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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 2Pt. 3Ch. 6Art. 1§ 27205 Document Retention Deadlines

§ 27205 Document Retention Deadlines

Government Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 27205 Document Retention Deadlines

Key Takeaways

  • •After 2 years, you can get back the papers you filed for a building project if no one asks to keep them.
  • •If no one asks to keep the papers, the recorder can throw them away after 5 years.
  • •If someone has a reason to keep the papers (like a claim on the property), they can ask the recorder to save them.

Example

You build a new house and file all the papers with the recorder’s office.

After 2 years, you can ask for your papers back if no one else wants them. If you don’t ask, the recorder can throw them away after 5 years unless someone else says they need them.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 27205 Document Retention Deadlines

After two years from the date of filing in the recorder’s office of notice of completion of any building or improvement, the contract, plans, specifications and bond under which the work or improvement was performed may be returned by the recorder to the person filing them, unless the recorder has been notified in writing to retain them by someone claiming some interest under the contract or in the property affected. After five years from the date of filing in the recorder’s office of any contract, plans, and specifications of any building or improvement, the recorder may destroy the contract, plans, specifications, and bond relating thereto if they have not been delivered as provided in this section, unless he has been notified in writing to retain them by someone claiming some interest under the contract or in the property affected. (Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1007.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

improvementcontractpropertyclaimcompletion

Related Statutes

  • § 25552 Park And Recreation Funding
  • § 66704 Authority Revenue Collection Powers
  • § 12599.2 Commercial Coventurer Definition
  • § 19261 State Employee Health Standards
  • § 25550.6 County Park Annexation Rights

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 27205.
View Official Source