Chemung County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Chemung County?

Public records in Chemung County are defined as information or documents created, received, or maintained by government agencies that are accessible to the public according to New York State's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified under Public Officers Law § 84-90. These records document official government activities and transactions, serving as a foundation for governmental transparency and accountability.

Chemung County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

• Court Records: Civil, criminal, family court, and probate proceedings maintained by the Chemung County Clerk's Office and the New York State Unified Court System
• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property tax assessment information
• Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
• Business Records: Business licenses, permits, Doing Business As (DBA) filings, and corporate registrations
• Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment rolls, and tax maps
• Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports
• Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Documentation from County Legislature meetings, board proceedings, and committee sessions
• Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, financial statements, audits, and expenditure reports
• Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (with certain restrictions), and police blotter information
• Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and planning documents

The Chemung County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for many county records, including property transactions, court filings, and business registrations. Vital records are maintained by the Chemung County Department of Health, while tax and assessment records are managed by the County Treasurer and Assessment offices respectively.

Is Chemung County an Open Records County?

Chemung County adheres to New York State's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under Public Officers Law § 87, all government records are presumed to be open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.

The law states: "Each agency shall, in accordance with its published rules, make available for public inspection and copying all records," establishing a presumption of access that guides Chemung County's records policies.

Chemung County has implemented specific procedures for handling public records requests in compliance with state requirements. The county maintains a Records Access Officer who processes FOIL requests and ensures compliance with statutory timelines.

In addition to FOIL, Chemung County also complies with New York State's Open Meetings Law, codified under Public Officers Law § 100-111, which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public and that minutes be recorded and made available.

The county's commitment to transparency is further demonstrated through its online records portal, which provides digital access to many frequently requested documents, though certain records remain available only through in-person requests due to technological limitations or legal restrictions.

How to Find Public Records in Chemung County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records from Chemung County may utilize several methods to obtain the information they need:

1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's Online Records Search portal. This system allows users to search for property records, court filings, and other frequently requested documents without visiting county offices.

2. Submit a FOIL Request: For records not available online, individuals may submit a Freedom of Information Law request to the appropriate department:

   • Complete the county's FOIL request form (available on the county website)
   • Submit the request via email, mail, or in person to the Records Access Officer
   • Provide specific details about the records being sought
   • Allow up to five business days for an initial response as required by state law

3. Visit County Offices: Many records may be inspected in person at the relevant county department:

   • The County Clerk's Office for court and land records
   • The Department of Health for vital records
   • The Treasurer's Office for tax records
   • The County Legislature Office for meeting minutes and resolutions

4. Contact the Records Access Officer: For assistance determining which department maintains specific records, contact:

Chemung County Records Access Officer
203 Lake Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 737-2837
Public Records & Information

5. Court Records: For court-related documents, contact:

Chemung County Clerk's Office
210 Lake Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 737-2920
County Clerk

The county typically responds to records requests within five business days, either providing the records, denying the request with a written explanation, or acknowledging receipt and providing an estimated date when the request will be granted or denied.

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

Chemung County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for copying or reproducing records. Current standard fees include:

• Photocopies: $0.25 per page for standard letter/legal size documents
• Certified Copies: Additional $5.00 certification fee per document
• Large Format Documents (maps, plans, etc.): $5.00-$15.00 depending on size
• Digital Records: $10.00 per CD/DVD when electronic copies are provided on physical media
• Online Records Access: Free searching, but viewing/printing fees apply through the Landex Webstore system

Specific record types may have statutorily set fees:

• Vital Records:

  • Birth Certificates: $10.00 per certified copy
  • Death Certificates: $10.00 per certified copy
  • Marriage Licenses: $40.00 for issuance; $10.00 per certified copy
  • Marriage Transcripts: $10.00 per certified copy

• Court Records:

  • Court case files: $0.25 per page for copies
  • Certified court documents: $5.00 certification fee plus copy costs
  • Electronic court records: Fees vary based on document type

• Property Records:

  • Deed recordings: $40.00 first page, $5.00 each additional page
  • Mortgage recordings: Fees based on document type and length
  • Property record searches: $5.00 per name/parcel

Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (for in-person transactions). Some departments may accept electronic payments for online services.

Fee waivers may be granted when disclosure would primarily benefit the general public, though such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis by the Records Access Officer.

Does Chemung County Have Free Public Records?

Chemung County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with state transparency laws:

• Free In-Person Inspection: Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), all public records may be inspected in person at no cost during regular business hours. While copying fees apply, viewing records is free.

• Online Resources: The county offers several free online resources:

  • County Legislature meeting minutes and agendas
  • County budget documents
  • Property assessment data (basic information)
  • Election results and voter information

• Free Record Searches: The Online Records Search portal allows free searching of land records, though fees apply to view or print documents.

• Public Terminals: Computer terminals at the County Clerk's Office provide free access to digitized records for on-site research.

• Public Library Resources: The Chemung County Library District provides free access to certain historical records and local government information.

While inspection is free, reproduction costs apply when copies are requested, as outlined in the fee schedule. Additionally, certain specialized searches or requests requiring extensive staff time may incur research fees as permitted under state law.

Who Can Request Public Records in Chemung County?

Under New York's Freedom of Information Law, any person may request public records from Chemung County regardless of citizenship or residency status. As established in Public Officers Law § 89(1), the right of access extends to "any person," with no qualification regarding residency or purpose.

Key eligibility considerations include:

• No Residency Requirement: Non-residents of Chemung County or New York State have the same access rights as residents.

• No Purpose Requirement: Requestors are not required to explain why they want records or how they will use them for most public records.

• Identification Requirements: While basic contact information is required on FOIL request forms, formal identification is generally not needed except for:

  • Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) where proof of eligibility is required
  • Court records with access restrictions
  • Records containing personal information where identity verification is necessary

• Agency Discretion: For certain sensitive records, agencies may require verification of identity or legal standing to access the information.

• Commercial Use: Records may be requested for commercial purposes, though this may affect fee determinations in some cases.

• Representatives: Attorneys, researchers, or other representatives may request records on behalf of clients with appropriate authorization.

For vital records specifically, access is more restricted. According to Public Health Law § 4174, birth and death records are available only to persons with a "documented legitimate interest," such as the person named on the record, immediate family members, or those with a court order.

What Records Are Confidential in Chemung County?

While Chemung County strives for transparency, certain records are confidential under state and federal laws. Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 87(2), the following records are exempt from disclosure:

• Personal Privacy Information: Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, including:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Medical and health records (protected under HIPAA)
  • Personal financial information
  • Employment, medical, or credit histories

• Law Enforcement Records: Information that would:

  • Interfere with law enforcement investigations or judicial proceedings
  • Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial
  • Identify confidential sources or disclose confidential information
  • Reveal criminal investigative techniques or procedures

• Juvenile Records: Court records involving minors under Family Court Act § 166

• Sealed Court Records: Including expunged criminal records and sealed family court matters

• Adoption Records: Birth certificates and court records related to adoptions under Domestic Relations Law § 114

• Child Protective Services Records: Reports and investigations under Social Services Law § 422

• Inter/Intra-Agency Materials: Deliberative process documents, draft policies, and internal memoranda that are not:

  • Statistical or factual tabulations
  • Final agency policy or determinations
  • External audits

• Critical Infrastructure Information: Details about public utilities, security systems, or emergency response plans

• Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information submitted to the county that would cause substantial injury to competitive position if disclosed

• Attorney-Client Privileged Communications: Legal advice and work product between county officials and their attorneys

• Records Specifically Exempted by Statute: Any records that federal or state law explicitly designates as confidential

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, Chemung County will redact the confidential portions and release the remainder when reasonably possible, as required by FOIL.

Chemung County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Chemung County Clerk's Office
210 Lake Street, 1st Floor
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 737-2920
County Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Holidays: Closed (County observed holidays)

Services Provided:

• Recording of deeds, mortgages, and land records
• Filing of court documents
• Business certificate (DBA) registrations
• Notary public services and authentications
• Passport application processing
• Pistol permit applications
• Military discharge recordings
• Naturalization records
• County Legislature records

Additional Contact Information:
Fax: (607) 737-0342
Email: countyclerk@chemungcountyny.gov

The County Clerk serves as the official custodian of records for Chemung County and is responsible for maintaining and preserving public records. The office utilizes both physical storage and electronic document management systems to maintain records dating back to the county's formation in 1836.

For vital records (birth, death, and marriage certificates), please contact:

Chemung County Department of Health - Vital Records
103 Washington Street
Elmira, NY 14901
(607) 737-2028
Vital Records

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Lookup Public Records in Chemung County

Online Records Search

County Clerk Records

Public Records & Information

Vital Records