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Yakima County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Yakima County?

Public records in Yakima County encompass a wide range of documents and information created, used, or maintained by government agencies. According to the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), public records include "any writing containing information relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental or proprietary function prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics."

Yakima County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

  • Court Records: Civil, criminal, domestic, and probate cases processed through the Yakima County Superior Court and District Court
  • Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, assessments, and property tax information
  • Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
  • Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations
  • Tax Records: Property tax assessments, payment records, and tax liens
  • Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information and election results
  • Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Documentation from County Commission meetings, advisory boards, and committees
  • Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial audits
  • Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (with legally required redactions), and jail records
  • Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and land use plans

The Yakima County Auditor's Office maintains property records, marriage licenses, and business filings, while the Yakima County Clerk serves as custodian of court records. Vital records such as birth and death certificates are maintained by the Washington State Department of Health.

Is Yakima County an Open Records County?

Yakima County fully complies with the Washington State Public Records Act, making it an open records jurisdiction. Under RCW 42.56.070, all public records are presumed open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. This statute mandates that "each agency shall make available for public inspection and copying all public records" subject to certain exemptions.

The law further states in § 42.56.030 that it "shall be liberally construed and its exemptions narrowly construed to promote this public policy and to assure that the public interest will be fully protected."

Yakima County has established comprehensive procedures for handling public records requests in accordance with state law. The City of Yakima maintains a dedicated public records portal to facilitate access to municipal records, while Yakima County government offices process requests according to established protocols.

The county's commitment to transparency is further demonstrated through its compliance with Washington's Open Public Meetings Act (RCW 42.30), which requires that meetings of governing bodies be open to public observation.

How to Find Public Records in Yakima County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Yakima County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:

  1. Online Access: Many records are available through dedicated online portals:

  2. Submit a Public Records Request:

  3. In-Person Visits: Records may be inspected in person at the appropriate office:

    • For court records, visit the Yakima County Clerk's Office
    • For property records, visit the Yakima County Auditor's Office
    • For vital records, visit the Yakima County Health District

  4. Written Requests: Submit written requests by mail to the appropriate agency:

    • Include contact information, a clear description of records sought, and preferred delivery method
    • Specify whether you wish to inspect records or receive copies

  5. Specialized Databases: Certain records have dedicated search systems:

Pursuant to RCW 42.56.520, agencies must respond to public records requests within five business days by either providing the records, acknowledging receipt and providing an estimated time for response, or denying the request with a specific explanation.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Yakima County?

Yakima County charges fees for public records in accordance with RCW 42.56.120, which authorizes agencies to charge for the actual costs of providing copies of public records. Current standard fees include:

  • Paper Copies: $0.15 per page for standard black and white copies
  • Color Copies: $0.25 per page
  • Electronic Records:
    • $0.10 per page for scanned documents
    • $0.05 for every four electronic files or attachments
    • $0.10 per gigabyte for electronic records transmission
  • Storage Media: Actual cost of USB drives, CDs, or other media
  • Mailing Costs: Actual cost of postage and shipping containers
  • Specialized Records:
    • Certified copies of vital records: $25.00 per certificate
    • Court records: Vary by document type and certification requirements
    • Maps and large format documents: Actual cost of reproduction

Payment methods accepted include cash, check, and credit/debit cards (where available). Some agencies may require payment before releasing records.

The law provides that agencies may waive fees when doing so would be in the public interest. Additionally, no fees may be charged for the inspection of public records or for locating public documents and making them available for copying.

Does Yakima County Have Free Public Records?

Yakima County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with state law. Under RCW 42.56.070, all public agencies must make records available for inspection at no cost. Members of the public may examine records during normal business hours without charge, though fees may apply for copies.

Free public records resources in Yakima County include:

  • In-Person Inspection: All public records may be inspected free of charge at the agency where they are maintained during regular business hours
  • Online Resources:

The Yakima County Law Library also provides free public access to legal resources and certain public records for research purposes.

It is important to note that while inspection is free, fees may apply for copies, certified documents, or records requiring extensive processing or redaction.

Who Can Request Public Records in Yakima County?

Under Washington's Public Records Act, any person may request public records in Yakima County. According to RCW 42.56.080, agencies may not distinguish between requesters and must make records available to "any person." This includes:

  • Washington state residents
  • Out-of-state residents
  • Foreign nationals
  • Organizations, businesses, and associations
  • Government agencies
  • Media representatives
  • Incarcerated individuals (with certain limitations)

Requesters are not required to:

  • Provide identification (except for certain restricted records)
  • State the purpose of their request
  • Explain why they want the records
  • Create an account to access records

However, certain records have specific eligibility requirements:

  • Criminal history records may require fingerprint verification
  • Vital records (birth, death certificates) are restricted to those with direct interest
  • Adoption records have strict confidentiality provisions
  • Medical records require proper authorization

For requests involving personal information, agencies may require verification of identity to prevent unauthorized disclosure. Juvenile records have special access provisions under RCW 13.50, limiting who may access such information.

When requesting records about oneself, proper identification may be required to protect privacy. When requesting records about others, certain personal information may be redacted in accordance with exemption statutes.

What Records Are Confidential in Yakima County?

While Washington's Public Records Act promotes transparency, certain records are exempt from disclosure to protect privacy, security, and other important interests. Pursuant to RCW 42.56.230 through RCW 42.56.480, confidential records in Yakima County include:

  • Personal Information:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Driver's license numbers
    • Financial account information
    • Personal contact information of government employees
    • Identity of child victims of sexual assault

  • Law Enforcement Records:

    • Active investigation records that would hinder investigation if released
    • Intelligence information
    • Witness and victim identifying information when safety is at risk
    • Records related to confidential informants

  • Court Records:

    • Sealed court records
    • Juvenile court records (with exceptions under RCW 13.50)
    • Mental health commitment proceedings
    • Family court mediation records

  • Medical and Health Information:

    • Patient medical records protected by HIPAA
    • Mental health treatment information
    • Substance abuse treatment records

  • Other Protected Records:

    • Adoption records
    • Child welfare and protective services records
    • Attorney-client privileged communications
    • Preliminary drafts and notes where opinions are expressed
    • Trade secrets and proprietary business information
    • Security plans, vulnerability assessments, and emergency response protocols
    • Records related to ongoing real estate transactions

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, agencies must redact only the exempt portions and provide the remainder of the record, as required by RCW 42.56.210.

The Public Records Act requires agencies to explain any denial by citing the specific exemption that applies. Requesters may challenge denials through agency administrative review or by filing action in superior court.

Yakima County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Yakima County Auditor's Office (Recording Division)
128 N 2nd Street, Room 117
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 574-1400
Yakima County Auditor

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and legal holidays

Yakima County Clerk's Office
128 N 2nd Street, Room 323
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 574-1430
Yakima County Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and legal holidays

City of Yakima Clerk's Office
129 N 2nd Street
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 575-6037
City of Yakima

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and legal holidays

Lookup Public Records in Yakima County

Public Record Request Portal

Washington Courts Case Search System

Washington State Courts Name and Case Search

Yakima County Marriage Records Archive

Washington Department of Corrections Warrant Search

Washington State Vital Records

Washington State Patrol Collision Reports

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