Sherburne County Property Records
What Is Sherburne County Property Records
Sherburne County property records constitute official documentation that chronicles the ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative source for establishing legal ownership of land and structures situated in Sherburne County, Minnesota. Property records maintained by the county provide a comprehensive history of ownership transfers, commonly referred to as the "chain of title," which documents the succession of ownership from the original land patent to the current titleholder.
The primary purposes of Sherburne County property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership of real property
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights through official documentation
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
The recording and maintenance of property records in Sherburne County operates under the authority of Minnesota Statutes § 507.01, which establishes the legal framework for recording instruments affecting real estate. The statute mandates that deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the county recorder to provide constructive notice to the public.
Property records in Sherburne County are primarily maintained by the Sherburne County Recorder's Office, which serves as the official repository for documents related to real property ownership and transfers within the county.
Sherburne County Recorder's Office
13880 Business Center Drive NW
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 765-4725
Sherburne County Recorder
Are Property Records Public Information In Sherburne County?
Property records in Sherburne County are indeed public information, accessible to all members of the public pursuant to both state and federal law. The public nature of these records is established under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which classifies government data as public unless specifically classified otherwise by state or federal law.
The legal basis for public access to property records rests on several foundational principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to provide constructive notice
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property research
Under Minnesota Statutes § 507.24, the county recorder is required to record all eligible documents presented for recording that affect real property, and these records must be made available for public inspection. This statutory requirement ensures that information about property ownership, transfers, and encumbrances is accessible to anyone seeking such information.
It is important to note that while property records are public, certain personal information contained within these records may be subject to redaction or restricted access under privacy laws. However, the core information regarding property ownership, legal descriptions, and recorded instruments remains fully accessible to the public.
Any member of the public may access Sherburne County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their inquiry. This open access policy supports transparency in property ownership and facilitates due diligence in real estate transactions.
How To Search Property Records in Sherburne County in 2026
Sherburne County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access property information:
Online Search Method:
- Visit the Sherburne County Property Information Portal
- Select the appropriate search option (property address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Enter the search criteria in the designated fields
- Review the search results and select the property of interest
- Access available property information including ownership details, tax information, and property characteristics
In-Person Search Method:
- Visit the Sherburne County Government Center during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Proceed to the Recorder's Office or Property Records Department
- Complete a records request form, specifying the property information sought
- Staff members will assist with accessing the appropriate records
- Review records on-site; copying services are available for a nominal fee
Mail or Email Request Method:
- Download and complete the Records Request Form
- Include specific information about the property (address, parcel ID, or legal description)
- Specify the type of records requested (deed, mortgage, lien, etc.)
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
- Submit the request to:
Sherburne County Recorder's Office
13880 Business Center Drive NW
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 765-4725
Sherburne County Recorder
For complex searches or historical records that may not be digitized, the county recommends contacting the Recorder's Office directly to discuss research options and potential assistance from county staff. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 357.18, fees may apply for certain record searches and document copies.
How To Find Property Records in Sherburne County Online?
Sherburne County maintains comprehensive online resources for accessing property records digitally. The county's integrated property information system allows for efficient searching of various property-related documents and information. To find property records online, follow these specific steps:
- Access the Sherburne County Land Records Information System
- Select from the following search options:
- Property address search
- Owner name search
- Parcel identification number (PIN) search
- Legal description search
- Enter the relevant search criteria in the appropriate fields
- Review the search results list and select the property of interest
- Navigate through the available tabs to access specific property information:
- Property summary
- Ownership history
- Tax information
- Recorded documents
- Property characteristics
- Valuation history
For recorded documents specifically, the county provides access through the Sherburne County Recorder's Office Online Portal, which contains:
- Deeds and other conveyance documents
- Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
- Liens and lien releases
- Easements and restrictions
- Plats and surveys
The online system includes records dating back to approximately 1980, with ongoing digitization efforts for older records. Documents recorded prior to digital conversion may require in-person research or staff assistance.
Users should note that while basic property information is available at no cost, accessing certain detailed documents or requesting certified copies may incur fees as established by Minnesota Statutes § 357.18.
For technical assistance with the online system, users may contact:
Sherburne County Information Technology Department
13880 Business Center Drive NW
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 765-4000
Sherburne County IT Department
How To Look Up Sherburne County Property Records for Free?
Sherburne County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic property records. Members of the public may utilize these free resources to obtain property information without incurring fees:
Free Online Access:
The Sherburne County Property Information Search offers complimentary access to:
- Property ownership information
- Property tax status
- Property valuation data
- Legal descriptions
- Basic property characteristics
- Recent sales information
This free online portal is accessible 24/7 and requires no login credentials or subscription fees.
Public Access Terminals:
Sherburne County maintains public access computer terminals at the following locations:
- Sherburne County Government Center - Recorder's Office
- Sherburne County Law Library
- Sherburne County Public Libraries (Elk River, Big Lake, and Becker branches)
These terminals provide free access to the county's property information system and basic recorded documents.
In-Person Research:
Individuals may visit the Recorder's Office during regular business hours to conduct free research:
- Staff can assist with navigating records systems
- Self-service research is available at no charge
- Viewing documents on-site incurs no fees
Sherburne County Recorder's Office
13880 Business Center Drive NW
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 765-4725
Sherburne County Recorder
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
It is important to note that while basic research and viewing of records is free, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies of documents ($1.00 per page)
- Certified copies ($10.00 per document)
- Extensive research assistance from staff
- Specialized searches requiring staff time
These fees are established pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 357.18, which authorizes counties to charge reasonable fees for document reproduction and certification.
What's Included in a Sherburne County Property Record?
Sherburne County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within county boundaries. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, including the Recorder's Office, Assessor's Office, and Auditor-Treasurer's Office, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation.
Property records in Sherburne County distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets). The county's record-keeping focuses primarily on real property, though certain personal property may be documented through UCC filings or tax records.
A complete Sherburne 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
- Purchase prices and consideration amounts
- Warranty, quitclaim, or special warranty deed information
Property Identification:
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Legal description (lot, block, subdivision or government survey description)
- Property address
- Plat map references
- Survey information
Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Mortgage satisfactions and releases
- Tax liens (federal, state, local)
- Mechanics liens
- Judgment liens
- Assessment liens
Property Characteristics:
- Land area (acreage or square footage)
- Building descriptions and dimensions
- Construction details and year built
- Number of rooms/units
- Building permits and improvements
- Zoning classification
Tax Information:
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Tax classification
- Annual tax amounts
- Payment history
- Special assessments
- Tax exemptions or deferrals
Legal Instruments:
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium declarations
- Homeowners association documents
- Court orders affecting property
- Probate documents related to property
The content and organization of property records are governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 507, which establishes requirements for recording instruments affecting real estate. This statutory framework ensures consistency and completeness in property record maintenance across all Minnesota counties.
How Long Does Sherburne County Keep Property Records?
Sherburne County maintains property records according to retention schedules established under Minnesota law. The preservation of these records follows guidelines set forth in the Minnesota Records Retention Schedule for Counties, administered by the Minnesota Historical Society State Archives.
Property records in Sherburne County are subject to the following retention periods:
Permanent Retention:
- Deeds and conveyance documents
- Mortgage and satisfaction records
- Plats and surveys
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium declarations
- Township and range books
- Original land patents
- Torrens certificates and memorials
Extended Retention (25+ years):
- Tax assessment rolls (25 years)
- Special assessment records (30 years after final payment)
- Building permits for completed structures (life of structure plus 10 years)
- Variance and conditional use permits (permanent if approved)
Medium-Term Retention (7-15 years):
- Property tax payment records (10 years)
- Building permit applications (7 years if denied)
- Temporary easements (duration of easement plus 6 years)
- Property inspection reports (10 years)
Short-Term Retention (1-6 years):
- Property record search requests (3 years)
- Routine correspondence regarding property (3 years)
- Temporary permits (3 years after expiration)
The retention of property records is mandated by Minnesota Statutes § 138.17, which establishes the legal framework for government records management. This statute requires counties to maintain records according to approved retention schedules and prohibits the destruction of records except as authorized by law.
Sherburne County has implemented digital preservation strategies to ensure the long-term accessibility of property records. Historical records dating back to the county's formation in 1856 have been preserved through microfilming and digital conversion projects, with ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility while maintaining the integrity of these vital records.
