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Sheboygan County Property Records

What Is Sheboygan County Property Records

Sheboygan County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. These records serve multiple essential functions in maintaining the integrity of property ownership and transactions throughout the county. Property records establish legal ownership through a documented chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.

Under Wisconsin Statutes § 706.05, all instruments affecting real estate title must be recorded with the county Register of Deeds to provide constructive notice to the public. This statutory requirement ensures that all property ownership changes, liens, easements, and other encumbrances are properly documented and accessible to interested parties.

The Sheboygan County Register of Deeds maintains these official property records, which include:

  • Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's)
  • Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
  • Land contracts
  • Easements and covenants
  • Plats and certified survey maps
  • Tax liens and other encumbrances
  • Condominium declarations

These records form the foundation of real property ownership in Sheboygan County and provide essential information for property owners, potential buyers, lenders, title companies, and government agencies.

Are Property Records Public Information In Sheboygan County?

Property records in Sheboygan County are public information and accessible to all citizens pursuant to Wisconsin's Public Records Law, Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31-19.39. This law establishes that public access to governmental records is an essential function of a representative government and an integral part of the routine duties of government officers and employees.

The legal basis for public access to property records rests on several key principles:

  1. Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
  2. Wisconsin recording statutes require public access to ensure transparency
  3. Public access to property records serves the public interest by facilitating informed real estate transactions
  4. Any person may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason

As stated in Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43(4), the Register of Deeds must keep records "open for the examination of any person" during office hours. This statutory requirement ensures that property records remain accessible to the public at all times.

The Sheboygan County property assessment data is also publicly available, providing information about property values, tax assessments, and other relevant details. This transparency in land ownership and valuation serves the public interest by ensuring fair taxation and facilitating informed real estate decisions.

How To Search Property Records in Sheboygan County in 2026

Members of the public seeking to search Sheboygan County property records may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains comprehensive systems for both in-person and online searches to accommodate various needs.

For in-person searches, individuals may visit:

Sheboygan County Register of Deeds
508 New York Avenue, Room 128
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3023
Sheboygan County Register of Deeds

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

The search process involves the following steps:

  1. Determine the specific property information needed (ownership, liens, etc.)
  2. Gather identifying information about the property (address, parcel number, owner name)
  3. Visit the Register of Deeds office or access their online portal
  4. Submit a records request using the county's standard form
  5. Pay applicable search or copy fees as established by county ordinance
  6. Receive requested documents either immediately (for digital records) or within the timeframe specified by staff

For property tax and assessment information, the Sheboygan County Treasurer's Office maintains current and historical records. Property tax payment information can be verified through the Real Estate Tax Payment system, which provides details on payment status and history.

Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 59.72(5), Sheboygan County also maintains a Land Information System that integrates property records with geographic information system (GIS) data, allowing for map-based property searches.

How To Find Property Records in Sheboygan County Online?

Sheboygan County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These systems allow for efficient searching without requiring an in-person visit to county offices.

The primary online resources for accessing Sheboygan County property records include:

  1. Sheboygan County Land Records Portal - This integrated system provides access to property ownership records, tax information, and GIS mapping data. Users can search by owner name, property address, or parcel identification number. The portal is accessible through the Sheboygan County Assessment Resources page.

  2. Register of Deeds Online Records - For official property documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens, the Register of Deeds maintains a searchable database. This system allows for document retrieval by grantor/grantee name, document type, or recording date.

  3. Property Tax Information System - Current and historical tax information can be accessed through the county's tax portal, which provides details on assessed values, tax payments, and delinquencies. The property tax payment system allows users to verify payment status and history.

  4. Wisconsin Property Sales Information - The Wisconsin Department of Revenue maintains a statewide database of property sales information that includes Sheboygan County transactions. This resource is valuable for market analysis and comparable sales research.

To conduct an online search:

  1. Navigate to the appropriate county website based on the information needed
  2. Select the search criteria (name, address, parcel ID)
  3. Enter the search parameters
  4. Review the results list and select specific records for detailed viewing
  5. Pay any applicable fees for document copies or certified records
  6. Download or print the retrieved documents

Online access is available 24 hours a day, though technical support is limited to regular business hours.

How To Look Up Sheboygan County Property Records for Free?

Sheboygan County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost to the public. While certain specialized services or document copies may incur fees, basic property information is available without charge through various county resources.

Free access options include:

  1. Public Access Terminals - The Register of Deeds and County Assessor offices maintain public computer terminals that provide free on-site access to property records during regular business hours. These terminals are available at:

Sheboygan County Courthouse
508 New York Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081

  1. Sheboygan County Land Records Portal - Basic property information is available without charge through the county's online portal. This includes owner information, property characteristics, and assessment data. The Sheboygan County Assessment Department provides links to these resources.

  2. Public Libraries - Several public libraries throughout Sheboygan County offer free internet access where residents can utilize the county's online property record systems. The Mead Public Library in Sheboygan is the largest facility offering this service.

  3. Town and Municipal Websites - Local municipalities within Sheboygan County often provide free access to property information for parcels within their jurisdiction. For example, the Town of Sherman Assessor provides property assessment data for properties within town boundaries.

  4. Wisconsin Department of Revenue - The state maintains a property information portal that includes Sheboygan County data and can be accessed without charge.

While basic searches are free, users should be aware that fees may apply for:

  • Certified copies of documents
  • Large volume searches
  • Research assistance from staff
  • Specialized reports or data exports
  • Historical records requiring manual retrieval

What's Included in a Sheboygan County Property Record?

Sheboygan County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and data related to real property within county boundaries. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets), with different county offices maintaining specific types of records.

A complete Sheboygan County property record typically includes:

Ownership Information:

  • Current and previous property owners
  • Chain of title showing ownership history
  • Deed information including recording date and document number
  • Type of ownership (individual, joint, trust, corporate)

Property Characteristics:

  • Legal description of the property
  • Parcel identification number
  • Property address
  • Lot size and dimensions
  • Zoning classification
  • Land use designation

Structural Information:

  • Building size and square footage
  • Year built and major renovations
  • Construction type and materials
  • Number of rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms
  • Outbuildings and improvements

Financial Information:

Encumbrances and Restrictions:

  • Mortgages and liens
  • Easements and rights-of-way
  • Restrictive covenants
  • Condominium declarations
  • Homeowners association information

Maps and Surveys:

  • Plat maps
  • Certified survey maps
  • Subdivision information
  • Flood zone designation

These records are maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43, which establishes the duties of the Register of Deeds regarding property record maintenance and access. Additional property information may be found in specialized records maintained by the County Assessor, Treasurer, and Planning and Development offices.

How Long Does Sheboygan County Keep Property Records?

Sheboygan County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by Wisconsin state law and county ordinances. These retention periods ensure the preservation of essential property information while allowing for the appropriate disposition of obsolete records.

Under Wisconsin Statutes § 59.52(4), counties are required to establish records retention schedules that comply with state guidelines. For property records, the retention periods vary by document type:

Permanent Retention (Indefinite):

  • Deeds and conveyances
  • Mortgages and satisfactions
  • Plats and certified survey maps
  • Condominium declarations
  • Easements and covenants
  • Original land patents
  • Subdivision plats
  • Tax deeds

Extended Retention (20+ Years):

  • Property tax rolls (20 years)
  • Special assessment records (20 years)
  • Building permits for significant structures (life of structure plus 7 years)
  • Zoning variance records (permanent for approved variances)

Medium-Term Retention (7-10 Years):

  • Property inspection reports (7 years)
  • Routine building permits (7 years after issuance)
  • Temporary easements (7 years after expiration)
  • Assessment work files (10 years)

Short-Term Retention (1-3 Years):

  • Property record search requests (3 years)
  • Routine correspondence (3 years)
  • Public information requests (1 year)

The Sheboygan County Register of Deeds has implemented digital preservation systems to ensure the long-term accessibility of property records. Historical records dating back to the county's formation in 1846 have been digitized and are available through the county's records management system.

The Wisconsin Public Records Board provides oversight for county records retention and has established the County General Records Schedule that governs retention periods for various document types, including property records.

