Cabell County Public Records /Cabell County Property Records

Cabell County Property Records

What Is Cabell County Property Records

Property records in Cabell County are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of who owns what land and buildings throughout Cabell County, West Virginia. Pursuant to West Virginia Code § 39-1-2, all deeds, trust deeds, mortgages, and other instruments concerning real estate must be recorded to provide constructive notice of their contents.

The primary purposes of property records include:

Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
Providing public notice of property interests
Protecting property rights through official documentation
Facilitating real estate transactions
Supporting property tax assessment and collection

The Cabell County Clerk's Office maintains these vital records as part of its statutory duties under West Virginia law. Property records create what is commonly referred to as the "chain of title" - the historical record of ownership transfers that establishes current legal ownership.

Cabell County Clerk's Office
750 5th Avenue, Suite 104
Huntington, WV 25701
304-526-8625
Cabell County Clerk

Are Property Records Public Information In Cabell County?

Property records in Cabell County are indeed public information, accessible to all citizens. This public access is mandated by the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act § 29B-1-1 which establishes that public records shall be available for inspection and copying by any person. Additionally, West Virginia Code § 39-1-2a specifically addresses the public nature of recorded instruments related to real property.

The legal basis for public access to property records includes:

Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
Recording statutes require public accessibility to fulfill their notice function
Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
Public access facilitates commerce and protects property rights

Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy reflects the principle that property ownership information should be transparent and available to all citizens.

The West Virginia Legislature has determined that public access to property records is essential for the proper functioning of real estate markets and the protection of property rights. This transparency helps prevent fraud, enables informed decision-making in property transactions, and supports the accurate assessment of property taxes.

How To Search Property Records in Cabell County in 2026

Members of the public seeking to search property records in Cabell County may utilize several methods to access this information. The County maintains multiple access points to accommodate different research needs.

For in-person searches:

Visit the Cabell County Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
Request assistance from a deputy clerk who can guide you through the search process
Use the public access terminals available in the office to search digitized records
For older records not yet digitized, request access to bound volumes and microfilm

For remote searches:

Access the Cabell County online records portal
Use the WV Property Viewer for parcel and tax map information
Search the WV Real Estate Assessment database for property valuation data
Check the West Virginia State Auditor's Office for tax and land collection information

When conducting a search, be prepared with specific information such as:

Property owner's name (current or previous)
Property address
Tax map and parcel number
Book and page number (if known from previous research)
Approximate date of transaction (for historical searches)

The Cabell County Clerk's Office maintains records dating back to the county's formation in 1809, though the format and accessibility of older records may vary. Currently, most records from 1975 forward are available in digital format, while earlier records may require physical examination of archived materials.

How To Find Property Records in Cabell County Online?

Cabell County offers several online resources for accessing property records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient access to property information without requiring a visit to county offices.

To search property records online:

Visit the Cabell County Clerk's website and navigate to the "Records Search" section
Access the WV Property Viewer maintained by the West Virginia Department of Tax and Revenue
Use the WV Real Estate Assessment database to search by owner name, address, or parcel number
Check the West Virginia State Auditor's Office for tax payment and delinquency information

When using these online resources:

Create a free account if required by the system
Select "Cabell County" from jurisdiction dropdown menus
Enter search criteria such as owner name, property address, or parcel ID
Use date ranges to narrow results when searching historical records
Review document images or summary information as provided

The online systems typically provide access to:

Deed records and property transfers
Mortgage and trust deed information
Tax assessment data and payment history
Property maps and parcel boundaries
Liens and judgments affecting property

Cabell County Assessor's Office
750 5th Avenue, Suite 300
Huntington, WV 25701
304-526-8651
Cabell County Assessor

How To Look Up Cabell County Property Records for Free?

Cabell County residents and other interested parties can access property records without cost through several free resources provided by county and state government agencies.

Free access options include:

In-person visits to the Cabell County Clerk's Office where public terminals are available at no charge
Using the WV Property Viewer which provides free access to parcel maps and basic property information
Accessing the WV Real Estate Assessment database which offers free property assessment information
Visiting the Cabell County Public Library which may provide access to certain county records databases
Utilizing the West Virginia State Auditor's Office website for tax and land collection information

When using free resources, be aware of these limitations:

Some systems may provide only basic information, with detailed documents requiring in-person access
Older historical records may not be available through free online platforms
Print copies of documents typically incur a per-page fee even when viewing is free
Complex searches may require assistance from county staff

For comprehensive research, combining online free resources with in-person visits to the County Clerk's Office often yields the most complete results. The Clerk's Office staff can provide guidance on navigating both digital and physical records systems.

Cabell County Public Library
455 9th Street
Huntington, WV 25701
304-528-5700
Cabell County Public Library

What's Included in a Cabell County Property Record?

Property records in Cabell County encompass a wide range of documents and information related to real property ownership and interests. These records are maintained by multiple county offices in accordance with West Virginia Code § 11-3-1 and related statutes.

