St. Croix County Property Records
What Is St. Croix County Property Records
St. Croix County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the authoritative source for establishing legal ownership and documenting the chain of title for all real estate in St. Croix County, Wisconsin.
Property records in St. Croix County fulfill several essential functions:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Provide public notice of property interests
- Protect property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitate real estate transactions
- Support property taxation and assessment
- Enable land use planning and development
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 706.05, all instruments affecting real estate interests must be recorded with the county register of deeds to provide constructive notice to third parties. The St. Croix County Register of Deeds maintains these official property records in accordance with state law.
St. Croix County Register of Deeds
1101 Carmichael Road
Hudson, WI 54016
715-386-4652
St. Croix County Register of Deeds
The county's property records system includes documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, certified survey maps, and other instruments affecting real property interests. These records are maintained in perpetuity to ensure the integrity of land ownership and property rights throughout St. Croix County.
Are Property Records Public Information In St. Croix County?
Property records in St. Croix County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Wisconsin law. The public nature of these records is established by the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31-19.39), which declares that providing citizens with the greatest possible information about government affairs is a fundamental principle of democracy.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is a matter of public record by statutory design
- Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43 specifically mandates that county registers of deeds maintain and provide access to property records
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest by facilitating commerce and protecting property rights
- Any person may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or providing a reason for their request
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld the presumption of complete public access to government records, including property records, except in limited circumstances where specific statutory exemptions apply. In St. Croix County, this commitment to transparency is reflected in the multiple access options provided to citizens seeking property information.
While property records are public, certain personal information may be redacted in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43(2m), which allows for the redaction of social security numbers and other sensitive personal identifiers from publicly accessible documents.
How To Search Property Records in St. Croix County in 2026
St. Croix County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access these documents:
Online Search Options:
- Access the St. Croix County property information portal for basic property data
- Use the county's online real estate records system for document searches
- Search property tax information through the county treasurer's online portal
- Utilize GIS mapping tools to locate properties by address or parcel number
In-Person Search Options:
- Visit the Register of Deeds office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Complete a records request form at the public counter
- Provide specific search criteria such as property address, owner name, or parcel identification number
- Staff will assist with accessing the appropriate records
- Self-service computer terminals are available for public use
Written Request Option:
- Submit a written request to the Register of Deeds office
- Include specific search parameters and contact information
- Specify preferred delivery method (mail, email, or pickup)
- Include payment for applicable fees
St. Croix County Register of Deeds
1101 Carmichael Road
Hudson, WI 54016
715-386-4652
St. Croix County Register of Deeds
Standard search fees currently apply: $2.00 per name search and $2.00 per document copy. Additional fees may apply for certified copies or extensive research requests. Payment methods include cash, check, or credit card (for in-person requests) and check or money order (for mail requests).
How To Find Property Records in St. Croix County Online?
St. Croix County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These systems allow users to search, view, and in some cases, purchase copies of official property documents remotely.
The primary online resources for accessing St. Croix County property records include:
-
Laredo and Tapestry Systems - St. Croix County offers online access to real estate records through two secure platforms:
- Laredo: Designed for frequent users such as title companies and attorneys
- Tapestry: Intended for occasional users and the general public
- Both systems provide access to recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens
-
Property Information Portal - The county maintains a property information database that allows searches by:
- Owner name
- Property address
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description
-
GIS and Land Information System - The county's Maps, GIS and Land Information portal provides:
- Interactive property maps
- Parcel boundary information
- Land use and zoning data
- Historical aerial photography
-
Tax Information System - The Tax Information Online portal allows users to:
- Search current tax information by parcel
- View assessment data
- Access tax payment history
- Generate tax receipts
To conduct an online search:
- Select the appropriate system based on your needs
- Create an account if required (some systems allow guest access)
- Enter search criteria (name, address, or parcel number)
- Review search results and select specific records for viewing
- Download or order copies as needed (fees may apply)
Online access is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, subject to occasional system maintenance. Technical support for online systems is available during regular business hours by contacting the Register of Deeds office.
How To Look Up St. Croix County Property Records for Free?
St. Croix County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost, though certain services and document copies may incur fees. Members of the public seeking free access to property information have the following options:
Free Online Resources:
- The county's public GIS viewer provides basic property information including owner name, property address, assessed value, and parcel boundaries at no charge
- The property tax information portal offers free access to assessment data and tax payment history using the "Guest Sign In" option
- The St. Croix County property information website provides free access to basic property details
Free In-Person Access:
- Visit the Register of Deeds office during regular business hours
- Use the public access terminals to search property records at no charge
- Staff assistance is available for basic search guidance
St. Croix County Register of Deeds
1101 Carmichael Road
Hudson, WI 54016
715-386-4652
St. Croix County Register of Deeds
Free Access at Public Libraries:
- Several public libraries throughout St. Croix County offer free internet access
- Library staff can assist patrons with navigating to the county's property record websites
- This option is particularly valuable for residents without home internet access
While basic record searches are free, please note that fees apply for:
- Printed or digital copies of documents ($2.00 per page)
- Certified copies ($5.00 for the first page, $2.00 for each additional page)
- Extensive research assistance beyond basic guidance
Per Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43(2)(b), the Register of Deeds is required to collect statutory fees for certain services, but basic inspection of records remains free to fulfill the public access requirements of state law.
What's Included in a St. Croix County Property Record?
St. Croix County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and data related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation.
Types of Property Records:
- Real Property Records - Documents pertaining to land and permanently attached structures
- Personal Property Records - Information on taxable business equipment and certain mobile homes
Property Records by County Office:
-
Register of Deeds Office:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, sheriff's)
- Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
- Land contracts and contract fulfillments
- Easements and right-of-way agreements
- Plats and certified survey maps
- Condominium declarations
- Restrictive covenants
-
County Treasurer's Office:
- Property tax payment records
- Tax certificates
- Special assessment information
-
Property Assessment Office:
- Property valuations
- Assessment classifications
- Improvement details
- Property characteristics
-
Planning and Zoning Department:
- Zoning classifications
- Land use permits
- Variance approvals
- Conditional use permits
Detailed Information in Property Records:
A typical St. Croix County property record contains:
- Legal description of the property
- Parcel identification number
- Current and historical ownership information
- Purchase price and date of acquisition
- Mortgage amounts and lender information
- Property dimensions and acreage
- Building characteristics (square footage, number of rooms, etc.)
- Assessment values (land and improvements)
- Tax information (annual amounts, payment status)
- Zoning designation and permitted uses
- Easements or restrictions affecting the property
The content and maintenance of these records are governed by Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 706, which establishes requirements for conveyances of real estate and recording of property documents.
How Long Does St. Croix County Keep Property Records?
St. Croix County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by Wisconsin state law and county policy. The retention periods vary based on document type and historical significance.
Permanent Retention Records:
- Deeds and other title transfer documents
- Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
- Plats and certified survey maps
- Condominium declarations
- Easements and right-of-way agreements
- Restrictive covenants
- Original land patents
These documents are retained permanently as they establish the chain of title and are essential for determining property ownership in perpetuity. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43(4), the Register of Deeds is required to maintain these records indefinitely.
Extended Retention Records:
- Tax records: 7-10 years after payment or settlement
- Assessment records: 10 years after superseded
- Building permits: Life of structure plus 7 years
- Zoning permits: 7 years after permit expiration
- Variance approvals: Permanent
- Board of Review proceedings: 7 years
Historical Records Preservation:
St. Croix County has implemented a comprehensive records preservation program for historical property documents. This includes:
- Digitization of paper records
- Microfilming of essential documents
- Climate-controlled storage for original materials
- Backup systems for electronic records
The county's retention practices comply with the Wisconsin Public Records Board's General Records Schedules, which establish minimum retention periods for various document types. In many cases, St. Croix County exceeds these minimum requirements, particularly for records with historical significance.
Records management is overseen by the county's Records Management Committee in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes § 19.21-19.39, which governs public records retention and disposition.
How To Find Liens on Property In St. Croix County?
Liens on property in St. Croix County are public records that can be searched through several official channels. These encumbrances may include tax liens, judgment liens, mechanics liens, or mortgage liens that affect property ownership rights.
To search for liens on St. Croix County property, members of the public may utilize the following methods:
Online Lien Search:
- Access the St. Croix County Register of Deeds online records system
- Select either Laredo (for frequent users) or Tapestry (for occasional users)
- Create an account or log in as a guest if permitted
- Search by property owner name, property address, or parcel number
- Review results for recorded liens, including:
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanics liens
- Federal tax liens
- State tax warrants
In-Person Lien Search:
- Visit the Register of Deeds office during regular business hours
- Request assistance with a lien search at the public counter
- Provide the property owner's name or property description
- Staff will assist with accessing the appropriate indices
- Review documents on public access terminals
St. Croix County Register of Deeds
1101 Carmichael Road
Hudson, WI 54016
715-386-4652
St. Croix County Register of Deeds
Additional Lien Search Resources:
- Tax Liens: Check the St. Croix County Treasurer's Office for property tax delinquencies
- Judgment Liens: Search the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) system for civil judgments
- Construction Liens: Check the St. Croix County permit system for recent construction activity that might result in mechanics liens
- Federal Tax Liens: These are recorded with the Register of Deeds but can also be verified through the IRS
A comprehensive lien search typically involves checking multiple sources, as different types of liens may be recorded with different offices. For complex properties or transactions, many individuals choose to work with a title company that specializes in lien searches and can provide title insurance to protect against undiscovered encumbrances.
What Is Property Owner Rule In St. Croix County?
The Property Owner Rule in St. Croix County refers to a set of regulations and principles that govern property ownership rights, responsibilities, and restrictions within the county. These rules are established through a combination of state statutes, county ordinances, and local zoning regulations.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule in St. Croix County include:
Ownership Recording Requirements:
- All property transfers must be recorded with the Register of Deeds within 30 days of execution
- Documents must meet specific formatting requirements per Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43(2m)
- Transfer returns must be filed with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue
- Property owners must update their address information with the county treasurer
Property Tax Responsibilities:
- Property owners are responsible for paying annual property taxes
- Tax bills are typically issued in December and may be paid in full or in installments
- Failure to pay property taxes may result in tax liens and eventual foreclosure
- Property owners may contest assessments through the Board of Review process
Land Use and Zoning Compliance:
- Property owners must adhere to zoning classifications established in the St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance
- Building permits are required for new construction and significant renovations
- Shoreland properties are subject to additional regulations under Wisconsin DNR rules
- Conditional use permits may be required for certain property uses
Property Owner Rights:
- Right to exclusive possession and use of the property within legal limitations
- Right to transfer ownership through sale, gift, or inheritance
- Right to mortgage the property as security for loans
- Right to reasonable use and enjoyment of the property
Restrictions on Ownership:
- Properties may be subject to easements, covenants, or deed restrictions
- Certain uses may be prohibited based on zoning classification
- Environmental regulations may limit development in wetlands or floodplains
- Historic preservation designations may restrict alterations to certain properties
The St. Croix County Property Owner Rule is administered by multiple county departments, including the Register of Deeds, Treasurer's Office, and Planning and Zoning Department. Property owners seeking guidance on specific regulations should contact the appropriate county office based on their inquiry.