Story County Property Records
What Is Story County Property Records
Property records in Story 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 who owns what land and buildings throughout Story County, Iowa. Pursuant to §558.11 of the Iowa Code, all instruments affecting real estate must be recorded with the county recorder to provide constructive notice to third parties.
The primary purposes of property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property taxation and assessment
In Story County, property records are maintained by several county offices, including the Recorder's Office, Auditor's Office, Assessor's Office, and Treasurer's Office. Each office maintains specific aspects of property information as mandated by Iowa law.
Story County Recorder's Office
900 6th Street
Nevada, IA 50201
(515) 382-7230
Story County Recorder
The Recorder's Office serves as the primary repository for documents establishing property ownership, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other instruments affecting real estate title. These records date back to the county's formation and provide the legal foundation for property ownership throughout Story County.
Are Property Records Public Information In Story County?
Yes, property records in Story County are public information. Under the Iowa Open Records Law, codified in Chapter 22 of the Iowa Code, property records are classified as public records that must be accessible to citizens. This transparency requirement is further reinforced by §558.55 of the Iowa Code, which specifically addresses the public nature of real estate transaction records.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- 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 records support proper taxation and government functions
Any member of the public may access property records in Story County without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy applies to all property records maintained by county offices, including the Recorder, Auditor, Assessor, and Treasurer.
The only exceptions to public access involve certain personal information that may be redacted from records for privacy or security reasons, such as social security numbers, as specified in §22.7 of the Iowa Code. However, the core property ownership information remains publicly accessible at all times.
How To Search Property Records in Story County in 2026
Members of the public seeking property records in Story County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points to accommodate different research needs and preferences.
For in-person searches:
- Visit the Story County Administration Building at 900 6th Street, Nevada, IA 50201
- Proceed to the appropriate office based on the type of record needed:
- Recorder's Office for deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Auditor's Office for ownership and parcel information
- Assessor's Office for property valuations and characteristics
- Treasurer's Office for tax information
- Public terminals are available for self-service searching
- Staff assistance is available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
For remote searches:
- Access the Story County Beacon portal for comprehensive property information
- Use the Iowa Land Records system for recorded documents
- Contact the appropriate office by phone for assistance with specific inquiries
When searching property records, users should have the following information ready:
- Property owner's name (current or previous)
- Property address
- Parcel identification number (if known)
- Legal description (if available)
- Approximate date of transaction (for historical searches)
The county offices process record requests in accordance with §22.3 of the Iowa Code, which governs the supervision, fees, and procedures for accessing public records.
How To Find Property Records in Story County Online?
Story County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These resources allow users to conduct thorough property research without visiting county offices in person.
The primary online resources include:
-
Story County Beacon Property Records System - This integrated GIS platform offers:
- Property ownership information
- Assessment data and property values
- Tax information and payment history
- Property characteristics and improvements
- Parcel maps and boundaries
- Sales history and comparable properties
-
Iowa Land Records - This statewide system provides:
- Recorded documents including deeds and mortgages
- Document images for most recorded instruments
- Advanced search capabilities by name, date, or document type
- Access to historical records
To conduct an effective online search:
-
For property information by location:
- Navigate to the Beacon system
- Select "Search by Address" or use the map interface
- Enter the street address or navigate to the property on the map
- Review the property record card and associated information
-
For property information by owner:
- Access the Beacon system
- Select "Search by Owner Name"
- Enter the owner's name (last name first)
- Review results and select the appropriate property
-
For recorded documents:
- Visit Iowa Land Records
- Create a free user account if you don't already have one
- Select Story County from the county list
- Enter search criteria (name, date range, document type)
- View or download document images as needed
The Story County Auditor's Office maintains the official ownership records for taxation purposes as required by §331.511-512 of the Iowa Code, and these records are accessible through the online systems.
How To Look Up Story County Property Records for Free?
Story County residents and other interested parties can access property records at no cost through several channels. The county has implemented systems to ensure public access to property information without financial barriers.
Free access options include:
-
In-person terminal access at county offices:
- Public computer terminals at the Story County Administration Building provide free access to property records during regular business hours
- Staff assistance is available at no charge for basic inquiries
- Self-service research can be conducted without fees
-
Online resources without subscription fees:
- The Story County Assessor's website provides free access to property assessment information
- Basic property information is available through the Beacon GIS portal without registration
- The Story County Treasurer's website offers free access to tax information
-
Public libraries:
- Local libraries throughout Story County offer free internet access
- Library staff can assist with navigating to county property record websites
While basic access is free, users should be aware that:
- Printed copies may incur nominal fees (typically $0.25-$1.00 per page)
- Certified copies of official documents require payment of statutory fees
- Extensive research assistance may involve service charges
- Commercial users or bulk data requests may be subject to fees
The Iowa Open Records Law (Chapter 22 of the Iowa Code) permits reasonable fees for copies but requires that examination of public records be permitted at no charge. Story County adheres to these requirements by providing multiple free access points for property record research.
What's Included in a Story County Property Record?
Story County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and data points that collectively define the legal, physical, and financial aspects of real property within the county. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets not included in real estate transactions).
