Douglas County Public Records /Douglas County Property Records

Douglas County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in Douglas County in 2026

DouglasCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Douglas County. Members of the public may use this resource to locate data associated with ownership history, recorded documents, tax assessments, and related property information. Record categories available through official channels include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, tax records, and property appraisal data. Information presented reflects what is available through public sources and may not represent a complete or current account of all property interests.

Property records in Douglas County may be searched through several official channels maintained by county government agencies. The primary resources include the Douglas County Assessor's Office, the Douglas County Clerk and Recorder, and the Douglas County Treasurer. Each office maintains distinct categories of records and provides separate search tools.

Official Resources for Searching Property Records:

Resource	Records Available	Access Method
Douglas County Assessor	Property valuations, ownership data, parcel info	Online portal, in-person
Douglas County Clerk and Recorder	Deeds, mortgages, liens, recorded documents	Online search, in-person
Douglas County Treasurer	Tax bills, payment history, delinquency	Online portal, in-person
Douglas County GIS	Interactive maps, parcel boundaries, zoning	Online mapping tool

Multiple Access Methods:

Online searches — The most convenient option; available at no cost through official county portals
In-person visits — Required for certified copies and access to older records not yet digitized
By mail — Written requests submitted with applicable fees and identifying information
Through professionals — Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers conduct comprehensive searches

1. Property Appraiser Website

The Douglas County Assessor's Office maintains the primary database for property valuation and ownership information. Members of the public may access the Douglas County Assessor property search at no cost and without registration.

Search Options:

By property address
By owner name
By parcel ID or schedule number
By subdivision name
By GIS map location
By legal description

Information Available:

Current owner name and mailing address
Property site address
Legal description
Parcel/schedule number
Land use and zoning classification
Property characteristics including square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, year built, lot size, and building type
Assessed value (land and improvements)
Taxable value and exemptions applied
Sales history
GIS map location and property photos

How to Search:

Navigate to the Douglas County Assessor property search portal
Select a search type (address, owner name, parcel number, etc.)
Enter the applicable search criteria
Review the results list returned
Select a specific property to view the full property record card
Access sales history, maps, and valuation data from the property detail page
Print or save the information as needed

2. County Clerk and Recorder Official Records Search

The Douglas County Clerk and Recorder maintains the official index of recorded documents affecting real property. Members of the public may search recorded instruments through the Douglas County Clerk and Recorder official records portal.

Searchable By:

Grantor name (seller or transferring party)
Grantee name (buyer or receiving party)
Document type
Recording date range
Reception number (instrument number)
Book and page reference

Documents Available:

Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
Mortgages and deeds of trust
Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
Easements and access agreements
Declarations of restrictions and covenants
Subdivision plats and surveys
Powers of attorney affecting real property
Affidavits affecting title
Lis pendens notices
HOA declarations and amendments

How to Search:

Access the Clerk and Recorder's official records search portal
Select the preferred search type (grantor/grantee name, document type, date range)
Enter the search criteria
Review the list of returned instruments
Select a document to view the scanned image (available for most recorded instruments)
Note the reception number or book and page for future reference
Request certified copies through the office if official copies are required

3. Tax Collector Website

The Douglas County Treasurer maintains tax payment records and current tax bill information. Members of the public may access the Douglas County Treasurer property tax search at no cost.

Search By:

Property address
Owner name
Parcel/schedule number
Tax account number

Information Available:

Current tax bill and amount due
Payment history by tax year
Outstanding balances and delinquency status
Exemptions applied
Millage rates by taxing authority
Installment plan status and payment options

4. GIS / Mapping System

The Douglas County GIS Division provides an interactive mapping tool that allows members of the public to visually locate parcels, view property boundaries, and access linked assessment data. The Douglas County GIS mapping portal supports the following functions:

Navigate the map to a specific location or address
Click on a parcel to view associated property information
Access linked records from the Assessor and Clerk databases
View aerial photography, zoning layers, flood zone designations, and environmental features
Measure distances and lot dimensions
Toggle between multiple map layers

In-Person Searches:

Douglas County Assessor's Office 100 Third Street, Suite 220 Castle Rock, CO 80104 Phone: (303) 660-7450 Douglas County Assessor Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Services available in person include public access computer terminals, staff assistance with property searches, printed property record cards, plat maps, and exemption application processing.

Douglas County Clerk and Recorder 301 Wilcox Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 Phone: (303) 660-7446 Douglas County Clerk and Recorder Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Services available in person include viewing official recorded documents, requesting certified copies, searching grantor/grantee indexes, accessing record books and microfilm, and receiving staff assistance with document retrieval.

