Columbiana County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Columbiana County?

Public records in Columbiana County are defined according to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43 as "records kept by any public office, including, but not limited to, state, county, city, village, township, and school district units." These records document the activities and functions of government agencies and are generally accessible to the public for inspection and copying.

Columbiana County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

• Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases maintained by the Columbiana County Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Courts
• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, property transfers, and tax assessments
• Vital Records: Birth certificates (1908-present), death certificates (1908-present), marriage licenses (1803-present), and divorce decrees
• Business Records: Business licenses, permits, vendor registrations, and fictitious name registrations
• Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax delinquency lists
• Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports
• Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of County Commission meetings, board proceedings, and other public bodies
• Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
• Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (with legally required redactions), and jail records maintained by the Columbiana County Sheriff's Office
• Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning maps, building permits, and property variance requests

The Columbiana County Recorder's Office maintains property records, while the Clerk of Courts handles court documents. Vital records are primarily managed by the Columbiana County Health Department, and the Auditor's Office oversees tax and assessment records.

Is Columbiana County an Open Records County?

Columbiana County fully adheres to Ohio's Public Records Law, commonly known as the Ohio Sunshine Laws. Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, all records kept by any public office are presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by law.

The statute explicitly states that "all public records shall be promptly prepared and made available for inspection to any person at all reasonable times during regular business hours." This provision ensures transparency and accountability in government operations throughout Columbiana County.

Columbiana County has implemented specific policies to facilitate public access to records. The County's Public Records Policy, adopted pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(E), outlines procedures for requesting and obtaining public records from all county departments and agencies. This policy ensures consistent application of state law across all county offices.

The County also complies with Ohio's Open Meetings Act (Ohio Revised Code § 121.22), which requires public bodies to conduct their meetings in open session, with proper notice to the public. Together with the Public Records Law, these "Sunshine Laws" promote government transparency and public participation in Columbiana County.

How to Find Public Records in Columbiana County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Columbiana County may follow these procedures to access information:

1. Identify the appropriate office: Determine which county department maintains the records you seek. The Recorder's Office handles property records, the Clerk of Courts maintains court files, and the Health Department keeps vital records.

2. Submit a clear request: Requests may be made in person, by mail, email, or fax. While not required to be in writing, written requests help ensure accuracy. Clearly identify the records sought with sufficient detail to allow the office to locate them.

3. Visit in person: For immediate access, visit the appropriate office during regular business hours. Many records can be inspected on-site without a formal request.

4. Use online resources: Many Columbiana County records are available through online portals:

   • Court records can be searched through the Clerk of Courts website
   • Property records are accessible via the Recorder's Office online database
   • Meeting minutes and agendas are posted on the County Commissioners' website

5. Submit a formal request: For records not readily available online, submit a request to the Records Custodian of the appropriate department. Include your name, contact information, and a specific description of the records sought.

6. Allow processing time: While many requests are fulfilled immediately, complex requests may require additional time. Under Ohio law, requests must be fulfilled within a "reasonable period."

7. Review and receive records: Once processed, records may be inspected in person, received as paper copies, or delivered electronically when available.

The City of Columbiana and other municipalities within the county maintain their own records and may have slightly different procedures for access.

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

Columbiana County charges fees for public records in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), which permits public offices to charge "the actual cost of making copies." Current standard fees include:

• Paper Copies: $0.05 per page for standard letter/legal size (8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14")
• Oversized Copies: $1.00 per page for larger documents such as maps, plats, or blueprints
• Electronic Records: $1.00 per CD/DVD if provided on physical media; no charge when sent via email
• Certified Copies: Additional $1.00 per document for certification
• Postage: Actual cost if records are mailed

Specific record types may have statutorily established fees:

• Birth/Death Certificates: $25.00 per certified copy
• Marriage Licenses: $25.00 for certified copies
• Recorded Documents (deeds, mortgages): $2.00 per page
• Court Records: $1.00 per page for copies, $5.00 for certified copies

Columbiana County accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards in most offices. Some departments may charge a convenience fee for credit card transactions.

The county cannot charge for the labor cost of gathering records or for redaction of exempt information. Additionally, if a request is denied, no fees may be assessed. Requestors may ask for an estimate of costs before records are prepared.

Does Columbiana County Have Free Public Records?

Columbiana County provides free inspection of public records in accordance with Ohio law. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, any person may inspect public records during regular business hours without charge. Only when copies are requested may fees be assessed.

