Chaffee County Records Lookup

Chaffee County public records include court documents, property deeds, marriage licenses, and government files maintained by county offices in Salida. Colorado's Open Records Act requires these records to be open to the public. You can request them by visiting county offices, submitting written requests by mail or email, or using online databases when available. Each office has a custodian who manages specific types of documents. Some records can be viewed for free online, while others require fees for copies or staff research time. Processing times depend on the complexity of your request and the availability of staff.

Requesting Public Records

Colorado law requires that all public records shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times. This applies to documents made or kept by Chaffee County offices. To get records, you must contact the custodian of the specific files you want. Different offices manage different types of documents, so there is no central repository for all county records.

Chaffee County offices respond to CORA requests within three working days. If the request is large or requires extensive searching, they can extend this by seven more days. You will be notified in writing if more time is needed. State law allows the first hour of research and retrieval to be free. After that, offices can charge up to $41 per hour. Paper copies cost $0.25 per page. Electronic records sent by email are often free.

Be specific when you make a request. Include names, dates, document types, and other details that help staff locate what you need. The Secretary of State provides guidance on writing effective CORA requests. You can submit requests by email, mail, or in person at most county offices.

Not all records are public. Exemptions include personnel files, ongoing criminal investigations, attorney work product, and certain medical data. If your request is denied, the office must cite the specific law that allows them to withhold records. You can challenge denials in court if you believe they are wrong.

Property and Vital Records

The Chaffee County Clerk and Recorder maintains land records, deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents related to real estate. This office also issues marriage licenses and keeps voter registration files. The office is in Salida at the county courthouse. You can visit in person during business hours or call ahead for information.

Many Colorado counties offer online searches of recorded property documents. You can look up deeds by name, address, or document number. Viewing the index is usually free. If you need certified copies, you must order them from the clerk's office. Standard copies cost $0.25 per page. Certification adds $1 per document. Oversize documents like plats cost more.

Marriage licenses are public records in Chaffee County. Get copies by visiting the clerk's office or submitting a written request. Include the names of both parties and the approximate date. Birth and death certificates are not kept by the county. For those, contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The state charges $20 for the first copy and $13 for additional copies.

Divorce records are court documents. You must request them from the District Court where the case was filed. The court clerk can help you locate a case if you have the names or case number.

Court Files and Case Records

Chaffee County is part of the 11th Judicial District. Court records include civil cases, criminal cases, family law matters, probate files, and small claims. Most are public unless sealed by a judge or restricted by law. You can search some records online or visit the courthouse in person.

The Colorado Judicial Branch provides limited online access through third-party vendors. LexisNexis Colorado Courts is one option that charges fees for searches and document viewing. This service shows case summaries and docket entries. Full documents must be requested from the court clerk.

To get copies of court documents, contact the Clerk of Court at the Chaffee County courthouse. You can request records in person, by mail, or through the state's online form. Fees include $0.75 per page for paper copies and $0.25 per page for electronically filed documents. Research time is billed at $30 per hour after the first free hour. Certified copies cost $20 each.

Some files are confidential. Juvenile cases are usually sealed. Certain domestic violence cases have restricted access. Mental health proceedings are not public. If you cannot view a record, the clerk will explain why and cite the law that restricts access.

Sheriff and Arrest Records

The Chaffee County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, booking photos, and jail rosters. These records are governed by the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act. Some are public, while others can be withheld during active investigations or to protect victims and witnesses.

Current jail bookings may be available online. This includes names, photos, charges, and booking dates for people in custody. Historical arrest records require a formal CORA request. Submit your request in writing to the Sheriff's Office. Include as much detail as possible, such as dates, names, and case numbers.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation maintains statewide criminal history records. You can search for a person's arrest and conviction history through the CBI's online system. The search costs $5.00 online or $13 by mail. This database only includes arrests where fingerprints were taken. It does not show out-of-state convictions or sealed records.

Some law enforcement records are exempt from disclosure. These include ongoing investigations, informant identities, surveillance techniques, and certain victim information. If your request is denied, the Sheriff's Office will cite the specific exemption under state law.

Additional County Records

The Chaffee County Assessor keeps property tax records. You can search ownership, assessed values, and tax history online or in person. The Assessor's website shows property details like lot size, year built, and sale history. Most of this data is public. For certified records, contact the Assessor's office directly.

The Treasurer's office handles tax payments and collections. You can look up tax bills and payment history online. For older records or detailed information, submit a CORA request. Make sure you contact the correct office for the type of records you need.

Building permits and zoning records are usually public. Contact the county Planning and Development office for building permits, zoning decisions, and land use files. These show permit applications, inspections, and approvals. Some are available online, while others require an in-person visit or written request.

Historical Documents and Archives

Older public records may be stored at the Colorado State Archives. The Archives keeps historical documents from counties across the state, including death records, divorce files, probate cases, and land records dating back to the 1800s.

You must make an appointment to visit the Archives in Denver. Call 303-866-2358 to schedule. The Archives is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff can help you locate records. Some are searchable online, while others require an in-person visit.

Nearby Counties

For records from surrounding areas in central Colorado, check nearby county pages.