340,255 and the median rent at $980, set against the median house income of $78,056. The records also demonstrate that the county oversees a median property tax rate of 0.74% to homeowners.

The  Recording Department of the County Auditor oversees the property records in Cowlitz County, WA, including documents like deeds, liens, plats, maps, and mortgages. These are organized by various criteria like recording date, grantor/grantee name, parcel address, and volume and page number.

The public can access these property documents at the office during regular business hours. Online access is also available with the use of the Public Records Search for documents recorded after 1986. Documents prior to 1986 are available at the  Washington State Archives, where they can be searched, selected, and ordered.

In Cowlitz County, WA, fees for obtaining property records vary. Non-certified document copies cost $1 per page, while certified copies charge $3 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Map copies cost $1 for sizes 11 x 17 or less and $5 for dimensions 18 x 24 or 24 x 36, with each additional page costing $3.

Zoning information in Cowlitz County can be verified through the Planning Division. This division oversees zoning regulations and land use planning for properties in unincorporated parts of the county. If the property is located within city limits, the local planning office should be contacted for the relevant zoning records.