The following free public record services are available:

• In-person inspection: All public records may be viewed at no cost at the office where they are maintained during regular business hours

• Online access: Many records are freely available through county websites, including:

  • County Commissioner meeting minutes and agendas
  • Property ownership information through the Auditor's basic search function
  • Court docket information through the Clerk of Courts public portal
  • Voter registration verification through the Board of Elections website

• Public terminals: Computer terminals are available at several county offices for free public access to digital records, including:

  • Recorder's Office for property records
  • Clerk of Courts for court filings
  • Auditor's Office for tax information

The Columbiana County Public Library system also provides free public access to computers where residents can access online county records. While inspection is free, printing from public terminals typically incurs the standard copy fees.

For individuals facing financial hardship, the county may waive copy fees if the request is deemed to primarily benefit the general public, though this determination is made on a case-by-case basis.

Who Can Request Public Records in Columbiana County?

Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), "all public records shall be promptly prepared and made available for inspection to any person." This broad eligibility means that in Columbiana County:

• Any individual, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records
• Requestors are not required to provide identification for most record requests
• The purpose of the request generally cannot be questioned
• Requestors do not need to disclose how they intend to use the records
• Organizations, businesses, and media outlets have the same access rights as individuals

There are limited exceptions to these general principles:

• Certain sensitive records, such as confidential law enforcement investigatory records, may require verification of identity or legal authority
• Commercial requests for bulk data may be subject to additional requirements
• Requests for another individual's vital records (birth/death certificates) require demonstration of direct interest or legal authority
• Juvenile court records have restricted access and may require court approval

Incarcerated persons have more limited rights under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(8), which requires judicial approval for inmates requesting certain records.

When requesting your own records versus those of others, different standards may apply:

• Personal vital records typically require proof of identity
• Medical records require proper authorization under HIPAA regulations
• Personnel files of public employees may be accessible to the employee with fewer redactions than would be provided to the general public

The county cannot deny a request based on the requestor's identity or intended use, except as specifically authorized by law.

What Records Are Confidential in Columbiana County?

Certain records in Columbiana County are exempt from public disclosure pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), which enumerates specific categories of protected information. These confidential records include:

• Medical records: Patient information protected under HIPAA and state medical privacy laws
• Juvenile records: Court proceedings involving minors, except as specifically authorized by statute
• Sealed or expunged criminal records: Records that have been ordered sealed by a court
• Social Security numbers: Personal identifiers redacted from otherwise public documents
• Confidential law enforcement investigatory records: Information that would:
  • Disclose the identity of an uncharged suspect
  • Disclose the identity of a confidential source
  • Reveal specific investigatory techniques
  • Endanger law enforcement personnel
• Attorney-client privileged information: Legal advice and communications between county officials and legal counsel
• Trial preparation records: Materials prepared in anticipation of litigation
• Infrastructure and security records: Information that could compromise public safety, including:
  • Security protocols
  • Emergency response plans
  • Building blueprints for certain facilities
• Economic development records: Certain information related to ongoing negotiations
• Personal information of public employees: Home addresses, medical information, and family details of county personnel
• Adoption records: Files related to adoption proceedings
• Child welfare records: Information regarding child abuse investigations and foster care
• Intellectual property records: Trade secrets and proprietary information

When a record contains both public and exempt information, Columbiana County will redact the exempt portions and provide the remainder. The county must cite the specific legal authority for any denial or redaction.

Ohio law also provides for a "balancing test" in certain circumstances, where courts may order the release of otherwise exempt records if the public interest in disclosure outweighs the interest in confidentiality.

Columbiana County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Columbiana County Recorder's Office
105 South Market Street, Lisbon, OH 44432
(330) 424-9518
Columbiana County Recorder

Regular Office Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Services Provided:

• Recording of deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents
• Maintaining land records dating back to the county's formation
• Issuing veteran discharge recording (DD-214)
• Providing copies of recorded documents
• Maintaining plat maps and surveys

Public Access Terminals:
Available during regular business hours for free record searches

Online Services:
Property records from 1980 to present are available through the Recorder's website

Document Recording Requirements:
All documents must meet state standards for recording, including proper margins, legibility, and notarization where required

Payment Methods Accepted:
Cash, check, money order, and credit cards (convenience fee applies)

For questions regarding specific recording requirements or document availability, members of the public may contact the office directly during business hours.

Lookup Public Records in Columbiana County

Columbiana County Sheriff's Office

City of Columbiana government information

Ohio Sunshine Laws information

Public Records Complaints process

Ohio Public Records Law