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Umatilla County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Umatilla County?

Public records in Umatilla County are defined according to Oregon Public Records Law § 192.311, which states that public records include "any writing that contains information relating to the conduct of the public's business... prepared, owned, used or retained by a public body regardless of physical form or characteristics." These records document the business of government and are maintained by county offices for public access and transparency.

The Umatilla County Records Office maintains and provides access to numerous types of public records, including:

  • Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other real property documents
  • Vital Records: Marriage licenses, domestic partnerships, and death certificates (limited to those recorded in the county)
  • Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, family court, and juvenile cases (with restrictions)
  • Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations
  • Tax Records: Property tax assessments, tax rolls, and payment records
  • Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information and election results
  • Meeting Records: Minutes, agendas, and recordings of County Commission meetings and other public bodies
  • Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
  • Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (with certain privacy restrictions)
  • Land Use Records: Zoning information, building permits, and planning documents

The Umatilla County Records Office serves as the primary custodian for property records, marriage licenses, and passport applications. Court records are maintained by the Umatilla County Circuit Court, while other specialized records may be held by specific departments such as the Assessor's Office for tax records or the Planning Department for land use documents.

The Oregon State Archives also maintains historical records for Umatilla County, providing an inventory of county records dating back to its establishment.

Is Umatilla County an Open Records County?

Umatilla County fully adheres to Oregon's open records laws, specifically the Oregon Public Records Law § 192.314, which establishes that "every person has a right to inspect any public record of a public body in this state." This statute creates a presumption of openness for government records, with limited exceptions.

The law specifically states: "The custodian of a public record may not destroy, alter, or impair the record in response to a request to inspect or receive a copy of the record." This provision ensures the integrity of public records during the request process.

Umatilla County has established a formal records request process in compliance with state law. The county's public records policy follows the state's requirement that records must be made available "as soon as practicable and without unreasonable delay."

In addition to the Public Records Law, Umatilla County complies with Oregon's Public Meetings Law (ORS 192.610-192.690), often referred to as the "Sunshine Law," which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public with proper notice.

The county has designated records officers in each department who are responsible for responding to public records requests in accordance with state law. These officers ensure that requests are processed efficiently while protecting confidential information as required by statute.

How to Find Public Records in Umatilla County in 2026

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

  1. Submit a Formal Records Request:

    • Complete the county's public records request form
    • Specify the records sought with reasonable particularity
    • Submit the request to the appropriate department or the county's records officer
    • Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or electronically

  2. Visit the Appropriate County Office:

    • For property records, marriage licenses, and passport applications:

      Umatilla County Records Office
      216 SE 4th Street
      Pendleton, OR 97801
      541-278-6270
      Umatilla County Records

    • For court records:

      Umatilla County Circuit Court
      216 SE 4th Street, 2nd Floor
      Pendleton, OR 97801
      541-278-0341
      Umatilla County Circuit Court

  3. Access Online Resources:

  4. Use the Property Recording Alert Service (PRAS):

    • This free service allows property owners to monitor recording activity related to their property
    • Registration is available through the Umatilla County Records Office

  5. Contact the Specific Department:

    • For specialized records, contact the department that maintains them:
      • Assessor's Office for tax records: 541-278-6283
      • Planning Department for land use records: 541-278-6252
      • Sheriff's Office for law enforcement records: 541-966-3651

When requesting records, individuals should provide specific information about the records sought, including relevant dates, names, and document types to facilitate efficient processing of the request.

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

Umatilla County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Oregon Public Records Law § 192.324(4), which permits public bodies to establish fees "reasonably calculated to reimburse the public body for the public body's actual cost of making public records available."

The current fee structure for Umatilla County public records includes:

  • Standard Document Copies:

    • Paper copies: $0.25 per page for standard 8.5" x 11" documents
    • Large format copies (maps, plats): $3.00 per page
    • Electronic copies to CD/DVD: $10.00 per disc

  • Specialized Records:

    • Marriage License: $50.00
    • Certified Copy of Marriage Record: $7.50 for first copy, $3.50 for additional copies
    • Recording of Property Documents: $46.00 for first page, $5.00 for each additional page
    • Certified Copy of Property Record: $3.75 per page

  • Staff Time:

    • Records requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time may incur additional fees
    • Research and retrieval: $40.00 per hour (prorated to 15-minute increments)
    • Attorney review time (when legally required): $125.00 per hour

  • Court Records:

    • Case file copies: $0.25 per page
    • Certified court documents: $5.00 per document plus copy fees

Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) for in-person transactions. Electronic payments may be available for online requests.

Pursuant to ORS 192.324(5), the county may require prepayment of estimated fees when the total is expected to exceed $25.00. A fee estimate will be provided to the requestor before processing begins for larger requests.

Does Umatilla County Have Free Public Records?