How To Find Liens on Property In Sherburne County?
Locating liens on property in Sherburne County requires searching multiple record repositories, as liens may be filed with different government offices depending on their type. The following methods provide comprehensive access to lien information:
Online Lien Search:
- Access the Sherburne County Land Records Information System
- Enter the property address, owner name, or parcel ID
- Navigate to the "Recorded Documents" section
- Filter results by document type, selecting "Liens" from the available options
- Review the list of recorded liens, which may include:
- Tax liens
- Mechanics liens
- Judgment liens
- Assessment liens
- Federal tax liens
In-Person Lien Search:
For a comprehensive lien search, visit the following county offices:
Sherburne County Recorder's Office
13880 Business Center Drive NW
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 765-4725
Sherburne County Recorder
The Recorder's Office maintains records of:
- Mechanics liens
- Federal tax liens
- State tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Child support liens
Sherburne County Auditor-Treasurer's Office
13880 Business Center Drive NW
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 765-4350
Sherburne County Auditor-Treasurer
The Auditor-Treasurer's Office maintains records of:
- Property tax liens
- Special assessment liens
- Delinquent utility liens
Sherburne County District Court
13880 Business Center Drive NW
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 765-4600
Sherburne County District Court
The District Court maintains records of:
- Judgment liens
- Pending litigation affecting property
- Lis pendens notices
For the most comprehensive lien search, property owners or interested parties may wish to engage a title company to conduct a professional title search, which will identify all recorded liens and encumbrances affecting the property. This approach is particularly recommended for real estate transactions or refinancing.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 514.08, mechanics liens must be filed within 120 days after completion of work, making recent liens a particular concern for property purchasers. Additionally, Minnesota Statutes § 548.09 governs judgment liens, which remain effective for ten years from the date of judgment.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Sherburne County?
The Property Owner Rule in Sherburne County refers to the legal framework governing property ownership rights, responsibilities, and restrictions within the county. This rule encompasses multiple aspects of property ownership and is derived from state statutes, county ordinances, and established legal precedents.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule in Sherburne County include:
Ownership Recording Requirements:
Property ownership in Sherburne County must be officially documented through proper recording of deeds and other conveyance instruments with the County Recorder's Office. Under Minnesota Statutes § 507.34, unrecorded conveyances are valid between the parties but void against subsequent purchasers who record their interest first without notice of the prior unrecorded conveyance. This "race-notice" system incentivizes prompt recording of property transfers.
Property Tax Responsibilities:
Property owners in Sherburne County are legally obligated to pay property taxes as assessed by the county. The Sherburne County Property Tax Code establishes that:
- Property taxes become a lien against the property on January 1 each year
- Tax payments are due in two installments (May 15 and October 15)
- Failure to pay property taxes results in penalties, interest, and eventual tax forfeiture
- Property owners are responsible for taxes regardless of whether they receive a tax statement
Land Use Regulations:
Property owners must comply with the Sherburne County Zoning Ordinance, which establishes:
- Permitted land uses by zoning district
- Building setback requirements
- Lot size and coverage limitations
- Height restrictions
- Special regulations for shoreland, floodplain, and environmentally sensitive areas
Property Maintenance Standards:
The Sherburne County Nuisance Ordinance requires property owners to:
- Maintain properties free from public nuisances
- Control noxious weeds and excessive vegetation
- Properly dispose of solid waste
- Prevent accumulation of junk vehicles and debris
- Maintain structures in safe condition
Riparian Rights:
For properties adjacent to lakes, rivers, or streams, the Property Owner Rule incorporates riparian rights as defined in Minnesota Statutes § 103G.201, which grants property owners certain rights to access and reasonable use of adjacent waters, subject to state regulations and the public trust doctrine.
Mineral Rights:
In Sherburne County, property ownership may include or exclude mineral rights, which must be specifically addressed in property deeds. When severed from surface rights, mineral rights are governed by Minnesota Statutes § 93.52, which requires periodic filing to maintain these rights.
Property owners seeking clarification on specific aspects of the Property Owner Rule should consult with the appropriate county department or seek legal counsel for interpretation of these regulations as they apply to individual properties.