Douglas County Treasurer 100 Third Street, Suite 120 Castle Rock, CO 80104 Phone: (303) 660-7455 Douglas County Treasurer Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Services available in person include tax payment processing, copies of tax bills, delinquency information, and tax certificate searches.

By Mail Requests:

Property Appraiser (Assessor): Requests for property information may be submitted in writing to Douglas County Assessor, 100 Third Street, Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104. Requests should include the property address or parcel/schedule number, a description of the information sought, and a return mailing address. Applicable copying fees must be included with the request.

Clerk and Recorder: Requests for copies of recorded documents may be submitted in writing to Douglas County Clerk and Recorder, 301 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104. Requests should specify the document by reception number, book and page, or property address with an approximate date range. Payment for copying fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the applicable certification fee.

Through Professionals:

Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and produce abstracts of title identifying all recorded interests affecting a property. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership disputes. Licensed real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and compile comparable sales data as part of their representation services. Costs for professional services vary by provider and scope of work.

Search Tips:

When searching by address, attempt variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W) and check spelling carefully
When searching by owner name, try last name first, then full name; consider maiden names, business entity names, and trust names
When searching by legal description, use the exact subdivision name, lot and block numbers, and section/township/range where applicable
For historical records not available online, an in-person visit to the Clerk and Recorder's office is required; staff can assist with retrieval from microfilm or archived record books

Common Search Challenges:

Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing delays
Very old records may not be digitized and require in-person access
Common names may return multiple results; verify by parcel number or legal description
Indexing errors may cause a document to appear under a variant spelling; try alternate spellings if a known document is not found

What Cannot Be Found Online:

Unrecorded private agreements
Pending sales prior to closing and recording
Documents filed under seal by court order
Some pre-digital records not yet scanned

What Is Douglas County Property Records

Property records are official documents related to real property — land and the structures affixed to it — maintained by county government agencies as part of the public record. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and provide the foundation for property tax assessment. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-35-109, instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the county clerk and recorder to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers.

Types of Property Records:

Ownership Records:

Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
Title documents and transfer records
Ownership history and chain of title
Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property

Encumbrance Records:

Mortgages and deeds of trust
Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
Easements and access agreements
Restrictions, covenants, and HOA declarations
Lis pendens notices

Tax and Assessment Records:

Property tax assessments and valuation notices
Tax bills and payment history
Exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
Special assessments and tax delinquency records

Legal Descriptions and Plats:

Plat maps and subdivision plats
Surveys and re-plats
Lot and block information
Metes and bounds descriptions

Building and Permit Records:

Building permits and certificates of occupancy
Code violation notices
Zoning designations and land use classifications

Who Maintains Property Records:

Douglas County Assessor's Office 100 Third Street, Suite 220 Castle Rock, CO 80104 Phone: (303) 660-7450 Douglas County Assessor

The Assessor maintains property valuations, assessment records, property characteristics, ownership information, and exemption applications.

Douglas County Clerk and Recorder 301 Wilcox Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 Phone: (303) 660-7446 Douglas County Clerk and Recorder

The Clerk and Recorder records, indexes, and maintains all instruments affecting title to real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements.

Douglas County Treasurer 100 Third Street, Suite 120 Castle Rock, CO 80104 Phone: (303) 660-7455 Douglas County Treasurer

The Treasurer maintains tax bills, payment records, delinquency information, and tax certificate and tax deed records.

Douglas County Community Development 100 Third Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 Phone: (303) 660-7460 Douglas County Community Development

Community Development maintains building permits, zoning records, land use designations, and code enforcement records.

Are Property Records Public Information in Douglas County?

Property records in Douglas County are public information. Under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), C.R.S. § 24-72-201 et seq., public records maintained by government agencies are open to inspection by any member of the public. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement applies to accessing property records. As the Colorado General Assembly has recognized, transparency in property ownership and taxation serves the public interest by enabling real estate transactions, protecting property rights, and ensuring accountability in government assessment practices.

Why Property Records Are Public:

Public access to ownership information prevents fraudulent transfers and secret conveyances
Recorded documents provide constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and lenders
Tax assessment transparency allows property owners and the public to verify equitable treatment
Real estate markets depend on accessible ownership and encumbrance data for transactions, title insurance, and lending
Historical and genealogical research relies on the permanent public record of land transfers

What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:

Current and historical property ownership
Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
Sale prices and transfer dates
Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
Liens, easements, and encumbrances
Tax assessments and payment history
Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
Deeds and all recorded instruments
Plat maps and surveys

Privacy Considerations:

Certain personal information is protected even within public property records. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents pursuant to state and federal law. Under Colorado's Address Confidentiality Program, certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, domestic violence victims, and stalking victims — may request that their residential address be protected from public disclosure. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public inspection; the Douglas County Assessor's Office can provide guidance on applicable policies.