Property records are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for specific components:
-
Recorder's Office Records:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee, executor)
- Mortgages and mortgage releases
- Easements and right-of-way agreements
- Restrictive covenants and conditions
- Liens (mechanic's, tax, judgment)
- Plats and surveys
-
Auditor's Office Records:
- Parcel identification numbers
- Legal descriptions
- Current ownership information
- Property transfers and splits
- Tax district assignments
-
Assessor's Office Records:
- Property classifications (residential, commercial, agricultural)
- Building characteristics (square footage, construction type)
- Property improvements and features
- Assessment values
- Sales history and market analysis
-
Treasurer's Office Records:
- Current and historical tax levies
- Tax payment history
- Special assessments
- Tax sale information
A complete property record typically includes the following detailed information:
- Unique parcel identification number
- Legal description (metes and bounds or lot/block/subdivision)
- Current and historical ownership information
- Purchase price and date of acquisition
- Mortgage information and lienholders
- Property dimensions and acreage
- Building specifications and improvements
- Assessment values (land and improvements)
- Tax classification and rates
- Zoning designation and permitted uses
- Easements and encumbrances
- Subdivision restrictions or covenants
These comprehensive records are maintained in accordance with §558.11 and related sections of the Iowa Code, which establish requirements for recording instruments affecting real estate.
How Long Does Story County Keep Property Records?
Story County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Iowa Records Management Manual and specific provisions of the Iowa Code. These retention periods ensure the preservation of vital property information while allowing for the appropriate disposition of obsolete records.
Key retention periods for property records in Story County include:
-
Permanent Retention:
- Deeds and other instruments conveying title
- Plats and surveys
- Original town plats
- Subdivision plats
- Annexation records
- Mortgage and lien index books
- Tax sale certificates (redeemed and unredeemed)
-
Long-Term Retention (20+ years):
- Assessment rolls and cards (25 years)
- Tax lists (10-20 years, depending on type)
- Special assessment records (20 years after final payment)
- Building permits (permanent for commercial, 20 years for residential)
-
Medium-Term Retention (5-20 years):
- Property transfer declarations (7 years)
- Tax receipts (10 years)
- Valuation worksheets (5 years)
The retention of property records is governed by §331.552 of the Iowa Code for treasurer's records, §331.504 for auditor's records, and §331.606 for recorder's records. These statutes establish minimum retention requirements, though many records are kept permanently due to their historical and legal significance.
Story County has implemented digital preservation systems to maintain electronic copies of historical records, ensuring their availability even beyond the required retention periods. The county's records management program follows the Iowa Records Management Manual published by the State Historical Society of Iowa.
How To Find Liens on Property In Story County?
Liens on property in Story County are public records that can be researched through several official channels. A lien search is an essential component of due diligence in real estate transactions, as liens represent claims against property that may affect ownership rights or transfer of title.
To conduct a comprehensive lien search in Story County:
-
Search Recorder's Office Records:
- Visit the Story County Recorder's Office in person or online
- Search by property owner's name in the grantor-grantee index
- Review for recorded liens, including:
- Mortgage liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Federal tax liens
- State tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Child support liens
-
Check Court Records:
- Search Iowa Courts Online for judgments against the property owner
- Judgments automatically become liens on real property owned by the defendant
- Review both district and small claims court records
-
Verify Tax Status:
- Contact the Story County Treasurer's Office to check for:
- Delinquent property taxes
- Special assessments
- Tax sale certificates
- Contact the Story County Treasurer's Office to check for:
-
Review Municipal Records:
- Check with city offices for:
- Utility liens
- Nuisance abatement liens
- Special assessment liens
- Check with city offices for:
-
Search Federal Records:
- Check federal court records for bankruptcy filings
- Review for federal tax liens at the Recorder's Office
Story County Recorder's Office
900 6th Street
Nevada, IA 50201
(515) 382-7230
Story County Recorder
Story County Treasurer's Office
900 6th Street
Nevada, IA 50201
(515) 382-7330
Story County Treasurer
For the most comprehensive results, many professionals recommend combining self-directed research with a title search from a licensed title company, which will provide a complete examination of the property's title history and any encumbrances affecting the property.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Story County?
The Property Owner Rule in Story County refers to the set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership, transfers, and rights within the county. These rules are derived from Iowa state law and local ordinances, establishing the framework for real estate ownership and transactions.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
-
Recording Requirements:
- All instruments affecting real estate must be recorded with the Story County Recorder
- Documents must meet specific formatting requirements per §331.606B of the Iowa Code
- Recording provides constructive notice to third parties
- Unrecorded documents may be valid between parties but not against subsequent purchasers
-
Ownership Types Recognized:
- Fee simple (complete ownership)
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship
- Tenancy in common
- Life estates
- Leasehold interests
- Trust ownership
- Corporate and LLC ownership
-
Transfer Requirements:
- Valid deed must be properly executed and acknowledged
- Declaration of Value must be filed with most transfers
- Real Estate Transfer Tax must be paid unless exempt
- Groundwater Hazard Statement required for most transfers
-
Property Tax Responsibilities:
- Property owners are responsible for paying property taxes
- Tax liability follows the property regardless of ownership changes
- Taxes become liens against the property if unpaid
- Tax sales may be conducted for delinquent properties
-
Land Use Regulations:
- Property use is subject to zoning ordinances
- Building permits required for improvements
- Subdivision regulations govern property division
- Floodplain and environmental restrictions may apply
The Property Owner Rule is enforced through the coordinated efforts of multiple county offices, including the Assessor's Office, which establishes property values, and the Auditor's Office, which maintains ownership records.
Property owners in Story County should be aware that Iowa follows the "race-notice" recording statute, meaning that the first person to record a valid deed without notice of prior unrecorded interests generally has priority. This principle underscores the importance of promptly recording all property-related documents.
Lookup Property Records in Story County
Beacon Property Records System