St. Lawrence County Property Records
What Is St. Lawrence County Property Records
Property records in St. Lawrence 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's jurisdictional area. The Real Property Department maintains comprehensive records that establish clear chains of title, provide public notice of property interests, and protect the property rights of citizens and entities.
Pursuant to New York Real Property Law § 291, all deeds, mortgages, and instruments affecting real property must be recorded to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors. This statutory requirement ensures transparency in land ownership and protects the interests of all parties involved in real estate transactions. Property records in St. Lawrence County include:
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Liens and encumbrances
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Tax assessment information
- Property surveys and plat maps
The primary purpose of maintaining these records is to establish legal ownership through a documented chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights through official documentation, and facilitate real estate transactions by providing reliable information to potential buyers, sellers, and lenders.
St. Lawrence County Real Property Department
48 Court Street
Canton, New York 13617
315-379-2272
Real Property Department
Are Property Records Public Information In St. Lawrence County?
Property records in St. Lawrence County are public information and accessible to all citizens under New York State law. The New York Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law Article 6, §§ 84-90) establishes the public's right to access government records, including property records. Additionally, New York Real Property Law § 291 specifically mandates that property records be maintained for public inspection.
The legal basis for public access to property records rests on several key principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to ensure transparency
- Public access to property records serves the broader public interest in maintaining an efficient real estate market
- Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason
The County Clerk's office serves as the primary custodian of property records in St. Lawrence County. While most property records are available for public inspection, certain personal information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws. Currently, members of the public may access property records through in-person visits to county offices, online databases, or by submitting formal records requests.
How To Search Property Records in St. Lawrence County in 2026
Searching property records in St. Lawrence County requires following specific procedures established by county offices. Members of the public may access property records through multiple channels depending on the type of information needed.
For in-person searches at the County Clerk's Office:
- Visit the St. Lawrence County Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form specifying the property information sought
- Provide property identification information (address, tax parcel number, or owner name)
- Pay applicable search fees as outlined in the County Clerk fee schedule
- Review records on-site or request copies of specific documents
For mail or email requests:
- Download and complete the official records request form from the county website
- Include specific property identification information
- Submit payment for applicable fees
- Mail or email the completed form to the County Clerk's Office
- Allow 5-7 business days for processing
For tax assessment records:
- Contact the Real Property Tax Service directly
- Provide the property address or tax parcel identification number
- Specify the assessment information needed
- Pay applicable fees for copies or certified records
St. Lawrence County Clerk's Office
48 Court Street
Canton, NY 13617
315-379-2237
County Clerk
How To Find Property Records in St. Lawrence County Online?
St. Lawrence County provides several online resources for accessing property records electronically. The county's digital records system allows for convenient remote access to many property documents and information.
To access property records online:
- Visit the St. Lawrence County Real Property Department website
- Navigate to the property records search portal
- Create a user account if required (some basic searches may be available without registration)
- Select the appropriate search method:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Tax parcel identification number (SBL number)
- Document type and date range
- Enter the search criteria and submit the query
- Review the search results and select specific records for viewing
- Pay any applicable fees for document downloads or certified copies
For tax maps and parcel information, the county provides access through the Tax Maps portal. This system allows users to:
- View property boundaries and dimensions
- Access basic property information
- Identify adjacent properties
- View zoning designations where applicable
For property tax information and payment history, users can access the St. Lawrence County Tax Lookup system, which provides:
- Current tax assessment values
- Tax payment history
- Delinquent tax information
- Tax bill amounts and due dates
The county also offers e-Recording services for professionals who need to file property documents electronically. This system streamlines the recording process for:
- Deeds and transfers
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Liens and releases
- Other recordable documents
How To Look Up St. Lawrence County Property Records for Free?
St. Lawrence County offers several options for accessing property records at no cost. While certain specialized searches or document copies may require payment, basic property information is available without fees.
Free property record access options include:
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Public access terminals at the County Clerk's Office
- Available during regular business hours
- No fee for on-site viewing of digital records
- Staff assistance available for navigating the system
-
Basic online property searches through the Real Property Department
- Limited information available without registration
- Property ownership information
- Basic assessment data
- Property characteristics
-
Tax assessment rolls available through the Tax Rolls portal
- Current assessment values
- Property classification
- Basic ownership information
- Exemption information
-
Public access computers at county libraries
- Available during library operating hours
- Access to county property databases
- Printing fees may apply for copies
-
Assessor information for individual towns and villages
- Contact information for local assessors
- Access to local assessment records
- Property card information
While basic searches are free, fees apply for:
- Certified copies of documents
- Large volume searches
- Specialized research assistance
- Document recording services
St. Lawrence County Treasurer's Office
48 Court Street
Canton, NY 13617
315-379-2276
Tax Collection
What's Included in a St. Lawrence County Property Record?