Who Can Access Property Records:

Any member of the public may access property records in Douglas County, including prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, investors, researchers, journalists, and out-of-state or foreign inquirers. No ownership interest in the property is required to conduct a search.

Commercial Use of Property Records:

Commercial use of public property records is permitted under current law. Title companies, property valuation services, data aggregators, and direct mail marketing firms routinely compile and use public property data. Anti-harassment laws, fair housing statutes, and other applicable regulations continue to govern how information may be used regardless of its public nature.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Douglas County?

Members of the public may inspect property records at no cost, both online through official county portals and in person at county offices. Fees apply when copies or certified copies of recorded documents are requested.

Standard Fee Schedule — Douglas County Clerk and Recorder:

Service	Current Fee
Certified copy of recorded document	$1.00 per page + $1.00 certification fee
Non-certified copy of recorded document	$1.25 per page
Recording a new document (first page)	$13.00
Recording a new document (each additional page)	$5.00
Online document viewing	Free (no charge to view images)
Online document download/print	Free through official portal

Recording fees in Colorado are governed by C.R.S. § 30-10-407, which establishes the authority of county clerks and recorders to collect fees for recording and copying services.

Douglas County Assessor — Copy Fees:

Property record card copies: $0.25 per page (standard copy fee)
Online access to assessment data: Free, no registration required

Douglas County Treasurer — Copy Fees:

Copies of tax bills: $0.25 per page
Online tax information access: Free

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person only)
Check or money order payable to Douglas County Clerk and Recorder
Credit and debit cards (accepted at most county offices; a processing fee may apply)
Online payment through official county portals

Fee Waivers: Certain government agencies and nonprofit organizations may qualify for fee waivers under CORA. Requests for fee waivers must be submitted in writing with documentation supporting the basis for the waiver. The custodial office retains discretion to grant or deny waiver requests consistent with applicable law.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online viewing of property assessment data through the Assessor's portal
Online viewing of recorded document images through the Clerk and Recorder's portal
Online tax information through the Treasurer's portal
In-person inspection of records at county offices (no copying fee to view)
GIS mapping and parcel data through the county GIS portal

What's Included in a Douglas County Property Record

A complete Douglas County property record draws from multiple county databases and may include the following categories of information.

Ownership Information:

Current ownership data includes the legal owner name(s) as recorded on the most recent deed, the form of ownership (individual, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, trust, LLC, corporation, or life estate), the acquisition date, the deed reception number or book and page reference, and the owner's mailing address for tax billing purposes. Previous ownership information includes the chain of title with prior owner names, transfer dates, and historical deed references.

Property Identification:

Site address and mailing address (if different)
Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, section/township/range, or metes and bounds)
Parcel/schedule number and tax account number
Alternate or previous parcel numbers if the parcel has been renumbered

Physical Characteristics:

Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, frontage, depth, corner lot designation, land use designation, and zoning classification. Building information includes total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, foundation type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and total room count. Additional features recorded may include garage type and spaces, pool, porch or patio square footage, fireplace, central air conditioning, heating type, water source, sewer system, and accessory structures.

Valuation Information:

Assessment values include land value, building value, total assessed value, actual (market) value, and assessed value for the current assessment year. Historical values for prior assessment years are available through the Assessor's portal, with year-over-year percentage changes. Agricultural classification values are recorded where applicable.

Tax Information:

Current year tax data includes the total tax amount, exemptions applied, taxable value after exemptions, millage rate, and a breakdown by taxing authority (county general fund, school district, municipality, and special districts). Tax history includes prior years' taxes paid, payment dates, and any delinquency history.

Exemptions Applied:

Homestead exemption (senior homestead exemption available in Colorado for qualifying owners 65 and older who have owned and occupied the property for 10 consecutive years)
Disabled veteran exemption
Agricultural exemption
Conservation easement exemption

Sales History:

Sales history includes sale dates, sale prices, deed types (warranty deed, quitclaim deed, foreclosure deed, tax deed, etc.), deed reception numbers, grantor and grantee names, and qualified/unqualified sale designations. Documentary fee amounts paid at recording are also reflected.

Encumbrances and Liens:

Recorded mortgages and deeds of trust appear with original amounts, lender names, recording dates, and reception numbers. Recorded liens — including federal and state tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens — appear with amounts, lienholders, and recording dates. Other encumbrances include easements, deed restrictions, covenants, lis pendens notices, and leases of record.

