Ozaukee County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Ozaukee County?
Public records in Ozaukee County are defined according to the Wisconsin Public Records Law § 19.31, which states that all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of government officers and employees. Under Wisconsin law, a public record is any material on which written, drawn, printed, spoken, visual, or electromagnetic information or sounds are recorded or preserved, regardless of physical form or characteristics, which has been created or is being kept by an authority.
Ozaukee County maintains numerous types of public records, including:
- Court records - civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases maintained by the Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
- Property records - deeds, mortgages, liens, and assessments maintained by the Register of Deeds Office
- Vital records - birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates also maintained by the Register of Deeds
- Business records - licenses, permits, and fictitious business names filed with the County Clerk
- Tax records - property tax information and assessment records maintained by the Treasurer's Office
- Voting and election records - voter registration and election results maintained by the County Clerk
- Meeting minutes and agendas - records of county board meetings, committees, and commissions
- Budget and financial documents - county expenditures, revenues, and financial reports
- Law enforcement records - sheriff's reports, jail records, and incident reports (with certain restrictions)
- Land use and zoning records - permits, applications, and zoning decisions maintained by the Planning and Parks Department
Each department within Ozaukee County government serves as the custodian for records created or maintained by that department. The Ozaukee County Open Records portal provides centralized information about accessing these various record types.
Is Ozaukee County an Open Records County?
Ozaukee County fully complies with the Wisconsin Public Records Law as established under Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31-19.39. This law establishes a presumption of complete public access to government records, consistent with the conduct of governmental business. The statute specifically declares that providing citizens with information on the affairs of government is "an essential function of a representative government and an integral part of the routine duties of officers and employees."
Under Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1)(a), "any requester has a right to inspect any record," with certain statutory exceptions designed to protect privacy interests and governmental operations. Ozaukee County has implemented this mandate through its comprehensive open records policy, which establishes procedures for timely response to records requests.
The County has designated record custodians within each department who are responsible for responding to public records requests pertaining to their respective departments. These custodians are trained to respond to requests "as soon as practicable and without delay" as required by state law.
Ozaukee County also adheres to Wisconsin's Open Meetings Law (§§ 19.81-19.98), often referred to as the "sunshine law," which requires that all meetings of governmental bodies be announced in advance and open to the public, except in specific limited circumstances.
How to Find Public Records in Ozaukee County in 2026
Members of the public seeking records from Ozaukee County may utilize several methods to obtain the information they need:
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Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official website. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal provides public access to court records. Property records can be searched through the Register of Deeds online portal.
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to request records:
- For court records: Visit the Clerk of Circuit Court
- For property and vital records: Visit the Register of Deeds
- For other county records: Visit the specific department that maintains those records
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Written Requests: Submit a formal written request to the appropriate department. The county provides a standard record request form that can be submitted via:
- Email to the appropriate department
- Mail to the department's physical address
- Fax to the department's fax number
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Telephone Requests: Simple requests may be made by telephone to the appropriate department, though written requests are preferred for complex or voluminous records.
When making a request, individuals should:
- Identify the specific records sought with reasonable particularity
- Provide contact information for follow-up questions or response
- Indicate preferred format for receiving records (paper copies, electronic files, inspection only)
Record custodians typically respond to requests within 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time. If a request is denied in whole or in part, the custodian must provide specific reasons for denial with reference to applicable exemptions under Wisconsin law.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Ozaukee County?
Ozaukee County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3), which permits charging "the actual, necessary and direct cost" of reproduction and transcription of records. The current fee structure includes:
- Photocopies: $0.25 per page for standard black and white copies
- Color copies: $0.50 per page
- Large format documents (maps, plans): $5.00 per sheet
- Electronic records: $0.10 per page for PDF conversion or $10.00 per CD/DVD
- Location fees: If a request requires more than $50.00 worth of staff time to locate records, the actual, necessary, and direct location costs may be charged
- Mailing/shipping: Actual cost of postage or delivery
Specialized records may have different fee schedules:
- Certified copies of vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates): $20.00 for the first copy, $3.00 for each additional copy requested at the same time
- Court records: $1.25 per page for certified copies
- Real estate records: $2.00 per page for recorded documents
Payment methods accepted include:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Personal checks
- Money orders
- Credit cards (for certain departments and online services)
Prepayment may be required if the total cost is expected to exceed $5.00. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3)(f), fees may be waived or reduced when doing so is in the public interest. Requests for fee waivers must be made in writing with an explanation of the public interest served.
