Tulare County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Tulare County?

Public records in Tulare County encompass a wide range of official documents maintained by various county departments and agencies pursuant to California Government Code § 6252(e). These records are created, used, or maintained by government entities in the course of conducting public business. The Tulare County government maintains the following categories of public records:

Property Records - Property deeds, transfers, liens, assessments, and tax information maintained by the Tulare County Assessor's Office
Vital Records - Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and domestic partnership registrations maintained by the County Clerk-Recorder
Court Records - Civil case files, criminal proceedings, probate matters, family law cases, and traffic citations available through the Superior Court of California, County of Tulare
Law Enforcement Records - Arrest records, incident reports, and inmate information maintained by the Tulare County Sheriff's Department
Voter Registration Records - Voter registration information and election results maintained by the Tulare County Registrar of Voters
Tax Records - Property tax assessments, payments, and delinquencies maintained by the Tulare County Treasurer-Tax Collector
Health and Human Services Records - Public health statistics, environmental health permits, and certain social service program data maintained by the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency
Business Records - Fictitious business name statements, business licenses, and professional permits
Land Use Records - Zoning information, building permits, environmental impact reports, and planning documents

These records are subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act, with certain exemptions for confidential or privileged information as specified by state law.

Is Tulare County an Open Records County?

Tulare County operates as an open records county in accordance with the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6276.48. This comprehensive state law establishes the public's right to access government records held by state and local agencies, including counties. The CPRA explicitly states that "access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business is a fundamental and necessary right of every person in this state."

Pursuant to this legislation, Tulare County maintains a policy of transparency and accessibility regarding public records. The county's commitment to open records is formalized in the Tulare County Administrative Regulation No. 15, which establishes procedures for responding to public records requests in compliance with state law. This regulation affirms that:

All county records are presumed to be open and accessible to the public
Requests for records may be made verbally or in writing
County departments must respond to requests within 10 calendar days
Extensions may be granted for complex requests for an additional 14 days
Records must be provided in their original format when feasible

The county's open records policy is further reinforced by California Constitution Article I, Section 3(b), which establishes a constitutional right to access information concerning the conduct of government business. This constitutional provision requires that statutes, court rules, and other authorities be broadly construed if they further the public's right of access, and narrowly construed if they limit the right of access.

How Do I Find Public Records in Tulare County in 2025

Members of the public seeking access to Tulare County records in 2025 may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they require. The county has implemented a multi-channel approach to facilitate public access to government records:

Online Access:

The Tulare County Public Records Portal provides 24/7 access to many frequently requested documents
Property information can be searched through the Assessor's online database
Court records are accessible through the Superior Court's case information system
Voter registration status can be verified through the Registrar of Voters website

In-Person Requests:

Visit the appropriate county department during regular business hours
Complete a Public Records Act request form at the department's public counter
Review non-confidential records on-site with assistance from county personnel
Request copies of available documents (fees may apply)

Written Requests:

Submit a written request via postal mail to the relevant department
Include specific details about the records being sought
Provide contact information for response and delivery options
Allow the statutory response time of 10 calendar days

Telephone Requests:

Contact the appropriate department directly
Provide clear description of records being requested
Be prepared to follow up with written documentation if required

For assistance in determining which department maintains specific records, the public may contact the Tulare County Clerk-Recorder's Office at (559) 636-5051. County staff will make reasonable efforts to assist in identifying records and providing guidance on how to access them in accordance with Government Code § 6253.1.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Tulare County?

The cost to obtain public records in Tulare County is established by the county fee schedule and varies depending on the type of record requested and the format in which it is provided. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), fees are limited to "direct costs of duplication" or statutory fees established by the California Legislature.

Standard Fee Schedule for Common Records:

Vital Records:
- Birth Certificate: $32.00 per copy
- Death Certificate: $24.00 per copy
- Marriage Certificate: $17.00 per copy
- Marriage License (Public): $89.00
- Marriage License (Confidential): $100.00
Property Records:
- Recorded Document Copies: $2.00 for first page, $0.50 each additional page
- Property Assessment Information: $3.00 per parcel
- Parcel Maps: $5.00 per page
- Subdivision Maps: $10.00 per page
Court Records:
- Case File Review: No charge for on-site inspection
- Document Copies: $0.50 per page
- Certified Copies: $25.00 plus copy fees
- Complex Document Search: $15.00 per name/case
Other Common Records:
- Standard Black and White Copies: $0.25 per page
- Color Copies: $0.75 per page
- Electronic Records (CD/DVD): $5.00 per disc
- Electronic Records (Email/Download): No charge when feasible

Additional fees may apply for specialized searches, certified copies, expedited service, or oversized documents. Payment may be made by cash, check, or credit card (where available). Checks should be made payable to "Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder" or the specific department providing the records.

The county may require advance payment before processing requests that involve substantial duplication costs. Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances where the request serves the public interest, as determined on a case-by-case basis by the department head or designee.

Does Tulare County Have Free Public Records?

