Public records are extremely useful in locating pertinent information. Some common sources are listed below.

City or County Recorder's Office

• deeds
• deed restrictions
• mining claims
• codes and ordinances
• business ownership identification
• partnership agreements, divorce decrees, and other documents affecting ownership

Planning and Zoning Departments

• zoning decisions
• development and land use plans
• subdivision information
• annexation maps
• lot splits and abandonments
• variances in land use approved by zoning authorities
• building permits
• historic districts

Engineering Departments

• building permits
• demolition permits
• right-of-way easement records for public services and utilities

Sale Tax Offices

• sale/use tax permits

State Licensing Boards

• licenses for service and professional activities

State Land Office

• leases of state land
• sale or trade of public land

Bureau of Land Management

U.S. Forest Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

• grazing land lease maps
• identification of range improvements

County Assessor's Office

• real property records
• field surveys

Private Data Sources

• commercial cost manuals
• economic data from local, state, or national sources
• specific information about technical and market trends in particular industries
• telephone and service directories
• real estate, newspaper, and commercial organization data on market values