Codington County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Codington County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Codington County, South Dakota, may access a range of publicly available information through official county offices, state judicial portals, and online databases. CodingtonRecords.us aggregates publicly available data that may assist individuals in locating records maintained by government agencies. The types of records that may be found through official channels include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and assessment records
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and permits
- Tax and land records
- Voting and election records
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted)
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access: The Codington County official website provides access to county department contacts and select public documents. Court case information is available through the South Dakota Unified Judicial System, which offers online search tools for case records. The Public Access Record System allows members of the public to search docket entries in criminal cases, domestic protection orders, and stalking protection matters without registration.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Codington County Auditor's Office or the Register of Deeds to inspect records in person. The Codington County Courthouse is located at 14 1st Ave SE, Watertown, SD 57201. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the relevant county office by mail. Requestors should include the full name of the subject, the type of record sought, the approximate date range, and a return mailing address. Under South Dakota Codified Law § 1-27-1.1, agencies are required to respond to public records requests in a reasonable and timely manner.
Phone/Email: The Codington County Auditor's Office may be reached at (605) 882-6290. The Register of Deeds office may be contacted at (605) 882-6297.
What Are Public Records in Codington County?
Public records in Codington County are defined under South Dakota state law as any record made or received by a public entity in connection with the transaction of public business. Under South Dakota Codified Law § 1-27-1, all government records are presumed open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. The following record types are maintained by county offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family) | Clerk of Courts / SD Unified Judicial System |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Register of Deeds |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) | Register of Deeds / State Vital Records |
| Business licenses and permits | County Auditor |
| Property tax and assessment records | County Treasurer / Director of Equalization |
| Voting and election records | County Auditor |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Auditor |
| Budget and financial documents | County Auditor |
| Law enforcement records | Sheriff's Office (where permitted) |
| Land use and zoning records | Planning and Zoning Office |
The Codington County government website provides department-level contact information for each of these offices.
Is Codington County an Open Records County?
Codington County operates in full compliance with South Dakota's open records laws. Under South Dakota Codified Law § 1-27-1, all public records maintained by state and local government entities are open to inspection by any person during normal business hours. The statute establishes a clear presumption of openness, placing the burden on the government agency to demonstrate that a specific exemption applies before withholding any record.
As stated in the South Dakota open records framework, "public records shall be open, and any person may inspect and copy them during regular business hours." This principle applies to all county departments in Codington County, including the Auditor, Register of Deeds, Treasurer, and Sheriff's Office. The county does not maintain a separate local ordinance that restricts access beyond what state law permits. South Dakota's sunshine laws further require that county commission meetings be open to the public and that meeting minutes be made available for inspection.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Codington County?
The current fee structure for public records in Codington County is governed by state statute and individual office schedules. Members of the public may inspect records at no charge; fees apply when copies are requested.
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.10 – $1.00 (varies by office) |
| Certified copies (vital records) | $15.00 per certificate |
| Certified court document copies | $2.00 per page (plus $5.00 certification fee) |
| Electronic record copies | Varies by record type and office |
| Search fees | Not charged for standard requests |
Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order. Some offices may accept credit or debit cards; requestors should confirm accepted payment methods with the specific office prior to submitting a request. Under South Dakota law, fees charged for copies must be reasonable and may not exceed the actual cost of reproduction. Fee waiver provisions are not broadly codified at the county level, though individual offices may exercise discretion in cases involving indigent requestors or matters of significant public interest.
Does Codington County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Codington County government offices during regular business hours. Members of the public are entitled to view records in person without charge; fees are assessed only when physical or electronic copies are requested.
The following resources provide free access to public records:
- The South Dakota Public Access Record System provides free online access to court docket entries, including criminal case records, domestic protection orders, and stalking protection orders, without requiring user registration.
- The South Dakota court records portal allows members of the public to search case information and check court dates at no cost.
- The South Dakota Sex Offender Registry, maintained by the Office of the Attorney General's Division of Criminal Investigation, is available to the public at no charge and includes registrant information for individuals residing in Codington County.
- The Codington County Auditor's Office provides free in-person inspection of election records, meeting minutes, and financial documents.
Free inspection differs from free copies. While viewing records carries no fee, obtaining paper or certified copies is subject to the standard fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Codington County?
Any person may request public records in Codington County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. South Dakota's open records law does not require requestors to be state residents, to provide identification, or to explain the reason for their request. This broad access standard applies to individuals, organizations, businesses, and members of the press alike.
Certain record types carry additional access restrictions. Juvenile court records, sealed case files, and adoption records are restricted to authorized parties as defined by statute. Individuals requesting their own records may be required to provide identification to verify identity before access is granted. Non-residents retain the same rights as residents under state law and may submit requests by mail, in person, or through available online portals. As the South Dakota Unified Judicial System notes, "South Dakota provides several ways for the public to access court case information, check court dates and conduct court record searches," reflecting the state's commitment to broad public access.
What Records Are Confidential in Codington County?
Not all government records in Codington County are subject to public disclosure. South Dakota Codified Law § 1-27-1.5 enumerates specific categories of records that are exempt from the general open records requirement. The following record types are currently withheld from public inspection:
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile court records and child welfare case files
- Records pertaining to ongoing law enforcement investigations
- Personal identifying information, including Social Security numbers and financial account data
- Medical and mental health records protected under HIPAA
- Adoption records (accessible only to authorized parties)
- Child protective services records
- Personnel records of government employees (with limited exceptions for disciplinary actions)
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
- Security plans, infrastructure vulnerability assessments, and emergency response protocols
When an agency withholds a record, it is required to identify the specific statutory exemption that applies. Requestors who believe a record has been improperly withheld may seek review through the state attorney general's office or pursue legal remedies in circuit court.
Codington County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Codington County Register of Deeds
14 1st Ave SE, Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-6297
Codington County South Dakota
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Codington County Auditor's Office
14 1st Ave SE, Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-6290
Codington County South Dakota
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Codington County Treasurer's Office
14 1st Ave SE, Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-6285
Codington County South Dakota
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Codington County Sheriff's Office
14 1st Ave SE, Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-6210
Codington County South Dakota
Fifth Judicial Circuit Court – Clerk of Courts
14 1st Ave SE, Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-5095
South Dakota Unified Judicial System
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays