Seattle Public Records
Use this map to start Seattle records searches: City Clerk files and department requests, plus routing to King County for deeds, parcels, taxes, and court lookups.
On this page:
Start Here
- Start with the Seattle City Clerk index for ordinances, resolutions, minutes, and legislative files.
- Search property parcels and recorded documents at King County sources before submitting a city request.
- Use city permitting lookup for building, electrical, and land use permits by address or record number.
- Request department records through the city’s public records process by choosing the appropriate department.
- Check Seattle Municipal Court for case and citation lookups if your query involves municipal matters.
Record Routing
- Legislative records and agendas → City Clerk
- Department emails, reports, and contracts → City Departments Public Records
- Building and land use permits → City Permitting
- Deeds, liens, and plats → County Recorder
- Parcels, assessments, and taxes → County Assessor/Treasury
Common Search Inputs
- Ordinance or resolution number
- Legislative keyword or file title
- Parcel number (APN/PIN)
- Property address
- Permit number or record ID
- Case or citation number
Source Map
| Source / Office | Best For | Search Method | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle City Clerk | Ordinances, resolutions, council files, agendas, minutes | Keyword, date, file number | Primary keeper of city legislative records; many items indexed online. |
| Seattle City Departments (Public Records) | Department correspondence, reports, contracts, program files | Submit request by topic, date range, or unit | Each department holds its own operational records; request routes directly. |
| Seattle Permitting | Building, electrical, mechanical, inspections, land use | Address, permit number, contractor | Permits and inspections are issued by the city; many records viewable online. |
| King County Recorder | Deeds, liens, plats, easements, recorded real estate documents | Name, document number, parcel | Recorded documents for Seattle properties are filed at the county level. |
| King County Assessor | Parcel ownership, assessments, property characteristics, taxes | Parcel number or address | Valuation and parcel data maintained by county; links to tax information. |
| Seattle Municipal Court | Municipal court cases, infractions, docket | Name, case number, citation number | City-level docket for Seattle matters; limited details available online. |
Seattle Public Records FAQs
What can I find online before submitting a records request in Seattle?
Search the City Clerk index for ordinances, resolutions, and meeting records; check permitting records; and use King County lookups for parcels, deeds, and taxes.
Where do I obtain property deeds for a Seattle address?
Deeds and other recorded real estate documents are filed with the King County Recorder; parcel details and assessments are at the King County Assessor; certified copies come from the holding office.
How do I request records from a specific Seattle department?
Identify the department, describe the records with subjects, dates, and keywords, and submit a public records request; some departments also publish searchable indexes or logs.
Do I need a parcel number to search property information?
A street address often works, but the parcel number provides the most direct results for county assessor and recorder searches; you can locate the parcel number via county resources.