Chittenden County Property Records

What Is Chittenden County Property Records

Property records in Chittenden County, Vermont represent official documentation that establishes legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within the county's jurisdictional boundaries. It is important to note that Vermont employs a town-based recording system rather than a county-based system for land records. As specified under Vermont Statutes Annotated Title 24 § 1154, each town clerk serves as the custodian of land records for properties within their respective municipal boundaries.

These records serve multiple essential functions:

• Establishing legal chain of title and ownership history
• Providing public notice of property interests and encumbrances
• Protecting property rights through official documentation
• Facilitating real estate transactions and property transfers
• Creating a permanent, accessible record of property-related legal instruments

Unlike most states where county governments maintain centralized property records, Vermont's system requires citizens to access property records through individual town and city clerk offices within Chittenden County. The Burlington City Clerk's Office confirms: "Vermont records all Land Records by Town or City. There is no county recording system in Vermont."

Property records typically include deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, covenants, and other instruments affecting real property interests. These documents are maintained in perpetuity to ensure a complete historical record of ownership and encumbrances for each parcel of land within the jurisdiction.

Are Property Records Public Information In Chittenden County?

Property records in Chittenden County are public information accessible to all citizens pursuant to Vermont's Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320). This statute establishes the fundamental right of citizens to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including property records held by town and city clerks throughout Chittenden County.

The public nature of property records is further reinforced by 24 V.S.A. § 1161, which mandates that town clerks "shall keep a record of all proceedings of the town, certificates of animals destroyed, and all births, marriages, civil unions, deaths, and land records." This statutory framework ensures transparency in land ownership and property transactions.

Key aspects of public access to property records include:

• Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or providing justification
• Public access serves the broader interest of transparency in land ownership and property transactions
• Recording statutes require public accessibility to provide constructive notice of property interests
• Property records are available during regular business hours at respective town/city clerk offices

The public nature of these records supports the integrity of the real estate market, facilitates property research, and ensures that interests in real property are properly documented and disclosed to all potential stakeholders.

How To Search Property Records in Chittenden County in 2026

Members of the public seeking to search property records in Chittenden County must contact the specific town or city clerk's office where the property is located. The following procedure outlines the standard process for conducting property record searches:

1. Identify the specific municipality (town or city) where the property is located
2. Contact the appropriate town or city clerk's office to determine available search methods
3. Prepare necessary information for your search, including:
   • Property owner name (current or previous)
   • Property address
   • Parcel identification number (if known)
   • Approximate date of transaction (if searching for a specific deed or mortgage)
4. Visit the clerk's office in person or utilize their online search portal if available
5. Pay any applicable search or copy fees as established by the municipality

For Burlington properties, citizens may access the Burlington Property Database which provides comprehensive property information including assessment data, tax information, and property characteristics.

Burlington City Clerk's Office
149 Church Street
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 865-7000
Burlington City Clerk

For South Burlington properties, the South Burlington Information & Data portal provides access to Grand List Parcel Information, Grand List Tax Information, and Valid Sales records.

South Burlington City Clerk's Office
180 Market Street
South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 846-4105
South Burlington City Clerk

How To Find Property Records in Chittenden County Online?

Chittenden County residents and interested parties can access many property records through online platforms maintained by individual municipalities. The availability of online records varies by town or city, with larger municipalities typically offering more comprehensive digital access. The following online resources are currently available:

1. Municipal Websites: Most towns and cities in Chittenden County maintain official websites with property record search capabilities. The Burlington Land Records portal provides online access to property records for Burlington properties.

2. Vermont Parcel Viewer: The Vermont Parcel Viewer provides a statewide GIS-based mapping system that displays parcel boundaries and basic property information. This resource is maintained by the Vermont Center for Geographic Information and includes parcel data linked with the current Grand List.

3. Property Tax Information: The Vermont Department of Taxes provides resources for accessing property tax information, though actual tax records must be obtained from the town where the property is located.

4. Town-Specific Databases: Some municipalities maintain specialized databases for property information. For example, South Burlington offers archived Grand List information and Valid Sales records through their municipal website.

To conduct an online search:

• Navigate to the appropriate municipal website
• Locate the property records or land records section
• Enter search criteria (owner name, address, parcel ID)
• Review search results and select the relevant property
• Access available documents or information
• Pay any applicable fees for document copies if required

Users should note that while basic property information is often available online, complete land records may require an in-person visit to the respective town or city clerk's office.

How To Look Up Chittenden County Property Records for Free?

Members of the public may access certain property records in Chittenden County without charge through several available channels. While some municipalities may charge fees for copies or certified documents, basic property information is often accessible at no cost. The following methods provide free access to property records:

1. In-Person Inspection: Pursuant to Vermont's Public Records Act, citizens have the right to inspect public records during regular business hours at no charge. Town and city clerk offices throughout Chittenden County permit free in-person viewing of property records.

2. Municipal Websites: Many municipalities offer free online access to basic property information. The Burlington Property Database provides free access to property assessment data, ownership information, and tax records.

3. Vermont Parcel Viewer: The Vermont Parcel Viewer is a free statewide resource that provides basic parcel information and mapping capabilities at no cost to users.

4. Public Libraries: Some public libraries in Chittenden County provide free access to computers with internet connectivity, allowing patrons to access online property records at no charge.

When utilizing free resources, users should be prepared with the following information:

• Property address
• Owner name (current or previous)
• Parcel identification number (if available)
• Approximate timeframe for historical searches

While basic inspection is typically free, municipalities may charge reasonable fees for:

• Photocopies of documents
• Certified copies of records
• Staff research time beyond basic assistance
• Printed maps or specialized reports

What's Included in a Chittenden County Property Record?

Property records maintained by town and city clerks in Chittenden County contain comprehensive information about real property within their respective jurisdictions. As mandated by 24 V.S.A. § 1159, these records must be properly indexed and preserved. The content of property records typically includes:

Ownership Documents:

• Warranty deeds
• Quitclaim deeds
• Executor's deeds
• Trustee's deeds
• Tax sale deeds
• Divorce decrees transferring property

Financial Encumbrances:

• Mortgages and mortgage assignments
• Mortgage discharges and satisfactions
• Tax liens (municipal, state, and federal)
• Mechanics' liens
• Judgment liens
• Attachments

Property Rights and Restrictions:

• Easements and rights-of-way
• Covenants and restrictions
• Condominium declarations
• Homeowners' association documents
• Conservation easements
• Historic preservation agreements

Legal Proceedings:

• Foreclosure notices
• Lis pendens (notice of pending litigation)
• Probate court orders affecting property
• Bankruptcy notices
• Divorce proceedings affecting property

Administrative Documents:

• Subdivision plats and surveys
• Boundary line adjustments
• Zoning permits and variances
• Property tax assessment information
• Environmental permits and notices

It is important to distinguish between real property records (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property records (movable assets), which are maintained separately. Real property records are filed with town/city clerks, while personal property records may be filed with the Vermont Secretary of State's office for certain items like mobile homes not permanently affixed to land.

How Long Does Chittenden County Keep Property Records?

Property records in Chittenden County municipalities are maintained permanently in accordance with Vermont's record retention requirements. As specified in the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA) General Record Schedules, land records are classified as permanent records that must be preserved indefinitely.

The permanent retention of property records is mandated by 24 V.S.A. § 1178, which requires town clerks to "cause to be bound into volumes to the approval of the state archivist all land records, surveys, and other papers required by law to be recorded." This statutory requirement ensures the perpetual preservation of property records.