Umatilla County provides several options for accessing public records at no cost:

  • In-Person Inspection: Pursuant to Oregon Public Records Law § 192.324, members of the public may inspect records free of charge during normal business hours. The law states that "the right to inspect public records includes the right to make copies or receive copies of public records." While copying may incur fees, inspection itself is free.

  • Online Resources:

  • Public Access Terminals:

    • Computer terminals are available at the Umatilla County Courthouse for searching public records
    • The Umatilla County Law Library provides free access to legal resources and certain court records

  • Fee Waivers:

    • The county may waive or reduce fees when the request is determined to be in the public interest
    • Fee waiver requests must be submitted in writing explaining how disclosure will primarily benefit the general public
    • Decisions on fee waivers are made on a case-by-case basis by the county's records officer

The Umatilla County Records Office and Circuit Court Clerk's Office both maintain public access areas where individuals may review records without charge during regular business hours, though appointments may be recommended for extensive research.

Who Can Request Public Records in Umatilla County?

Under Oregon Public Records Law § 192.314, "every person" has the right to inspect public records maintained by Umatilla County. This broad eligibility extends to:

  • Oregon residents
  • Non-residents of Oregon
  • Business entities
  • Media organizations
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Government agencies

The law does not require requestors to:

  • Provide identification for most records requests
  • State the purpose or reason for their request
  • Be a resident of Umatilla County or Oregon
  • Demonstrate a particular need for the records

However, certain exceptions apply:

  1. Identification Requirements:

    • Requests for vital records (marriage certificates) require proper identification
    • Court records with confidential information may require verification of identity
    • Records protected by federal law (such as medical records) require proof of authorization

  2. Special Categories:

    • Voter registration records: While available to the public, certain identifying information is restricted under ORS 247.945
    • Law enforcement records: Access may be limited during ongoing investigations
    • Personnel records: Access is restricted to protect employee privacy, though certain information remains public

  3. Commercial Use:

    • While commercial use of public records is permitted, the county may inquire about intended use when it affects fee determinations
    • Bulk requests for commercial purposes may be subject to special processing considerations

  4. Requesting Your Own Records vs. Others' Records:

    • Individuals requesting their own records may have broader access rights
    • Requests for others' records are subject to applicable privacy exemptions
    • Legal representatives may request records on behalf of clients with proper authorization

The county cannot deny access to public records based on the identity of the requestor or the purpose of the request, except as specifically authorized by law.

What Records Are Confidential in Umatilla County?

While Umatilla County maintains a presumption of openness for public records, certain information is exempt from disclosure under Oregon Public Records Law § 192.345 and § 192.355. These exemptions include:

  • Personal Privacy Information:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Driver's license numbers
    • Financial account information
    • Medical and health information (protected under HIPAA)
    • Home addresses and phone numbers of certain public employees
    • Personal email addresses

  • Law Enforcement Records:

    • Active criminal investigations
    • Information that would interfere with law enforcement proceedings
    • Confidential informant identities
    • Investigatory techniques not known to the public
    • Victim information in certain cases

  • Court Records:

    • Sealed court records by judicial order
    • Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
    • Mental health commitment proceedings
    • Family law cases containing sensitive information
    • Grand jury proceedings

  • Personnel Records:

    • Personal information in public employee personnel files
    • Disciplinary actions (unless resulting in final discipline)
    • Performance evaluations
    • Medical information of public employees

  • Other Protected Records:

    • Trade secrets and proprietary business information
    • Attorney-client privileged communications
    • Security information for public buildings and infrastructure
    • Information submitted in confidence to public agencies
    • Records protected by federal law or regulation
    • Adoption records
    • Child welfare and protective services records

Oregon law applies a "conditional exemption" standard for many records, requiring a balancing test to determine if "the public interest in disclosure clearly outweighs the public interest in confidentiality." This means that even exempt records may be released if public interest demands it.

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the county will redact (remove) only the confidential portions and release the remainder of the record when possible.

Umatilla County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Umatilla County Records Office
216 SE 4th Street
Pendleton, OR 97801
541-278-6270
Umatilla County Records

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and federal holidays

Services Provided:

  • Recording of property documents
  • Marriage licenses and certificates
  • Domestic partnership registrations
  • Passport application processing
  • Notary public services
  • Property Recording Alert Service (PRAS)

Additional Locations:

Umatilla County Records Office - Hermiston Branch
4th Street and Gladys Avenue
Hermiston, OR 97838
541-567-3900

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and federal holidays

Related Offices:

Umatilla County Circuit Court
216 SE 4th Street, 2nd Floor
Pendleton, OR 97801
541-278-0341
Umatilla County Circuit Court

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and state holidays

Umatilla County Assessor's Office
216 SE 4th Street
Pendleton, OR 97801
541-278-6283
Umatilla County Assessor

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and federal holidays

Lookup Public Records in Umatilla County

Land and marriage records

Court records and case information

Public records request forms and procedures

Historical county records inventory

County government information and services

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