Legal and Regulatory Information:

Zoning classification, land use code, future land use designation, special district memberships (school, fire, water, community development districts), deed restrictions, and HOA information are included where available. Flood zone designation (FEMA) and wetlands or conservation area designations may also appear.

Maps and Images:

Property records include exterior property photographs, aerial imagery, GIS parcel boundary maps, plat maps, and property sketches or floor plan diagrams where available through the Assessor's database.

What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:

Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
Personal financial information beyond what appears in recorded documents
Interior photographs
Social Security numbers (redacted by law)
Private purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
Confidential exemption application details

How Long Does Douglas County Keep Property Records?

Property records in Douglas County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title to real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, easements, and covenants — are never destroyed. The permanent retention of these records is essential to maintaining an unbroken chain of title and is required under Colorado law. Pursuant to the Colorado Local Government Records Act, C.R.S. § 24-80-101 et seq., local government agencies must retain public records in accordance with retention schedules approved by the Colorado State Archives.

Records Kept Permanently:

All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types) dating back to county formation
All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, and releases
All recorded liens and lien releases
All subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats
Easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
Powers of attorney affecting real property
Court documents affecting title
Any instrument recorded in the official records

Format and Storage:

Historical records from the early periods of Douglas County's existence are preserved in handwritten ledger books. Mid-twentieth century records exist in typed record books and on microfilm. Records from recent decades are maintained as digital scanned images within the Clerk and Recorder's electronic document management system, with off-site backup and cloud-based redundancy. Original record books are stored in climate-controlled vault facilities.

Online Availability by Time Period:

Time Period	Availability
Recent (last 20+ years)	Fully online; immediate free access
Moderate age (20–50 years)	Partially online; microfilm available in person
Historical (50+ years)	In-person access; microfilm or original books
Very old (100+ years)	Archive storage; advance notice may be required

Property Appraiser (Assessor) Records:

Assessment rolls and property record cards are maintained permanently. Exemption applications are retained for a minimum period consistent with the state retention schedule, with current applications maintained in active files. Recent assessment history (typically 10–20 years) is accessible through the online portal; historical assessments are available at the Assessor's office.

Tax Records:

Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years. Tax certificates remain on file until redeemed or a tax deed is issued. Tax deed records are maintained permanently. Delinquency records are retained for several years following resolution.

Building Permit Records:

Building permits for major construction are retained permanently. Minor permit records are retained for varying periods consistent with the jurisdiction's retention schedule. Building permit records are maintained separately by Douglas County Community Development.

Accessing Historical Records:

Members of the public seeking records not available online may contact the Douglas County Clerk and Recorder directly. Requests should specify the property address or legal description, the approximate time period, and the type of document sought. Retrieval time ranges from same-day to several business days depending on the age and format of the record. Standard copying fees apply.

Douglas County Clerk and Recorder — Records Management 301 Wilcox Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 Phone: (303) 660-7446 Douglas County Clerk and Recorder

Preservation Efforts:

Douglas County participates in ongoing digitization projects to scan historical record books and microfilm, making older records accessible through the online portal. These projects are funded in part through state and federal preservation grants and represent a continuing effort to expand online access to the full historical record.

How To Find Liens on Property in Douglas County?

Liens on property in Douglas County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the official public record maintained by the Douglas County Clerk and Recorder. Any member of the public may search for recorded liens at no cost through the official records portal.

Types of Liens That May Appear on Property:

Federal tax liens (filed by the IRS)
State tax liens (filed by the Colorado Department of Revenue)
County and municipal tax liens (for delinquent property taxes)
Judgment liens (arising from court judgments)
Mechanic's liens (filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers)
HOA liens (for unpaid homeowner association assessments)
Code enforcement liens (for unresolved code violations)
Child support liens

How to Search for Liens — Step-by-Step:

Access the Douglas County Clerk and Recorder official records search portal
Select "Grantee" or "Grantor" name search, or select document type search
Enter the property owner's name or select the lien document type (e.g., "Federal Tax Lien," "Mechanic's Lien," "Judgment Lien")
Review the list of returned instruments for the relevant time period
Click on each instrument to view the scanned document image
Note the reception number, recording date, lienholder name, and amount
For tax delinquency liens, also search the Douglas County Treasurer's portal for outstanding tax balances

Federal Tax Liens:

Federal tax liens filed by the IRS are recorded with the county clerk and recorder in the county where the taxpayer resides or owns property. Members of the public may also search the IRS lien database through the IRS online lien search tool for additional verification.

Judgment Liens:

Judgment liens in Colorado attach to real property in the county where the judgment is recorded. Judgment lien searches should be conducted through both the Clerk and Recorder's recorded documents index and the Douglas County District Court records, accessible through the Colorado Judicial Branch case search.

Mechanic's Liens:

Mechanic's liens are filed directly with the Douglas County Clerk and Recorder. Under Colorado law, a mechanic's lien must be recorded within a specified period following completion of work. Searches by property owner name or property address (where the system permits) will return any recorded mechanic's liens.

Property Tax Delinquency:

Delinquent property tax information is maintained by the Douglas County Treasurer. Members of the public may search for outstanding tax balances and tax certificate information through the Douglas County Treasurer property tax portal.

In-Person Lien Searches:

Members of the public may conduct lien searches in person at the Clerk and Recorder's office using public access terminals. Staff can assist with searches for older records not available through the online portal.

Douglas County Clerk and Recorder 301 Wilcox Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 Phone: (303) 660-7446 Douglas County Clerk and Recorder Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Through Title Companies:

Title companies conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process. A title search will identify all recorded liens, encumbrances, and clouds on title. Title insurance commitments reflect the results of these searches and are the standard method used in real estate transactions to confirm clear title.

What Is Property Owner Rule in Douglas County?

The property owner rule in Douglas County refers to the legal principle that the owner of real property has the right to testify as to the value of that property in legal proceedings, including condemnation, tax appeal, and damage cases, without being required to qualify as a licensed appraiser. This rule is recognized under Colorado common law and has been applied in Colorado courts to allow property owners to offer lay opinion testimony regarding the value of their own real property.

Legal Basis:

Colorado courts have long recognized that a property owner possesses sufficient personal knowledge of their property to offer a value opinion in judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings. This principle is grounded in the general evidentiary rule that a lay witness may offer an opinion based on personal knowledge and observation. In the context of property tax appeals, the Colorado Board of Assessment Appeals and county boards of equalization permit property owners to present evidence of value, including their own testimony, without retaining a licensed appraiser.

Application in Property Tax Appeals:

Property owners in Douglas County who dispute the Assessor's valuation of their property may appeal to the Douglas County Board of Equalization. Under Colorado's property tax appeal process, the property owner bears the burden of demonstrating that the Assessor's valuation is incorrect. The property owner rule permits the owner to testify as to their opinion of value, supported by evidence such as comparable sales, purchase price, income data, or independent appraisals.

Property Tax Appeal Process:

Notices of Valuation are issued by the Douglas County Assessor in odd-numbered years (reappraisal years) and reflect the assessed value for the subsequent two-year assessment cycle
Property owners who disagree with the assessed value must file a protest with the Assessor's office during the designated protest period (typically May 1 through June 1 in reappraisal years)
If the protest is denied or the owner remains dissatisfied, an appeal may be filed with the Douglas County Board of Equalization
Further appeals may be taken to the Colorado Board of Assessment Appeals, the district court, or the Board of County Commissioners, at the property owner's election

Douglas County Assessor's Office — Appeals 100 Third Street, Suite 220 Castle Rock, CO 80104 Phone: (303) 660-7450 Douglas County Assessor

Colorado Board of Assessment Appeals 1313 Sherman Street, Room 315 Denver, CO 80203 Phone: (303) 864-7710 Colorado Board of Assessment Appeals

Ownership Rights and Responsibilities:

Property ownership in Douglas County carries both rights and obligations under Colorado law. Owners have the right to use, enjoy, and transfer their property subject to applicable zoning, land use regulations, deed restrictions, and HOA covenants. Owners are obligated to pay property taxes assessed by the county, maintain the property in compliance with applicable building and code enforcement standards, and comply with recorded restrictions and easements. The Douglas County Community Development Department administers zoning and land use regulations applicable to all property within unincorporated Douglas County.

Adverse Possession:

Under Colorado law, a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and adversely possesses real property for a period of 18 years may acquire legal title through a court action for adverse possession. This doctrine is codified in Colorado statutes and represents a recognized exception to the general rule that title transfers only through recorded instruments. Claims of adverse possession must be adjudicated in the district court for the county in which the property is located.

Eminent Domain:

The government retains the power of eminent domain — the authority to take private property for public use upon payment of just compensation — under both the United States Constitution and the Colorado Constitution. Property owners subject to condemnation proceedings in Douglas County have the right to contest the taking and to challenge the amount of compensation offered. The property owner rule is particularly significant in condemnation proceedings, where the owner's testimony as to value is admissible evidence in the compensation determination.