UPDATED April 25, 2020
San Francisco is both the City and County government authority that holds the responsibility of recording CALIFORNIA Mechanics Liens, with Joaquín Torres holding the position of San Francisco County Assessor/Recorder.
Recently our TRADITION LIEN SERVICE division recorded liens against a coffee house project and a residential window replacement. Recording a lien in San Francisco must include the street address of the property, Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), Lot and Block numbers. Unlike most lien recordings, there is not a legal description provided, nor available, for property in San Francisco.
Fees to record are $89.00 first page, $3.00 each additional page of 8-1/2″ x 11″ paper, $3.00 additional per page of 8-1/2″ x 14″ paper. If you want the county to send your recorded notice to the Owner, cost is $6.00 for 1st address for notice to be sent to debtors, $2.00 for additional Debtors (optional service). Husband and wife count as one debtor.
A conforming copy of the original document can be sent after recording. There is a $1.00 fee per copy if you include additional copies of the notice and additional self addressed stamped envelope. Indicate that you are requesting a conforming copy.
The turn around time for actual recording is four (4) weeks. You can view information on their website one (1) week after recording.
Once a CALIFORNIA Mechanics Lien is recorded, as Claimant you are required to file suit to foreclose on the lien within ninety (90) days from date the CALIFORNIA Mechanics Lien was recorded. This deadline can be extended for up to a total of one (1) year with the consent of all legal parties by filing a CALIFORNIA Notice Of Credit for extension.