Lexington Real Estate and Land Records
Lexington is the second largest city in Kentucky. It has a population of 323,725 people. The city merged with Fayette County in 1974. This created the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. Today, one system handles all local services. Property records are split between city and county offices. You will need to check both to find what you need.
The city is known as the Horse Capital of the World. It sits in the heart of the Bluegrass Region. Many horse farms surround the urban core. Land records here trace back to early settlement days. You can find rich history in these files.
Lexington Quick Facts
Fayette County Clerk Land Records
The Fayette County Clerk keeps all land records. This office records deeds, mortgages, and liens. They also handle property transfers. You can search these records online or in person. The office is at 162 East Main Street. This is where you go to look up ownership history.
Call the Fayette County Clerk at (859) 253-3344. The office is open during business hours. Bring ID if you need certified copies. Some records are free to view online. Others may have a small fee for copies. Staff can help if you get stuck.
The Clerk maintains records dating back many years. You can trace the chain of title for any property. This helps buyers know what they are getting. It also helps sellers prove clear title. The records are public and open to all.
Fayette County PVA Property Records
The Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator handles tax assessments. This office sets the value of all property in Lexington. These values are used to calculate property taxes. You can search assessments online through their system.
The PVA office is at 101 East Vine Street, Suite 600. You can call them at (859) 246-2722. The website lets you search by address or parcel number. You can see the assessed value, tax history, and property details. This is useful for buyers, sellers, and owners.
If you think your assessment is too high, you can appeal. The PVA office has forms and staff to help. Appeals must be filed by specific dates each year. Check the website for current deadlines. The office can explain how they set values. They use sales data and property features to assess each home.
Lexington Accela Portal Property Records
The Lexington Accela Portal is a key tool. It holds building permits and planning records. You can also find engineering applications here. The portal is free to use. Visit aca-prod.accela.com/lexky to start your search.
The portal shows active and closed permits. You can see when work was approved. You can also check inspection results. This helps buyers know if work was done right. It also helps owners track their own projects. The system covers building permits, planning applications, and more.
The Building Inspection office can help with questions. Call them at (859) 425-2255. You can also dial LexCall 311 for help. They oversee all building work in Lexington. The office was first in Kentucky with IAS accreditation. You can ask about permits, codes, and inspections. They can also help with violations.
Lexington Council Legislation Records
The Lexington Council Clerk keeps all council records. This includes meeting dockets, agendas, and laws. They have records of laws that affect property. You can search these records online. The Legistar system has council legislation since 2012.
Visit lexington.legistar.com to search laws. You can find zoning changes and land use rules. The site shows council votes and actions. You can search by date or topic. This helps you track laws that affect your land.
You can also visit the Council Clerk in person. The office is at 200 E. Main St. Call (859) 258-3240 for assistance. The staff can help you find specific records. They maintain files on land use and development. These records show how Lexington has grown and changed.
Lexington Council Clerk Property Records
The Council Clerk office holds many key records. They keep council meeting minutes and tapes. They also file all city ordinances. These records show how laws affect property. You can request copies of these files.
The Clerk maintains the municipal code book. This book has all current city laws. It includes zoning rules and building codes. You can buy a copy or view it online. The code book is updated each year. It is a key tool for property owners.
The office also keeps contracts and agreements. These include deals that affect city land. You can find leases and purchase records. The Clerk files these for public view. This helps track how the city uses its land.
Lexington Building Inspection Property Records
The Building Inspection division oversees all construction. They review plans and issue permits. They also do inspections during building. Records of all this work are kept on file. You can search these records through the Accela Portal.
Lexington was first in Kentucky with IAS accreditation. This means their inspections meet high standards. The division checks that work meets local codes. Inspectors visit job sites during work. They make sure work is done right.
You can call LexCall 311 for permit help. The staff can explain what permits you need. They can also check the status of your permit. Keep your permit number when you call. This helps them find your file fast.
Lexington Property Records Search Methods
You have several ways to search property records in Lexington. Each office holds different types of records. You may need to check more than one source. Start with the Fayette PVA for basic tax and ownership info. Then check the County Clerk for deeds and liens. Use the Accela Portal for permit history.
Here are the main ways to search:
- Fayette PVA website for tax assessments and values
- Fayette County Clerk at 162 East Main Street for deeds
- Lexington Accela Portal for permits and planning records
- Lexington Legistar for council laws and zoning changes
Most searches are free online. Some copies may have fees. In-person visits let you see full files. Staff can help if you get stuck. Bring as much info as you have. An address, parcel number, or owner name will help narrow the search.
Fayette County Property Records
Lexington and Fayette County share a merged government. All property records for the county are part of this system. The Fayette County Clerk and PVA serve the whole county. Lexington residents use the same offices as other Fayette County residents. For more county resources, visit the Fayette County page.