Brown County Property Records
What Is Brown County Property Records
Brown County property records are official documents maintained by various county departments that contain detailed information about real estate parcels within Brown County, Wisconsin. These records document the history of ownership, physical characteristics, and financial obligations associated with land and structures throughout the county. The primary custodians of these records include:
Brown County Register of Deeds
305 E. Walnut Street, Room 115
Green Bay, WI 54301
(920) 448-4470
Brown County Register of Deeds
Brown County Treasurer's Office
305 E. Walnut Street, Room 100
Green Bay, WI 54301
(920) 448-4074
Brown County Treasurer's Office
Property records serve multiple functions within the county government system. They establish legal ownership, provide assessment data for taxation purposes, and create a transparent public record of real estate transactions. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.43, the Register of Deeds is responsible for recording and maintaining documents affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and certified survey maps.
The Property Records system in Brown County encompasses several categories of information:
- Ownership records (deeds, titles, transfers)
- Tax assessment data
- Property descriptions and boundaries
- Building permits and improvements
- Tax payment history
- Liens and encumbrances
- Plat maps and surveys
These records are vital resources for property owners, potential buyers, real estate professionals, title companies, and government agencies requiring accurate property information.
Are Property Records Public Information In Brown County?
Property records in Brown County are public information and accessible to all citizens in accordance with Wisconsin's Open Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including property records, shall be open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld that property records fall within the scope of public records as defined in Wis. Stat. § 19.32(2). Members of the public may inspect, copy, or receive copies of property records maintained by Brown County offices during normal business hours.
Public access to property records is facilitated through:
- In-person visits to county offices
- Online databases and portals
- Written requests to the appropriate department
While property records are public, certain personal information may be redacted in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 19.36(10), which protects against disclosure of specific personally identifiable information. However, the following property information remains publicly accessible:
- Property owner names
- Property addresses
- Legal descriptions
- Sale prices and dates
- Assessment values
- Tax information
- Recorded documents affecting title
The Brown County Register of Deeds maintains public terminals at their office where citizens may conduct research free of charge. Digital copies or certified copies of documents may be obtained for a fee as established by Wis. Stat. § 59.43(2).
How To Search Property Records in Brown County in 2025
Brown County offers multiple methods for searching property records in 2025, accommodating various research needs and technological preferences. Citizens seeking property information may utilize the following official channels:
Online Search Portal The most efficient method for searching Brown County property records is through the Brown County Land Records Search portal. This comprehensive system allows users to search by:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Document number
- Legal description
The online system provides 24/7 access and is updated regularly to reflect current property information.
In-Person Research Citizens may conduct property record searches in person at:
Brown County Register of Deeds
305 E. Walnut Street, Room 115
Green Bay, WI 54301
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(920) 448-4470
Staff members are available to assist with navigating records and locating specific documents. Public terminals are provided for self-service research.
Municipal Assessors' Offices For assessment-specific information, citizens may contact their municipal assessor's office. For Green Bay properties:
City of Green Bay Assessor's Office
100 N. Jefferson Street, Room 102
Green Bay, WI 54301
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(920) 448-3066
Green Bay Assessor's Office
Mail or Email Requests Written requests for property records may be submitted to the appropriate department. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(h), requests should reasonably describe the records being sought. Fees for copies and research time may apply in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3).
How To Find Property Records in Brown County Online?
Brown County maintains several online resources that provide comprehensive access to property records. These digital platforms are designed to facilitate efficient research for property owners, real estate professionals, and the general public. The primary online resources include:
The Brown County Property Search platform serves as the central hub for accessing property information. This system allows users to search by address, owner name, or parcel number and provides:
- Current ownership information
- Property characteristics
- Assessment values
- Tax information
- Zoning classifications
- Recent sales data
For recorded documents affecting title, the Brown County Real Estate Documents Search provides access to:
- Deeds
- Mortgages
- Satisfactions
- Liens
- Easements
- Certified survey maps
- Plats
Property tax information is accessible through the Brown County Tax Payment Portal, which offers:
- Current and historical tax bills
- Payment status
- Tax payment options
- Special assessments
- Tax payment receipts
For property sales data across Wisconsin, including Brown County, the Wisconsin Property Sales Information database maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue provides comparative sales information and transfer data.
Users should note that while basic property information is available at no cost, fees may apply for downloading or printing certain documents in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 59.43(2)(c). The online systems are generally updated within 1-3 business days of recording or transaction processing.
Can You Look Up Brown County Property Records for Free?
Brown County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost, though certain services and document copies may incur fees as authorized by Wisconsin Statute § 59.43(2). The following free access options are available to the public:
Free Online Access:
- Basic property information through the Brown County Property Search portal
- Property assessment data viewing
- Tax information lookup
- Ownership verification
- Property characteristics
Free In-Person Access: Citizens may visit the following locations to access property records at no charge:
Brown County Register of Deeds
305 E. Walnut Street, Room 115
Green Bay, WI 54301
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(920) 448-4470
Public terminals are available for searching recorded documents, with staff assistance provided as needed.
Brown County Library System
515 Pine Street
Green Bay, WI 54301
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(920) 448-4400
Select library branches offer public computers with internet access to county property record systems.
While basic searches are free, the following services incur fees pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.43(2):
- Printed copies of documents ($2.00 per page)
- Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus $2.00 per page)
- Recorded document downloads ($7.00 per document)
- Subscription access to advanced search features (varies)
Fee schedules are reviewed annually by the Brown County Board of Supervisors and are subject to change in accordance with Wisconsin law.