How To Find Liens on Property In Sheboygan County?

Liens on property in Sheboygan County are recorded as public documents and can be searched through several official channels. A lien search is an essential component of property due diligence, as liens represent legal claims against property that may affect ownership rights and transfer ability.

To conduct a comprehensive lien search in Sheboygan County, interested parties should:

  1. Search Register of Deeds Records: The primary repository for recorded liens is the Sheboygan County Register of Deeds office. Liens that may be recorded include:

    • Mortgage liens
    • Mechanic's liens
    • Tax liens (federal and state)
    • Judgment liens
    • Child support liens
    • Special assessment liens

  2. Check County Treasurer Records: For property tax liens and special assessments, the Sheboygan County Treasurer's Office maintains comprehensive records of delinquent taxes and assessments that constitute liens against property.

  3. Review Circuit Court Records: Judgment liens resulting from court cases are recorded with the Sheboygan County Clerk of Courts. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system provides online access to court records that may reveal judgments affecting property.

  4. Search Municipal Records: Local municipalities within Sheboygan County may place liens for unpaid utility bills, code violations, or special assessments. These should be checked with the specific city, village, or town where the property is located.

  5. Verify State Tax Liens: The Wisconsin Department of Revenue files tax warrants that create liens against property. These are typically recorded with the Register of Deeds but can also be verified directly with the state.

For the most comprehensive results, a title search conducted by a professional title company is recommended. Title companies have access to specialized databases and expertise in identifying all potential liens affecting property.

Lien searches can be conducted in person at:

Sheboygan County Register of Deeds
508 New York Avenue, Room 128
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3023

Or online through the county's Land Records Portal, which provides access to recorded documents including liens and encumbrances.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Sheboygan County?

The Property Owner Rule in Sheboygan County refers to a set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership rights, responsibilities, and restrictions within the county. These rules are derived from Wisconsin state law, county ordinances, and established legal precedents.

Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:

  1. Recording Requirements: Under Wisconsin Statutes § 706.05, all instruments affecting real estate title must be recorded with the Register of Deeds to provide constructive notice. This "race-notice" system protects property owners by establishing priority based on the time of recording, provided the purchaser lacked notice of prior unrecorded interests.

  2. Adverse Possession: Wisconsin law allows for acquisition of property through adverse possession after 20 years of continuous, open, notorious, and exclusive possession under claim of right. For property with a recorded title instrument, the period is reduced to 10 years under Wisconsin Statutes § 893.25-27.

  3. Riparian Rights: For properties adjacent to waterways, Sheboygan County recognizes riparian rights that grant property owners certain privileges regarding water access and use, subject to public trust doctrine limitations.

  4. Property Tax Obligations: Property owners must pay annual property taxes as assessed. Delinquent taxes may result in tax liens and eventually tax deed proceedings after a statutory period as outlined in Wisconsin Statutes § 75.36.

  5. Zoning Compliance: Property owners must adhere to Sheboygan County zoning ordinances that regulate land use, building setbacks, height restrictions, and other development parameters based on the property's zoning classification.

  6. Disclosure Requirements: When selling property, owners must complete a Real Estate Condition Report disclosing known defects and material facts about the property as required by Wisconsin Statutes § 709.03.

  7. Easements and Encroachments: Property owners must respect recorded easements and avoid encroachments on neighboring properties. Disputes regarding boundary lines may be resolved through Wisconsin Circuit Court procedures.

  8. Homestead Protection: Wisconsin law provides certain protections for primary residences, including property tax credits and exemptions from certain creditors' claims.

Property owners seeking clarification on these rules should consult with the Sheboygan County Planning and Development Department or seek legal advice from an attorney specializing in real estate law.

Lookup Property Records in Sheboygan County

Sheboygan County Assessment Department

Property Assessment Resources

Town of Sherman Assessor Information

Real Estate Tax Payment Information

Property Tax Payment Guidelines

City of Sheboygan Property Tax Bills

Wisconsin Property Sales Database

Sheboygan County Treasurer Services

Wisconsin Circuit Court Property Forms

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