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County moves to require assessor parcel numbers on mortgages and deeds of trust to support owner notifications
Summary
The board introduced an ordinance to require assessor parcel numbers (APNs) on the first page of deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages and deeds of trust to implement SB 255 and a related Government Code provision; the measure aims to enable a recorder notification program and reduce real property fraud.
Jacqueline Luna, assistant county clerk-recorder, presented an ordinance amendment that would require assessor parcel numbers (APNs) on the first page of recorded deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages and deeds of trust to support a property-owner notification program under SB 255 and Government Code section 27297.7.
Luna said the recorder's office already implements a pilot notification program for deeds and that expanding the APN requirement to other document types will allow the office to match filings to assessor records, produce required mail notifications to affected owners and provide another safeguard against property fraud. She told the board that documents presented without an APN may be rejected for failing to include required information because the office would be unable to send required notices.
A supervisor noted that target victims for fraud often include elderly owners, owners of vacant parcels and people with limited English proficiency; Luna said the office maintains an online index residents can use to check recorded documents and urged property owners to monitor their records.
The board waived first reading and set a second reading for Aug. 4, 2026; the motion carried by roll call vote.