What's Included in a Brown County Property Record?
Brown County property records contain comprehensive information about real estate parcels within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained across several departments and collectively provide a detailed profile of each property. Standard property records include:
Ownership Information:
- Current property owner name(s)
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Deed references and recording dates
- Type of ownership (individual, joint, trust, corporate)
Property Identification:
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Legal description
- Property address
- Lot size and dimensions
- Plat or certified survey map references
Physical Characteristics:
- Land area (acreage or square footage)
- Building descriptions
- Year built
- Square footage
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Construction type
- Building improvements
- Outbuildings or additional structures
Valuation and Tax Information:
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Fair market value
- Assessment classification
- Current and historical tax amounts
- Special assessments
- Payment status
- Mill rates
Land Use Information:
- Zoning classification
- Permitted uses
- Easements and restrictions
- Floodplain designation (if applicable)
- Wetland designation (if applicable)
Transaction History:
- Sale dates
- Sale prices
- Transfer types
- Document numbers
- Mortgage information
- Liens and encumbrances
These records are maintained in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 59.43 and § 70.09, which establish standards for property record keeping and assessment practices throughout the state.
How Long Does Brown County Keep Property Records?
Brown County maintains property records permanently in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 59.43(4), which mandates the preservation of real estate records. The Register of Deeds office serves as the primary custodian of these permanent records, ensuring their availability for future generations.
Property records are preserved through multiple methods:
- Original documents are maintained in fireproof vaults
- Digital scanning and indexing of all records
- Microfilm backups stored in secure off-site locations
- Regular data backups of electronic records
The permanent retention schedule applies to:
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Plats and certified survey maps
- Easements and restrictions
- Liens and releases
- Condominium declarations
While ownership records are maintained permanently, certain supplementary property records follow different retention schedules:
- Tax records: 7 years after payment (Wis. Stat. § 59.52(4)(a)1)
- Building permits: Life of structure plus 7 years
- Assessment worksheets: 7 years after superseded
- Property photographs: Updated periodically, previous versions retained 10 years
The Brown County Records Management Department, in coordination with the Wisconsin Historical Society, oversees the records retention program pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 59.52(4). This ensures compliance with state requirements while maintaining accessibility to historical property information.
How To Find Liens on Property In Brown County?
Liens on property in Brown County are public records that can be researched through several official channels. These encumbrances represent legal claims against property and may include tax liens, judgment liens, mechanics liens, or mortgage liens. To locate liens on Brown County properties, the following methods are available:
Register of Deeds Search The primary source for lien information is the Brown County Register of Deeds office:
Brown County Register of Deeds
305 E. Walnut Street, Room 115
Green Bay, WI 54301
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(920) 448-4470
Brown County Register of Deeds
Liens are indexed by property owner name, and searches can be conducted:
- In person using public terminals
- Online through the Brown County Real Estate Documents Search
- By written request to the Register of Deeds office
Tax Lien Information For tax liens specifically, contact:
Brown County Treasurer's Office
305 E. Walnut Street, Room 100
Green Bay, WI 54301
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(920) 448-4074
Brown County Treasurer's Office
Circuit Court Records Judgment liens are recorded with:
Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court
100 S. Jefferson Street
Green Bay, WI 54301
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(920) 448-4160
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 806.15, judgment liens are effective for 10 years from the date of entry and may be renewed. Tax liens generally remain in effect until satisfied, while mechanics liens expire after 2 years unless legal action is taken to enforce them, as specified in Wis. Stat. § 779.06.
When conducting lien searches, researchers should examine records under all variations of the property owner's name and check for liens filed against previous owners that may not have been satisfied at the time of property transfer.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Brown County?
The Property Owner Rule in Brown County refers to the legal principles governing property ownership rights and responsibilities as established by Wisconsin state law and local ordinances. This framework defines the scope of ownership interests and the obligations that accompany real property possession within the county.
Under Wisconsin Statute § 706.01, property ownership is formally established through proper conveyance documents recorded with the Register of Deeds. Brown County recognizes several forms of property ownership:
- Fee simple (complete ownership)
- Joint tenancy (with right of survivorship)
- Tenancy in common (divisible interests)
- Life estates
- Trust ownership
- Corporate or LLC ownership
Property owners in Brown County possess specific rights protected by law:
- Right to possess and use the property
- Right to exclude others from the property
- Right to transfer ownership
- Right to encumber the property (mortgage, lease)
- Right to develop the property (subject to zoning regulations)
Corresponding responsibilities include:
- Payment of property taxes (Wis. Stat. § 74.11)
- Compliance with zoning ordinances and building codes
- Maintenance of property in accordance with health and safety standards
- Disclosure of property conditions during sales (Wis. Stat. § 709.02)
- Adherence to recorded covenants and restrictions
The Brown County Zoning Department enforces land use regulations that may limit certain property rights in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 59.69. Additionally, the doctrine of adverse possession (Wis. Stat. § 893.25) establishes that under specific conditions, continuous occupation of property for 20 years may result in a transfer of ownership rights.
Property owners seeking information about their specific rights and responsibilities may consult with:
Brown County Planning and Land Services
305 E. Walnut Street, Room 320
Green Bay, WI 54301
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(920) 448-6480
Lookup Property Records in Brown County
Search Brown County land records
Access tax payment information
Visit the Treasurer's Office website
Check Wisconsin property sales data
View Green Bay assessment information