Real property records typically include:

Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
Mortgages and deeds of trust
Satisfaction of mortgage documents
Easements and rights-of-way
Restrictive covenants and conditions
Plats and surveys
Tax liens and assessments
Judgments affecting title
Probate records related to property transfers
Condominium declarations and bylaws

Personal property records, while separate from real property, may include:

Mobile home titles when not permanently affixed
Business equipment and inventory assessments
Vehicle registration information (maintained by DMV)

A typical property record contains detailed information such as:

Legal description of the property
Names of grantors (sellers) and grantees (buyers)
Date of transaction
Purchase price or stated consideration
Property tax identification number
Metes and bounds or lot/block descriptions
References to prior deeds in the chain of title
Notarization and witness information
Recording information (book/page or instrument number)
Plat references and survey information

The Cabell County Assessor's Office maintains property tax records that include:

Assessed value of land and improvements
Tax classification (residential, commercial, agricultural)
Tax exemption status
Building characteristics and improvements
Property class codes
Ownership history for tax purposes

These comprehensive records provide a complete picture of property ownership, encumbrances, and valuation throughout Cabell County.

How Long Does Cabell County Keep Property Records?

Cabell County maintains property records permanently in accordance with the West Virginia Records Management and Preservation of Essential Records Act § 5A-8-1. This permanent retention policy ensures the continuous chain of title for all real property within the county.

The retention schedule for various property-related documents includes:

Deeds and property transfers: Permanent retention
Mortgages and deeds of trust: Permanent retention
Plats and surveys: Permanent retention
Tax assessment records: Minimum 10 years, with permanent retention of master assessment rolls
Building permits: 3 years after completion of construction
Property tax payment records: 5 years after audit
Zoning variance applications: Permanent if approved, 3 years if denied

While the original format of older records may vary (bound volumes, microfilm, digital images), the county has undertaken digitization efforts to preserve historical records and improve accessibility. The West Virginia Archives and History Library also maintains certain historical property records as backup preservation.

The permanent retention of property records serves several important purposes:

Establishing continuous chains of title
Protecting property rights across generations
Preserving historical information about land use and development
Supporting legal claims and title research
Documenting the county's development over time

Researchers seeking historical property records may need to consult multiple formats depending on the age of the records, with the County Clerk's Office providing guidance on accessing materials from different time periods.

How To Find Liens on Property In Cabell County?

Locating liens and encumbrances on Cabell County property requires searching several specific record types and locations. Liens represent claims against property that must be satisfied before clear title can be transferred.

To conduct a comprehensive lien search:

Search the Cabell County Clerk's records for:
- Tax liens filed by federal, state, or local authorities
- Judgment liens from court cases
- Mechanics' liens filed by contractors or material suppliers
- Child support liens
- Homeowners association liens
Check with the Cabell County Sheriff's Tax Office for:
- Delinquent property tax information
- Tax sale notices and certificates
Search the West Virginia State Auditor's Office database for:
- State tax liens
- Delinquent property tax information
Review Circuit Court records for:
- Pending lawsuits affecting the property
- Judgments that may have attached to the property
- Divorce proceedings with property settlements
Check with utility companies for:
- Outstanding utility liens
- Special assessment districts

When conducting a lien search, it's advisable to:

Search by both property address and owner name
Check for variations in name spelling
Verify the correct property through parcel numbers
Examine the full chain of title for historical liens
Note lien priority and recording dates

Cabell County Sheriff's Tax Office
750 5th Avenue, Suite 103
Huntington, WV 25701
304-526-8663
Cabell County Sheriff

What Is Property Owner Rule In Cabell County?

The property owner rules in Cabell County are governed by West Virginia state law and local ordinances that establish the rights and responsibilities of property ownership. These regulations define how property may be used, transferred, and taxed within the county.

Key property ownership regulations include:

Recording Requirements: Under West Virginia Code § 39-1-2, all instruments affecting real estate must be recorded in the county where the property is located to provide constructive notice to third parties.
Property Tax Obligations: Property owners must pay annual property taxes based on assessed value. The West Virginia Property Tax Act § 11-3-1 requires all real and personal property to be assessed for taxation purposes.
Disclosure Requirements: When selling property, owners must complete seller disclosure forms revealing known material defects as required by West Virginia law.
Adverse Possession: Under West Virginia law, a person may claim ownership of property after possessing it openly, notoriously, and continuously for 10 years under claim of right.
Homestead Exemption: Qualifying property owners may claim a homestead exemption reducing property tax liability on their primary residence.
Zoning Compliance: Property owners must adhere to Cabell County and municipal zoning ordinances that regulate land use, building setbacks, and structural requirements.
Riparian Rights: Properties adjoining waterways have specific rights and limitations regarding water usage and access.
Mineral Rights: In West Virginia, surface and mineral rights can be severed, creating separate ownership interests that must be researched separately.

Property owners should be aware that these rules may change through legislative action or court decisions. The Cabell County Planning Department can provide current information on zoning and land use regulations affecting specific properties.

Cabell County Planning Department
750 5th Avenue, Suite 300
Huntington, WV 25701
304-526-8637
Cabell County Planning