Medina County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Medina County?
Public records in Medina County are defined as any document, device, or item, regardless of physical form or characteristic, created or received by or coming under the jurisdiction of any public office of the state or its political subdivisions, which serves to document the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the office. This definition is established under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, Ohio's Public Records Act.
Medina County maintains numerous types of public records, including:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases maintained by the Medina County Clerk of Courts
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments
- Vital Records: Birth certificates (since 1908), death certificates (since 1908), marriage licenses (since 1818), and divorce decrees
- Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations
- Tax Records: Property tax information and assessment records
- Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results
- Meeting Minutes and Agendas: County commission and various boards' official proceedings
- Budget and Financial Documents: County expenditures, budgets, and financial reports
- Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs and incident reports (with statutory exemptions)
- Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning maps, and permits
The Medina County Clerk's Office maintains many of these records, particularly vital records, property records, and court documents. Other records are maintained by specific departments, such as the Auditor's Office for tax records, the Board of Elections for voting records, and the Recorder's Office for property deeds and mortgages.
Is Medina County an Open Records County?
Medina County fully complies with Ohio's Public Records Act as codified in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43. This statute establishes that "all public records shall be promptly prepared and made available for inspection to any person at all reasonable times during regular business hours."
Under this law, Medina County is required to provide access to public records upon request, with certain statutory exemptions. The Ohio Public Records Act further stipulates that "a public office or person responsible for public records shall make copies of the requested public record available at cost and within a reasonable period of time."
Medina County has adopted a comprehensive Public Records Policy in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(E)(1), which requires all public offices to adopt such a policy. This policy outlines procedures for requesting records, costs associated with obtaining copies, and the county's commitment to transparency.
The county also adheres to Ohio's Open Meetings Law, often referred to as the "Sunshine Law," codified in Ohio Revised Code § 121.22, which requires public bodies to conduct their meetings in public with proper notice.
How to Find Public Records in Medina County in 2026
Members of the public seeking records in Medina County may utilize several methods to access information. The county has established procedures to facilitate public access to records while maintaining compliance with state law.
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours
- Complete a public records request form (though not legally required)
- Specify the records sought with reasonable clarity
- Present identification if required for certain records (such as vital records)
- Review records on-site or request copies
Online Access:
- Navigate to the Medina County Records Portal
- Select the specific record type or department
- Follow the search instructions for the particular database
- Download available documents or note information needed for in-person retrieval
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request via mail, email, or fax to the appropriate department
- Include contact information and a clear description of records sought
- Specify preferred delivery method (mail, email, in-person pickup)
Telephone Requests:
- Contact the appropriate department directly
- Provide clear information about the records being requested
- Follow up as directed by county personnel
For court records, the Medina County Clerk of Courts maintains a searchable online database. Property records can be accessed through the Medina County Recorder's Office. Vital records requests should be directed to the Medina County Health Department.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Medina County?
Medina County establishes 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." The current fee structure for public records in Medina County is as follows:
- Standard paper copies: $0.05 per page (black and white, 8.5" x 11")
- Color copies: $0.10 per page (8.5" x 11")
- Certified copies: $1.00 per document plus copy costs
- Electronic records: $1.00 per CD/DVD or actual cost of other media
- Oversized documents: Actual cost of reproduction
- Postage: Actual cost if mailed
Specific record types may have statutorily established fees:
- Certified birth certificates: $25.00 per copy
- Certified death certificates: $25.00 per copy
- Marriage licenses: $50.00 for application, $2.00 per certified copy
- Recorded documents (deeds, mortgages): $28.00 for first two pages, $8.00 each additional page
Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (with a processing fee) at most county offices. Some departments may have limited payment options.
Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances, particularly when the request is determined to be in the public interest. The county may waive fees if the total is minimal (typically under $1.00) or for certain indigent requestors as permitted by law.
Does Medina County Have Free Public Records?
Medina County provides free inspection of public records during regular business hours in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), which 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."
The following free public record resources are available:
- In-Person Inspection: All non-exempt public records may be viewed at no cost at the appropriate county office during business hours
- Online Resources: Many records are available at no charge through the county's online portals:
The Medina County Public Library also provides free public access to computers where residents can access online county records at no charge.
While inspection is free, fees apply for copies as outlined in the county's fee schedule. Additionally, certain specialized searches requiring extensive staff time may incur research fees as permitted by Ohio law.
Who Can Request Public Records in Medina 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 language establishes that any individual, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records from Medina County.
Key eligibility considerations include:
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Requestors need not:
- Be Ohio residents
- Provide identification for most records
- State the purpose of their request
- Put their request in writing (though written requests may help clarify complex requests)
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Special considerations apply to certain records:
- Vital records (birth, death certificates) require proper identification and may be restricted to the person named in the record, immediate family members, or legal representatives
- Juvenile court records have restricted access under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.14
- Medical records are protected under HIPAA and state privacy laws
Commercial entities, media organizations, attorneys, and researchers have the same rights of access as individual citizens. The county may not inquire about the intended use of the records, except in limited circumstances where certain bulk commercial requests may be subject to special provisions under Ohio law.
When requesting your own records versus those of others, additional identification may be required to verify identity, particularly for records containing personal identifying information.
What Records Are Confidential in Medina County?
While Medina County strives for transparency, certain records are exempt from disclosure under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), which enumerates specific categories of records that are not considered "public records." These confidential records include:
- Medical records of any kind, protected under both HIPAA and state law
- Juvenile court records, except as specifically permitted by Ohio Revised Code § 2151.14
- Records pertaining to ongoing law enforcement investigations
- Records whose release is prohibited by state or federal law
- Trial preparation records
- Confidential law enforcement investigatory records
- Peace officer, firefighter, EMT, prosecutor, and certain other public officials' residential and familial information
- Records containing information that would endanger life or physical safety
- Infrastructure and security records, including security systems and emergency response protocols
- Intellectual property records and trade secrets
- Adoption records, except as permitted by specific court order
- Attorney-client privileged information
- Social Security numbers, bank account information, and other personal financial information
- Certain employee personnel records, including medical information and personal contact details
When a record contains both public and exempt information, Medina County will redact the exempt information and provide the remainder of the record, as required by Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1).
The county applies a balancing test when considering discretionary releases, weighing the public interest in disclosure against privacy interests and potential harm from release.
Medina County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Medina County Recorder's Office
144 North Broadway Street
Medina, OH 44256
(330) 725-9782
Medina County Recorder
Regular Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 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 founding
- Issuing veteran discharge recording (DD-214)
- Providing certified copies of recorded documents
- Maintaining notary public commissions
The Recorder's Office maintains a public access terminal for searching records on-site at no charge during regular business hours. Staff members are available to assist with basic search questions, though they cannot provide legal advice regarding property matters.