St. Lawrence County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within the county. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets not attached to land).
Property records are maintained by multiple county offices, including the County Clerk, Real Property Department, and Assessor's offices. According to New York Real Property Tax Law § 500, assessment records must contain specific information about each parcel.
A complete property record typically includes:
-
Ownership Information
- Current owner's name and contact information
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Date of acquisition
- Purchase price or consideration
-
Property Identification
- Tax parcel identification number (SBL)
- Legal description of the property
- Property address
- Lot and block numbers
-
Physical Characteristics
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building size and specifications
- Number of structures
- Year built
- Construction materials
- Number of rooms/units
-
Valuation Information
- Assessed value
- Market value
- Land value
- Improvement value
- Exemption information
-
Financial Encumbrances
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanics liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
-
Tax Information
- Current tax rates
- Payment history
- Delinquent taxes
- Special assessments
-
Land Use Information
- Zoning classification
- Permitted uses
- Variance information
- Special districts
The Real Property Transactions section of the County Clerk's website provides detailed information about document requirements for recording property transactions.
How Long Does St. Lawrence County Keep Property Records?
St. Lawrence County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the New York State Archives under Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important property documents while allowing for the disposition of obsolete records.
Key retention periods for property records include:
- Deeds and conveyances: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and satisfactions: Permanent retention
- Tax assessment rolls: Permanent retention
- Property record cards: Current plus 6 years after superseded
- Building permits: Permanent for commercial properties; 6 years after building demolished or removed for residential properties
- Tax payment records: 6 years
- Property surveys and maps: Permanent retention
- Zoning records: Permanent for decisions, 6 years for applications
- Property tax exemption applications: 6 years after expiration
The county maintains historical property records dating back to the county's formation in 1802. These records are preserved through both physical and digital archiving methods. Older records may be stored in the county archives and may require special handling or advance notice for retrieval.
For research involving historical property records, the County Clerk's Office provides assistance in locating and accessing archived documents. Some historical records have been digitized and are available through the county's online systems, while others remain in physical form only.
How To Find Liens on Property In St. Lawrence County?
Locating liens and encumbrances on property in St. Lawrence County requires searching specific records maintained by various county departments. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold.
To conduct a comprehensive lien search:
-
Search for tax liens through the County Treasurer's Office
- Verify current tax status
- Check for delinquent property taxes
- Identify any tax foreclosure proceedings
-
Search for judgment liens at the County Clerk's Office
- Review the judgment docket
- Search by property owner name
- Check for satisfied judgments
-
Search for mechanics liens at the County Clerk's Office
- Review construction lien records
- Check for lien satisfactions or releases
- Verify lien expiration dates
-
Search for mortgage liens through property records
- Identify active mortgages
- Verify mortgage satisfactions
- Check for assignments of mortgage
-
Search for municipal liens through local government offices
- Check for unpaid utility bills
- Verify compliance with local ordinances
- Identify special assessments
Professional title companies often perform comprehensive lien searches as part of real estate transactions. For the most accurate and complete information, property owners may wish to engage a title company or attorney to conduct a thorough title search.
St. Lawrence County Town & County Tax Collector
60 Main Street
Canton, NY 13617
315-386-2962
Town & County Tax Collector
What Is Property Owner Rule In St. Lawrence County?
The Property Owner Rule in St. Lawrence County refers to the legal principles governing property ownership, transfer, and rights within the county. These rules are established by New York State law and local ordinances.
Key aspects of property ownership rules include:
-
Recording Requirements
- All property transfers must be recorded with the County Clerk
- Unrecorded deeds are valid between parties but may not provide notice to third parties
- Recording establishes priority of interests under New York Real Property Law § 291
-
Property Tax Responsibilities
- Property owners are responsible for paying all applicable property taxes
- Tax bills are sent to the owner of record as of the taxable status date
- Failure to receive a tax bill does not excuse payment obligation
-
Adverse Possession
- Property may be acquired through adverse possession after 10 years of open, notorious, and continuous use
- Boundary disputes may be resolved through adverse possession claims
- Tax payment is not required for adverse possession in New York
-
Property Access Rights
- Property owners have the right to exclude others from their property
- Easements may limit exclusive use rights
- Public rights-of-way may exist through established use
-
Transfer Disclosure Requirements
- Sellers must provide property condition disclosure statements
- Failure to provide disclosures may result in a $500 credit to the buyer
- Certain exemptions apply to disclosure requirements
-
Ownership Forms
- Individual ownership
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship
- Tenancy in common
- Tenancy by the entirety (married couples only)
- Corporate or LLC ownership
Property owners should consult with legal professionals regarding specific questions about property rights and responsibilities, as property law can be complex and situation-specific.