Does Ozaukee County Have Free Public Records?
Ozaukee County provides free access to certain public records as required by Wisconsin law. Under Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1), any person has the right to inspect public records without charge during normal business hours. This inspection right applies to all public records maintained by county departments.
Records available for free inspection or access include:
- County Board meeting agendas and minutes, available on the Ozaukee County website
- Budget documents and financial reports posted online
- Court case information through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
- Property ownership information through the county's GIS mapping portal
- Voter registration status through the MyVote Wisconsin website
While inspection is free, reproduction costs apply when copies are requested. Additionally, certain online databases provide free limited information, with more detailed records available for a fee.
The Ozaukee County Public Library system also provides free public computer access where residents can search many online county records without charge.
For records not available online, individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to inspect records without charge, though an appointment may be recommended for extensive research or to ensure staff availability.
Who Can Request Public Records in Ozaukee County?
Under Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1)(a), "any requester has a right to inspect any record," with certain statutory exceptions. This broad eligibility means:
- Any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records
- Requesters do not need to be Wisconsin residents or Ozaukee County residents
- Individuals do not need to state a reason or purpose for their request
- Requesters do not need to identify themselves, though contact information is necessary if copies are requested
While identification is generally not required for most records requests, certain records have specific eligibility restrictions:
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) - Only the person named in the record, immediate family members, or those with a direct and tangible interest may obtain uncertified copies; certified copies have stricter requirements under Wisconsin Statute § 69.20
- Confidential law enforcement records - Access may be restricted to specific parties
- Medical examiner reports - Complete reports may be restricted to next of kin or those with legal authorization
For requests made in person, staff may ask for identification to verify eligibility for restricted records, but cannot require identification for general public records. For mail, email, or online requests, the county may require verification of identity only when legally necessary based on the specific record type.
Organizations, businesses, and government agencies may also request records through authorized representatives. Media organizations have the same rights of access as individual requesters.
What Records Are Confidential in Ozaukee County?
While Wisconsin's Public Records Law presumes that government records are open to public inspection, Wisconsin Statute § 19.36 establishes specific categories of records that are exempt from disclosure. In Ozaukee County, the following records are generally considered confidential:
- Records related to ongoing law enforcement investigations that would impede the investigation if released
- Juvenile court records, except as specifically authorized by Wisconsin Statute § 938.396
- Mental health commitment proceedings and records
- Child protective services records and reports of child abuse or neglect
- Patient health care records protected under HIPAA and state medical privacy laws
- Personally identifiable information including Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and personal financial information
- Personnel records containing information related to employee performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, or medical information
- Records containing trade secrets or proprietary business information submitted to the county
- Computer programs and security information that would compromise county information systems
- Records subject to attorney-client privilege
- Drafts, notes, and preliminary documents used in preparation of official actions
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Confidential informant identities and information that would endanger physical safety
- Certain economic development information where confidentiality was promised
When a record contains both confidential and public information, the county will redact the confidential portions and release the remainder. Each denial of access must specifically cite the statutory or common law exemption that applies.
The county applies the "balancing test" required by Wisconsin case law, weighing the public interest in disclosure against the public interest in nondisclosure for records where no absolute statutory exemption exists.
Ozaukee County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Ozaukee County Register of Deeds
1201 S. Spring Street, Room 110
Port Washington, WI 53074
Phone: 262-284-8282
Register of Deeds
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
1201 S. Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
Phone: 262-284-8409
Clerk of Circuit Court
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Ozaukee County Clerk
1201 S. Spring Street, Room 100
Port Washington, WI 53074
Phone: 262-284-8110
County Clerk
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office
1201 S. Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
Phone: 262-284-7172 (non-emergency)
Sheriff's Office
Hours for Records Requests:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Lookup Public Records in Ozaukee County
Open Records portal for Ozaukee County
Access Court Records through the Ozaukee County Circuit Court
Submit a Record Request to Ozaukee County departments
Search property and vital records through the Register of Deeds