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Buncombe County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Buncombe County?

Public records in Buncombe County are defined according to the North Carolina Public Records Law § 132-1, which states that public records include "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of public business by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions."

Buncombe County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

  • Court Records: Civil, criminal, traffic, probate, and family court cases are maintained by the Buncombe County Courthouse. These include judgments, case filings, and court orders.
  • Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and property transfers are recorded and maintained by the Buncombe County Register of Deeds.
  • Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees are available through the Register of Deeds office.
  • Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations are maintained by various county departments.
  • Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax maps are available through the Buncombe County Tax Department.
  • Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information and election results are maintained by the Buncombe County Board of Elections.
  • Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of county commission meetings, board proceedings, and other public bodies are maintained by the Buncombe County Clerk.
  • Budget and Financial Documents: County financial records, budgets, and expenditure reports are available through the Buncombe County Finance Department.
  • Law Enforcement Records: Certain police reports, arrest logs, and incident reports are maintained by the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office, subject to privacy restrictions.
  • Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and land use plans are available through the Buncombe County Planning Department.

The county maintains a comprehensive public records archive for historical documents and provides access to geographic information systems for property and mapping data.

Is Buncombe County an Open Records County?

Buncombe County adheres to the North Carolina Public Records Law § 132-1, which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under this statute, public records are the "property of the people" and, with certain exceptions, must be accessible for inspection and examination by any person.

The law specifically states that "the public records and public information compiled by the agencies of North Carolina government or its subdivisions are the property of the people. Therefore, it is the policy of this State that the people may obtain copies of their public records and public information free or at minimal cost unless otherwise specifically provided by law."

Buncombe County complies with this mandate by maintaining transparent access to public records through various county departments and online portals. The county also follows the North Carolina Open Meetings Law (§ 143-318.9 through § 143-318.18), which requires that official meetings of public bodies be open to the public with proper notice.

The county has established specific procedures for requesting and obtaining public records in accordance with state law. These procedures are designed to facilitate public access while protecting confidential information as required by statute.

Buncombe County's commitment to transparency is further demonstrated through its online resources, which provide direct access to many public records without requiring formal requests. This approach aligns with the state's policy of making government information readily available to citizens.

How to Find Public Records in Buncombe County in 2026

Members of the public seeking access to Buncombe County records may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:

  1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's digital platforms:

  2. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours:

    • For court records: Buncombe County Courthouse
    • For property and vital records: Register of Deeds Office
    • For tax records: Tax Department
    • For other county records: County Manager's Office or relevant department

  3. Written Requests: Submit a formal public records request in writing to the specific department that maintains the desired records. Requests should include:

    • Requestor's name and contact information
    • Clear description of records sought
    • Preferred format for receiving records
    • Date range of records (if applicable)

  4. Electronic Requests: Many departments accept requests via email or through online submission forms available on the county website.

For records not available online, requestors should contact the specific department that maintains the records. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 132-6, public agencies must respond to records requests "as promptly as possible." While the law does not specify a timeframe, agencies are expected to provide records without unnecessary delay.

When requesting records, it is advisable to be as specific as possible about the information sought to facilitate a more efficient response. County staff may provide assistance in identifying which records contain the information being requested.

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

Buncombe County assesses fees for public records in accordance with North Carolina General Statute § 132-6.2, which permits agencies to charge only the "actual cost" of reproduction. The current fee structure for obtaining public records in Buncombe County is as follows:

  • Paper Copies:

    • Standard black and white copies: $0.10 per page
    • Color copies: $0.25 per page
    • Large format documents (maps, plats): $3.00 - $10.00 depending on size

  • Digital Records:

    • Records provided via email: No charge (if already in electronic format)
    • Records scanned from paper to digital: $0.10 per page scanning fee
    • Records provided on CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc plus applicable scanning fees
    • Records provided on USB drive: Actual cost of the drive plus applicable scanning fees

  • Specialized Records:

    • Certified copies of vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates): $10.00 for first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy requested simultaneously
    • Recorded documents (deeds, mortgages): $2.00 for first page, $0.25 for each additional page
    • Certified copies of recorded documents: Additional $5.00 certification fee

  • Staff Time:

    • Extensive use of staff time (defined as more than 30 minutes): $25.00 per hour after the first 30 minutes
    • Special programming or data extraction: Actual cost based on IT staff hourly rate

Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (with a processing fee for card payments). Some departments may have varying payment options.

Fee waivers or reductions may be available in certain circumstances where the request is determined to be in the public interest. Such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis by the custodian of the requested records.

Requestors will be notified of any applicable fees before records are produced, and payment may be required in advance for requests exceeding $25.00.

Does Buncombe County Have Free Public Records?

Buncombe County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with North Carolina General Statute § 132-6, which states that "every person having custody of public records shall permit them to be inspected and examined at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision by any person."

The following records are available for free inspection or access:

  • In-Person Inspection: Any public record may be inspected in person at no charge during regular business hours at the appropriate county office. Staff will provide reasonable supervision and assistance in locating records.

  • Online Resources: Numerous records are available at no cost through county online portals:

  • Public Terminals: Computer terminals are available for public use at various county offices, including the Register of Deeds and the Clerk of Court, allowing free access to digital records.

While inspection is free, reproduction costs may apply if copies are requested. Additionally, certain specialized searches or certified copies will incur the fees outlined in the previous section.

The county continually expands its online offerings to increase free public access to government records, reducing the need for formal requests and associated reproduction costs.

Who Can Request Public Records in Buncombe County?

Under North Carolina General Statute § 132-6, public records in Buncombe County are available to "any person" regardless of citizenship, residency status, or purpose for the request. The statute establishes that:

  • No Residency Requirement: Requestors need not be residents of Buncombe County or North Carolina to access public records.

  • No Identification Requirement: For most public records, requestors are not required to provide identification or state their purpose for requesting records. However, certain exceptions apply:

    • Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) require proof of identity and, in some cases, proof of relationship to the subject of the record
    • Certain court records may require identification if they contain restricted information
    • Records with confidential components may require verification of eligibility to access those components

  • No Purpose Requirement: The law does not require requestors to explain why they want access to public records, and agencies cannot deny access based on the requestor's intended use of the information, with limited exceptions for commercial solicitation purposes.

  • Equal Access: All requestors have equal rights of access regardless of their status as media representatives, researchers, commercial entities, or private individuals.

  • Proxy Requests: Individuals may authorize others to request records on their behalf, though written authorization may be required for certain sensitive records.

  • Anonymous Requests: While anonymous requests are technically permitted for general public records, practical limitations may apply if payment is required or if the records contain information that requires verification of the requestor's eligibility to access.

For records that contain both public and confidential information, county officials may redact the confidential portions and provide access to the remainder of the record, in accordance with § 132-6(c).

What Records Are Confidential in Buncombe County?

While North Carolina's Public Records Law establishes a presumption of openness, certain records are exempt from public disclosure under state and federal laws. Pursuant to various provisions in North Carolina General Statutes and other applicable laws, the following records are considered confidential in Buncombe County:

  • Personal Information: Social Security numbers, bank account information, credit card numbers, and other personal identifying information as protected under § 132-1.10

  • Medical Records: Health information protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and § 130A-12

  • Juvenile Records: Court records and law enforcement records involving minors under § 7B-3000

  • Personnel Records: County employee personnel files are confidential under § 153A-98, though certain information (name, age, date of employment, position, salary) remains public

  • Criminal Investigation Records: Active law enforcement investigations, intelligence information, and criminal investigative files as specified in § 132-1.4

  • Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and communications between county attorneys and officials under § 132-1.1

  • Economic Development Records: Certain business recruitment and expansion information prior to public announcement under § 132-6.1

  • Tax Information: Individual tax returns and information obtained from tax returns under § 132-1.1 and federal law

  • Competitive Bid Documents: Sealed bids prior to bid opening and certain procurement information under § 143-52

  • Adoption Records: Adoption proceedings and records under § 48-9-102

  • Child Protective Services Records: Reports and investigations of child abuse and neglect under § 7B-302

  • Certain Utility Customer Information: Personal identifying and usage data for utility customers under § 132-1.1

  • Security Plans: Emergency response plans, security plans, and infrastructure details that could compromise public safety under § 132-1.7

  • Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information submitted to the county under § 132-1.2

  • Educational Records: Student records protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

When a record contains both public and confidential information, county officials will redact the confidential portions and provide access to the remainder of the record, as required by § 132-6(c).

The determination of confidentiality is made by the custodian of the records based on applicable laws. Requestors who believe records have been improperly withheld may seek judicial review under § 132-9.

Buncombe County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Buncombe County Register of Deeds
205 College Street, Suite 100
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 250-4300
Buncombe County Register of Deeds

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Services Provided:

  • Recording of deeds, mortgages, and other land records
  • Issuance of marriage licenses
  • Birth and death certificates
  • Military discharge recording
  • Notary public oaths and authentications
  • Real estate transfer tax collection
  • Certified copies of vital records

Additional Contact Information:

Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court
60 Court Plaza
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 259-3400
Buncombe County Courts

Buncombe County Tax Department
94 Coxe Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 250-4910
Buncombe County Tax Department

Buncombe County Administration
200 College Street, Suite 300
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 250-4100
Buncombe County Government

Lookup Public Records in Buncombe County

Register of Deeds property and vital records

Court records and case information

Buncombe County court locations and services

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Property tax records and payment information

Historical documents and archived records

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