Roanoke County Property Records
What Is Roanoke County Property Records
Property records in Roanoke 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 the jurisdiction. Pursuant to the Virginia Code § 55.1-600, all instruments conveying real estate must be recorded in the clerk's office of the county where the property is located.
The primary purposes of maintaining 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 tax assessment and collection
- Enabling land use planning and zoning enforcement
The Real Estate Records maintained by Roanoke County provide the official history of land ownership and transactions within the county. These records are administered by multiple county departments, with the Clerk of Circuit Court serving as the official recorder of deeds and the Real Estate Valuation Department maintaining assessment records.
Roanoke County Clerk of Circuit Court
305 E. Main Street
Salem, VA 24153
540-387-6205
Roanoke County Circuit Court Clerk
Are Property Records Public Information In Roanoke County?
Property records in Roanoke County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Virginia law. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Virginia Code § 2.2-3700) establishes the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. Additionally, Virginia Code § 55.1-600 requires that real estate conveyances be recorded in the public land records.
The public nature of property records serves several important functions:
- Transparency in land ownership promotes public confidence in property rights
- Public recording provides constructive notice of property interests to all parties
- Open access facilitates real estate transactions and property development
- Public scrutiny helps prevent fraud and ensures accurate record-keeping
Any member of the public may access Roanoke County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy applies to both in-person searches at county offices and online database searches through the county's web portals.
How To Search Property Records in Roanoke County in 2026
Roanoke County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following approaches to locate property information:
In-Person Search:
- Visit the Roanoke County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Request assistance from the Clerk's Office staff
- Provide property identification information (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Review available records on public terminals or request paper copies
- Pay applicable fees for any copies requested
Online Search:
- Access the Roanoke County Real Estate Data portal
- Navigate to the appropriate search tool based on information available
- Enter search criteria (owner name, property address, or parcel ID)
- Review search results and select the property of interest
- Access available property information and documents
Mail or Phone Request:
- Contact the appropriate county department with jurisdiction over the records sought
- Provide specific information about the property and records needed
- Pay any applicable fees for research and copies
- Receive requested information by mail or electronic delivery
Roanoke County Real Estate Valuation Department
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, VA 24018
540-772-2038
Roanoke County Real Estate Valuation
How To Find Property Records in Roanoke County Online?
Roanoke County maintains several online systems that provide public access to property records. These digital resources allow users to search and retrieve property information without visiting county offices. The following online tools are currently available:
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WebPro System - The county's primary real estate information portal provides comprehensive property data including:
- Property ownership information
- Assessment values and tax history
- Property characteristics and improvements
- Sales history and comparable properties
- Property sketches and dimensions
Access the WebPro System through the county's official website.
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Tax View Portal - This specialized system allows users to:
- Search properties by owner name, address, or parcel ID
- View tax assessment information
- Access property tax bills and payment history
- Examine property boundaries on interactive maps
The Tax View portal integrates mapping capabilities with tax information.
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GIS Mapping System - The county's Geographic Information System provides:
- Interactive property maps
- Zoning and land use information
- Flood plain and environmental data
- Infrastructure and utility information
Access the Roanoke County GIS through the county's official website.
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Real Estate Property Tax Search - This dedicated system allows users to:
- Search for specific properties
- View current and historical tax information
- Access tax bills and payment options
The Real Estate Property Taxes portal provides specialized tax information.
How To Look Up Roanoke County Property Records for Free?
Roanoke County provides several free options for accessing property records. These no-cost resources include:
Free Online Resources:
- The county's Real Estate Data portal provides basic property information without charge
- The Tax View system offers free access to property tax and assessment data
- The GIS Services & Information portal provides free access to property maps and geographic data
- The county's View Tax Bills Online service allows free access to property tax information
Free In-Person Access:
- Public terminals at the Roanoke County Courthouse provide free access to property records
- Staff assistance for basic property record searches is available without charge
- Self-service research in public areas of county offices is free of charge
While basic access to property records is free, certain specialized services may incur fees:
- Certified copies of documents
- Extensive research assistance from staff
- Large-volume document reproduction
- Specialized data compilations or reports
Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, VA 24018
540-772-2000
Roanoke County Government
What's Included in a Roanoke County Property Record?