Tulare County provides certain public records at no cost to requesters in accordance with California Government Code § 6253. The following records and services are available without charge:

On-site inspection of non-confidential public records during regular business hours is provided free of charge at all county departments
Electronic access to certain records through the county's online portals, including:
- Property assessment information (basic property details)
- Court calendars and case indexes (excluding document downloads)
- Election results and voter information (statistical data)
- Board of Supervisors meeting agendas and minutes
Free legal research resources are available at the Tulare County Law Library, located at:
Tulare County Law Library
221 S. Mooney Blvd., Room 303
Visalia, CA 93291
(559) 636-4600
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Public health information including community health statistics and environmental reports are provided at no cost by the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency
Self-help legal forms are available free of charge at the Superior Court Self-Help Center:
Tulare County Superior Court Self-Help Center
221 S. Mooney Blvd., Room 201
Visalia, CA 93291
(559) 737-5500
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Additionally, pursuant to Government Code § 6253.9(a)(2), when electronic records are requested and the county already maintains the information in electronic format, only the direct cost of duplication may be charged. In many cases, when records can be provided via email or electronic download, the county waives these minimal costs as a public service.

Who Can Request Public Records In Tulare County?

The right to access public records in Tulare County extends to all persons, regardless of citizenship, residency status, age, or purpose for the request. Pursuant to California Government Code § 6252(c), the term "person" includes "any natural person, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, firm, or association." This broad definition ensures universal access to government information with minimal barriers.

The following entities may request and receive public records:

Individual citizens and residents of California
Non-California residents and foreign nationals
Media organizations and journalists
Businesses and corporations
Non-profit organizations and advocacy groups
Attorneys and legal representatives
Government agencies and officials
Academic researchers and educational institutions
Incarcerated individuals (with certain limitations)

Requesters are not required to:

Provide identification
State the purpose of their request
Justify their need for the records
Sign a formal document to make a request

However, requesters may be asked to provide contact information for communication purposes and to facilitate delivery of the requested records. For certain records with statutory access restrictions, such as vital records or confidential court files, requesters may need to demonstrate their legal right to access the information by providing identification or documentation of their relationship to the subject of the records.

The county may not deny access to records based on:

The requester's identity or affiliation
The intended use of the information
The political viewpoint of the requester
The requester's history of previous requests

All requests are processed in accordance with the California Public Records Act without discrimination or preferential treatment.

What Records Are Confidential In Tulare County?

Certain records maintained by Tulare County are exempt from public disclosure pursuant to specific provisions of California law. These confidential records are protected to safeguard individual privacy, maintain security, or preserve the integrity of governmental processes. The following categories of records are generally not available for public inspection:

Personal Information Protected by Law:
- Social Security numbers (Civil Code § 1798.85)
- Driver's license numbers (Government Code § 6254.29)
- Home addresses and telephone numbers of public employees (Government Code § 6254.3)
- Medical and mental health records (Health & Safety Code § 123110)
- Juvenile court records (Welfare & Institutions Code § 827)
Law Enforcement Records:
- Active criminal investigation files (Government Code § 6254(f))
- Intelligence information and security procedures (Government Code § 6254(f))
- Victim information in cases involving sexual offenses (Government Code § 6254(f)(2))
- Records pertaining to minors (Welfare & Institutions Code § 827)
Personnel and Employment Records:
- Employee performance evaluations (Government Code § 6254(c))
- Personal medical information of employees (Government Code § 6254(c))
- Peace officer personnel files (Penal Code § 832.7)
- Employment examination materials (Government Code § 6254(g))
Legal and Deliberative Process Documents:
- Attorney-client privileged communications (Government Code § 6254(k))
- Pending litigation records (Government Code § 6254(b))
- Preliminary drafts and notes not retained in the ordinary course of business (Government Code § 6254(a))
- Records related to agency deliberative processes (Government Code § 6255)
Other Protected Records:
- Confidential vital records (Health & Safety Code § 102475)
- Library patron records (Government Code § 6254(j))
- Sealed court records (Code of Civil Procedure § 2017.310)
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information (Government Code § 6254.15)
- Critical infrastructure information (Government Code § 6254(ab))

These exemptions are not absolute, and in some cases, redacted versions of records may be provided with confidential information removed. Each request for potentially exempt records is evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.

Tulare County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

The Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder's Office serves as the official custodian of public records for property transactions, vital statistics, and other official documents. The office provides comprehensive services for accessing and obtaining certified copies of public records.

Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder
221 S. Mooney Blvd., Room 103
Visalia, CA 93291
(559) 636-5100
Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Services Provided:

Recording of deeds, liens, and other property documents
Issuance of certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates
Processing of marriage license applications
Fictitious business name statements
Military discharge recordings (DD-214)
Notary public oath and bonds
Environmental impact reports

Branch Office Location:
Tulare County South County Government Center
1055 N. Henderson Street
Porterville, CA 93257
(559) 782-7433
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

For expedited service, members of the public are encouraged to utilize the online records portal for searching and requesting documents. The portal provides 24/7 access to many frequently requested records and allows for electronic submission of record requests.

Document recording services are available in person or by mail. All documents submitted for recording must meet specific formatting requirements as specified in Government Code § 27361.6. Payment for services may be made by cash, check, or credit card. Checks should be made payable to "Tulare County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder."