Muskegon County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Muskegon County?

Public records in Muskegon County are defined according to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically under MCL § 15.232(i), as "a writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function, from the time it is created." These records document government activities and are generally accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

Muskegon County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

Court Records: Civil, criminal, family, and probate case files maintained by the Muskegon County Circuit Court, District Court, and Probate Court
Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, property transfers, and tax assessment records maintained by the Register of Deeds and Equalization Department
Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees maintained by the County Clerk's Office
Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations
Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax payment histories
Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports
Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Official proceedings of the County Board of Commissioners and various boards and committees
Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports, and jail records (with statutory limitations)
Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning maps, and building permits

The Muskegon County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for many county records, while specialized departments maintain records specific to their functions. The county's online record search portal provides centralized access to many commonly requested documents.

Is Muskegon County an Open Records County?

Muskegon County adheres to Michigan's open records laws, primarily operating under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL § 15.231 et seq.). This statute establishes that "all persons, except those persons incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities, are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and public employees."

Under MCL § 15.233(1), the law specifically states that "a public body shall furnish a requesting person with a reasonable opportunity for inspection and examination of its public records." This provision forms the foundation of public access rights in Muskegon County.

The county has implemented specific procedures to comply with state transparency requirements, including the designation of FOIA coordinators within departments and standardized request processes. Muskegon County also complies with Michigan's Open Meetings Act (MCL § 15.261 et seq.), which requires public bodies to conduct business in open meetings with proper notice.

The Muskegon County Board of Commissioners has adopted a comprehensive FOIA policy that outlines procedures for requesting records, applicable fees, and appeal processes. This policy reinforces the county's commitment to governmental transparency while establishing consistent practices across departments.

How to Find Public Records in Muskegon County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records from Muskegon County may utilize several methods to access information. The county currently provides multiple pathways for obtaining public records:

Online Access: Many records are available through the county's electronic record search system. Users can search for:
- Court records through the online case search portal
- Property records via the Register of Deeds database
- Meeting minutes and agendas through the county website
- Tax and assessment information through the Equalization Department
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to inspect records. The primary locations include:

Muskegon County Clerk's Office
990 Terrace Street, 1st Floor
Muskegon, MI 49442
(231) 724-6221
Muskegon County Clerk

Muskegon County Register of Deeds
173 E. Apple Avenue, Suite 104
Muskegon, MI 49442
(231) 724-6271
Register of Deeds

Written FOIA Requests: For records not readily available online, individuals may submit a formal FOIA request. The county provides a standardized FOIA request form that can be submitted:
- By mail to the appropriate department
- By email to the designated FOIA coordinator
- In person at the relevant county office
- Through the county's online FOIA request portal
Court Records: The Muskegon County Circuit Court maintains case files that can be accessed through:
- The Michigan Courts Case Search system
- In-person visits to the court clerk's office
- Written requests for certified copies

When requesting records, individuals should provide specific information about the documents sought, including relevant dates, names, and case numbers when applicable. Pursuant to MCL § 15.235, the county must respond to FOIA requests within 5 business days, with a possible 10-day extension if necessary.

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

Muskegon County assesses fees for public records in accordance with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL § 15.234), which permits charging reasonable costs for providing copies of public records. The current fee structure includes:

Standard Paper Copies: $0.10 per page for letter or legal-sized documents
Certified Copies: Additional $1.00 per document certification
Large Format Documents: Actual cost of reproduction (maps, plans, etc.)
Digital Records: $1.00 per CD/DVD or actual cost of other electronic media
Labor Costs: Hourly wage of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the task (for requests requiring more than 15 minutes of staff time)

Specific record types carry statutorily defined fees:

Birth Certificates: $15.00 for the first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously
Death Certificates: $15.00 for the first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously
Marriage Licenses: $20.00 for certified copies
Court Records: $1.00 per page for certified copies of court documents
Property Records: $1.00 per page for recorded documents

The county accepts payment via cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (with a processing fee) for in-person requests. Online record searches may require credit card payment through secure portals.

Under MCL § 15.234(2), the county may require a good-faith deposit of up to 50% of the estimated cost if the total exceeds $50.00. Fee waivers or reductions may be granted if the request is determined to be in the public interest and the requestor demonstrates indigence according to statutory criteria.

Does Muskegon County Have Free Public Records?

Muskegon County provides free access to certain public records as required by Michigan law. Pursuant to MCL § 15.233(3), individuals have the right to inspect public records at no charge during normal business hours. The following free record access options are currently available:

In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may examine non-exempt records at the appropriate county office without charge during regular business hours. This includes reviewing:
- County Commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Budget documents and financial reports
- Property assessment rolls
- Court dockets (case listings)
- Voter registration information (excluding confidential data)
Online Resources: The county maintains several free online databases, including:
- Basic court case information (excluding document images)
- County Commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Election results and campaign finance reports
- Property ownership information through the Equalization Department
- Public notices and announcements

The Muskegon County Clerk's Office provides free verification of marriage, birth, and death records (without obtaining copies). Additionally, the Muskegon Area District Library offers public access computers where residents can access the county's online records at no charge.

While inspection is free, fees apply when requesting physical or electronic copies of documents as outlined in the county's fee schedule. Some specialized databases, such as comprehensive court document repositories or detailed property records, may require subscription fees or per-document charges for full access.

Who Can Request Public Records in Muskegon County?

Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL § 15.231 et seq.), public records in Muskegon County are accessible to all persons, with limited exceptions. The statute specifically states that "all persons, except those persons incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities, are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government."

Eligibility requirements for requesting public records include:

Residency: Michigan residency is not required to request public records from Muskegon County. Any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may submit FOIA requests.
Identification: While basic contact information is required on request forms, requestors are generally not required to provide identification for most record types. However, certain records may require verification of identity, particularly when:
- Requesting one's own confidential records
- Seeking vital records (birth, death certificates)
- Requesting records with restricted access
Purpose: Pursuant to MCL § 15.233(3), requestors are not required to state the purpose of their request, except in specific circumstances involving certain record types.

Special considerations apply to specific record categories:

Vital Records: Birth, death, and marriage certificates have restricted access under MCL § 333.2882. Only eligible individuals (immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a court order) may obtain these records.
Court Records: While most court records are public, access to sealed or confidential case files is restricted to parties to the case and their legal representatives.
Law Enforcement Records: Active investigation records may be exempt from disclosure under MCL § 15.243(1)(b).
Juvenile Records: Access is generally restricted to the juvenile, parents/guardians, and authorized agencies.

Commercial entities may request public records but may face different fee structures for certain record types, particularly when requests involve bulk data or are for commercial purposes.

What Records Are Confidential in Muskegon County?

Muskegon County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with exemptions established under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL § 15.243) and other state and federal laws. These protected records include:

Personal Privacy Information: Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account information, and home addresses of certain officials
Law Enforcement Records: Information that would:
- Interfere with active law enforcement proceedings
- Deprive a person of a fair trial
- Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Disclose confidential sources or investigative techniques
- Endanger law enforcement personnel
Juvenile Records: Court records involving minors, including delinquency proceedings and child protective services cases, as protected under MCL § 712A.28
Health and Medical Records: Information protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other medical privacy laws
Sealed Court Records: Cases sealed by court order, including certain expunged criminal records, adoption proceedings, and mental health commitment records
Personnel Records: Employee medical records, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and personal information, with exceptions for specific public information about government employees
Attorney-Client Communications: Privileged communications between the county and its legal counsel
Trade Secrets and Commercial Information: Confidential business information, trade secrets, and proprietary data submitted to the county
Security Information: Records that would disclose security measures, emergency response plans, or infrastructure vulnerabilities
Victim Information: Details about victims of crimes, particularly in cases involving sexual assault or domestic violence
Educational Records: Student records protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Pursuant to MCL § 15.244, when a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the county must separate the exempt material and make the non-exempt information available. The county must cite the specific statutory exemption when denying access to records.

Muskegon County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Muskegon County Register of Deeds
173 E. Apple Avenue, Suite 104
Muskegon, MI 49442
(231) 724-6271
Muskegon County Register of Deeds

The Muskegon County Register of Deeds serves as the official repository for property records within the county. This office maintains and provides access to:

Property Deeds and Transfers
Mortgages and Mortgage Discharges
Land Contracts
Property Liens and Releases
Plat Maps and Surveys
Military Discharge Records (DD-214)
Historical Property Records

Current office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays. The public counter closes at 4:30 PM for document recording.

Services available through the Register of Deeds include:

Document Recording: The office records and indexes property-related documents according to Michigan law
Document Retrieval: Staff can assist with locating recorded documents
Certified Copies: Official copies of recorded documents are available for a fee
Property Research: Public terminals are available for researching property records

For vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses, members of the public should contact:

Muskegon County Clerk's Office
990 Terrace Street, 1st Floor
Muskegon, MI 49442
(231) 724-6221
Muskegon County Clerk

The County Clerk's Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with vital records services available until 4:30 PM.