Roanoke County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and data related to real property within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained by multiple county departments and contain various types of information:
Deed Records (Clerk of Circuit Court):
- Property legal description
- Current and previous ownership information
- Purchase price and transaction date
- Deed restrictions and covenants
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Mortgage and lien information
Assessment Records (Real Estate Valuation Department):
- Property identification numbers
- Assessed value for tax purposes
- Property classification and zoning
- Building characteristics and improvements
- Land size and dimensions
- Property tax history
Land Use Records (Planning Department):
- Zoning classifications and restrictions
- Subdivision plats and surveys
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Variance and special use permits
- New Land Use Applications and development plans
Tax Records (Treasurer's Office):
- Current and historical tax assessments
- Tax payment history
- Tax delinquencies and penalties
- Special assessments and fees
It's important to note the distinction between real property records (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property records (movable items like vehicles, equipment, and business inventory), which are maintained separately. Real property records are governed by Virginia Code § 58.1-3280, which establishes requirements for real estate assessment and record-keeping.
How Long Does Roanoke County Keep Property Records?
Roanoke County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia under the Virginia Public Records Act (Virginia Code § 42.1-76). These retention periods vary by document type:
Permanent Records (Never Destroyed):
- Deed books and land records
- Plat books and surveys
- Property indexes and grantor-grantee indices
- Tax maps and master property records
- Historic zoning ordinances and comprehensive plans
Long-Term Records (20+ Years):
- Property assessment records
- Tax rolls and land books
- Building permits for significant structures
- Zoning decisions and variances
- Subdivision approvals and development plans
Medium-Term Records (5-20 Years):
- Building inspection reports
- Temporary permits and certificates
- Assessment appeals and adjustments
- Tax payment records
- Routine correspondence regarding properties
Short-Term Records (Less than 5 Years):
- Routine information requests
- Temporary permits
- Working papers and draft documents
- Duplicate copies of permanent records
The county's record retention practices ensure that essential property information is preserved while allowing for the appropriate disposition of temporary records. The Library of Virginia's Records Retention and Disposition Schedule provides the official guidance for county record-keeping.
How To Find Liens on Property In Roanoke County?
Liens on property in Roanoke County can be identified through several official channels. These encumbrances represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold. To locate liens on Roanoke County property:
Circuit Court Records Search:
- Visit the Roanoke County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
- Request a lien search for the specific property
- Provide the property address and/or parcel identification number
- Review judgment lien books and financing statements
- Examine mechanic's lien records if recent construction occurred
Online Records Search:
- Access the county's Real Estate Records portal
- Search by property address or owner name
- Review documents associated with the property
- Look for recorded liens, judgments, or lis pendens notices
- Check for tax delinquencies through the Tax View system
Common Types of Liens:
- Tax liens (property taxes, income taxes)
- Judgment liens from court cases
- Mechanic's liens for unpaid construction work
- Homeowners association liens
- Child support or alimony liens
- Mortgage liens and deeds of trust
For the most comprehensive lien search, many property professionals recommend combining online research with an in-person visit to the courthouse, as some older records may not be fully digitized. Additionally, a professional title search may be necessary to identify all potential encumbrances on a property.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Roanoke County?
The property owner rules in Roanoke County establish the legal framework for property ownership, rights, and responsibilities. These regulations derive from Virginia state law and local ordinances:
Ownership Recording Requirements:
- All property transfers must be recorded with the Clerk of Circuit Court
- Deeds must meet specific formatting and content requirements
- Recording fees must be paid based on the value of the property
- Documents must include proper legal descriptions and parcel identification
Property Tax Obligations:
- Property owners must pay annual real estate taxes
- Tax rates are set by the Board of Supervisors
- Assessments are conducted by the Real Estate Valuation Department
- Tax bills are typically due in two installments (June and December)
- Failure to pay taxes may result in penalties, interest, and eventual tax sale
Zoning and Land Use Compliance:
- Property owners must comply with Zoning regulations
- Building permits are required for most construction and renovation
- Property use must conform to designated zoning classifications
- Variances and special use permits may be requested for exceptions
- Violations may result in fines and enforcement actions
Property Maintenance Requirements:
- Owners must maintain properties in compliance with county codes
- Vegetation control and basic upkeep are required
- Unsafe structures must be repaired or demolished
- Environmental regulations must be observed
- Nuisance conditions are prohibited
These rules are enforced through various county departments, including Community Development, Building Safety, and the Commissioner of Revenue. Property owners should consult the specific ordinances applicable to their property's location and classification.