Specific retention periods for property-related documents include:

• Deeds and conveyances: Permanent
• Mortgages and liens: Permanent
• Easements and rights-of-way: Permanent
• Subdivision plats and surveys: Permanent
• Property tax records: Minimum 3 years after audit (though many municipalities retain longer)
• Zoning permits: Permanent for approved permits
• Building permits: Life of structure plus 3 years

Town and city clerks throughout Chittenden County employ various preservation methods to ensure the longevity of these permanent records, including:

• Archival-quality storage materials
• Climate-controlled storage environments
• Digitization of historical records
• Microfilming of older documents
• Regular conservation assessments

The permanent retention of property records ensures that a complete chain of title can be established for any parcel of land, regardless of how far back in time a researcher needs to search.

How To Find Liens on Property In Chittenden County?

Locating liens on property in Chittenden County requires searching records maintained by the town or city clerk where the property is located. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold. The following procedure outlines the process for conducting a comprehensive lien search:

1. Identify the Correct Municipality: Determine the town or city where the property is located, as liens are recorded at the municipal level in Vermont.

2. Contact the Town/City Clerk's Office: Reach out to the appropriate clerk's office to inquire about their specific lien search procedures and available resources.

3. Search the Land Records Index: Most municipalities maintain grantor-grantee indices that can be searched by property owner name to locate recorded liens. These indices typically include:

   • Tax liens
   • Judgment liens
   • Mechanics' liens
   • Homeowners' association liens
   • Child support liens
   • Federal tax liens

4. Check Tax Records: Contact the municipal tax collector to verify if any delinquent property taxes exist, as these constitute a lien against the property. The Vermont Department of Taxes provides guidance on property tax matters.

5. Search for State Tax Liens: The Vermont Department of Taxes may file liens for unpaid state taxes, which are recorded in the land records of the town where the property is located.

6. Federal Tax Lien Search: Federal tax liens are filed with the town or city clerk where the property is located. These can be searched through the land records index.

7. Judgment Lien Search: Check court records for any judgments that may have been converted to liens against the property. The Vermont Judiciary maintains records of civil judgments.

Winooski City Clerk's Office
27 West Allen Street
Winooski, VT 05404
(802) 655-6410
Winooski City Clerk

For the most comprehensive results, property owners or interested parties may wish to engage a title company or attorney to conduct a professional title search that will identify all recorded liens and encumbrances affecting the property.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Chittenden County?

The Property Owner Rule in Vermont, which applies to all municipalities in Chittenden County, refers to a set of legal principles governing property ownership, recording requirements, and notice provisions. These rules are established by Vermont statutes and case law to ensure orderly property transfers and protect property rights.

Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:

1. Recording Requirement: Pursuant to 27 V.S.A. § 341, deeds and other conveyances of land must be recorded in the clerk's office of the town where the property is situated. This statute states: "A deed of land shall not be effectual to hold such lands against any person but the grantor and his or her heirs, unless the deed is acknowledged and recorded as provided in this chapter."

2. Race-Notice Recording System: Vermont operates under a "race-notice" recording system, meaning that between competing claims to the same property, priority is given to the first person to record their interest without notice of prior unrecorded interests. This principle is codified in Vermont law and reinforced through case precedent.

3. Constructive Notice Doctrine: Once a document is properly recorded in the land records, all persons are deemed to have "constructive notice" of its contents, regardless of whether they have actually seen the document. This principle is fundamental to Vermont's property law system.

4. Chain of Title Requirement: Property owners must maintain an unbroken chain of title from the current owner back to a recognized source of title. Gaps in the chain can create title defects that may need to be resolved through quiet title actions.

5. Adverse Possession Rules: Under Vermont law, a person who openly, notoriously, and continuously occupies property under claim of right for 15 years may acquire title through adverse possession, even against the record owner.

6. Boundary Dispute Resolution: Property boundaries are determined primarily by the language in deeds, with monuments taking precedence over courses and distances when conflicts arise in deed descriptions.

These rules collectively establish the framework for property ownership in Chittenden County and throughout Vermont, providing certainty and predictability in real estate transactions while protecting the rights of property owners.

Lookup Property Records in Chittenden County

Burlington Land Records

South Burlington Property Information

Burlington Property Database

Vermont Property Tax Information

Vermont Parcel Viewer