Burlington Land Records - Burlington, VT

Official Property and Land Recording

The Burlington Land Records office functions as the definitive repository for all real estate documents within the city. Operated under the authority of the City Clerk and Treasurer’s Office, this division is crucial because Vermont is one of the few states that records land documents at the municipal level rather than the county level. There is no ’Chittenden County Recorder of Deeds’; instead, all deeds, mortgages, liens, discharges, and attachments regarding property in Burlington must be recorded here at City Hall to be legally effective. The office ensures that the chain of title for every parcel in the city is accurately maintained and accessible to the public.

Searching the Records

Researching property history is a primary function of this office.

• Online Access: The city has modernized its system, offering remote access to land records through a dedicated web portal (uslandrecords.com). Users can view indices and watermarked images for free, but printing or downloading official copies typically incurs a per-page fee.
• In-Person Research: For those preferring physical documents or needing older records not yet digitized, the vault at City Hall is open to the public. State statute dictates a small hourly fee for time spent examining the records in the vault.
• Certified Copies: The Clerk’s staff can provide certified copies of legal documents for a statutory fee, which are often required for court cases or banking transactions.

Recording Fees and Requirements

Submitting documents for recording requires strict adherence to Vermont state statutes.

Standard Fees

As of the current fee schedule, the cost to record a standard document (like a Warranty Deed or Mortgage) is $15.00 per page. There is also a flat fee for the required Vermont Property Transfer Tax Return (PTTR).

Map Recordings

Survey plats and mylar maps have specific size requirements (usually 18x24 inches) and a higher flat recording fee (typically $25.00).

Payment

The office accepts checks made payable to the ’City of Burlington’ and credit cards (subject to a third-party processing fee). Cash is generally accepted for small in-person transactions.

Location and Access

The Land Records division is located within the main City Clerk’s office on the ground floor of City Hall.

Parking

Visitors can utilize metered street parking on Church Street or Main Street, or park in the nearby Marketplace Garage.

Hours

The vault and recording counter operate during standard City Hall business hours, but it is advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to ensure complex recordings can be processed.