Nelson County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Nelson County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents may access publicly available information through NelsonRecords.us, a directory resource that aggregates publicly available data related to government records. Nelson County maintains a broad range of official documents that are accessible to the public through multiple channels, subject to applicable state law and specific exemptions. Records that may be available include, but are not limited to:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and permits
- Tax and assessment records
- Voting and election records
- Fiscal court meeting minutes and agendas
- Budget and financial documents
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted)
- Land use and zoning records
Online Access: Members of the public may access a variety of county documents through the Nelson County local government portal, which provides links to fiscal court minutes, ordinances, open records request forms, and other official documents. The Kentucky Court of Justice also maintains online case information through its CourtNet system, accessible via the Nelson County court information page. Some records are available without registration; others may require account creation or in-person verification.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Nelson County Clerk's Office or the Nelson County Justice Center to inspect records in person. The Circuit Court Clerk's office, located at 200 Nelson County Plaza, Bardstown, KY 40004, maintains court-related records. Standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, though members of the public are advised to confirm current hours directly with the office.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted by mail to the relevant custodial office. A written request must identify the records sought with sufficient specificity to allow the agency to locate them. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.880, a public agency must respond to a written open records request within five business days of receipt.
Phone/Email:
- Nelson County Clerk: (502) 348-1820
- Nelson County Justice Center (Circuit Court Clerk): (502) 348-3648
- Nelson County Treasurer: (502) 348-1804; treasurer@nelsoncountyky.gov
Members of the public may submit an open records request form directly through the county's official website.
What Are Public Records in Nelson County?
Public records in Nelson County are defined under Kentucky law as all books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, discs, diskettes, recordings, software, or other documentation regardless of physical form or characteristics, which are prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public agency. Pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.870, a "public record" encompasses any documentation created or maintained by a public agency in the course of its official functions.
The following record types are currently maintained by Nelson County agencies:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family) | Circuit Court Clerk |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | County Clerk |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) | County Clerk / State Vital Statistics |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk |
| Property tax and assessment records | County Finance/Treasurer |
| Voting and election records | County Clerk |
| Fiscal court minutes and agendas | Nelson County Fiscal Court |
| Budget and financial documents | County Treasurer |
| Law enforcement records | Nelson County Sheriff / Bardstown Police |
| Land use and zoning records | County Planning and Zoning |
Is Nelson County an Open Records County?
Nelson County operates in full compliance with the Kentucky Open Records Act, which mandates public access to government documents held by public agencies. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.871, "free and open examination of public records is in the public interest." The statute establishes that the right of the public to inspect and copy public records shall be balanced against the public agency's need to protect certain information from disclosure.
As stated in the Kentucky Open Records Act, "the exceptions provided for by KRS 61.878 or otherwise provided by law shall be strictly construed, even though such examination may cause inconvenience or embarrassment to public officials or others." This provision reflects the Commonwealth's strong presumption in favor of disclosure.
The Nelson County government maintains an open records policy consistent with state law. Members of the public may submit requests through the county's designated open records coordinator. The county does not require requestors to state a reason for their request, except in limited circumstances involving certain exempt categories of records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Nelson County?
The fee structure for public records in Nelson County is governed by state statute and the policies of the individual custodial office. Standard fees currently applicable include:
- Inspection of records: No charge for in-person inspection of non-exempt records
- Paper copies: $0.10 per page (standard fee under Kentucky law for copies not requiring special equipment)
- Copies requiring special equipment: Actual cost of reproduction
- Certified copies: Fees vary by record type; the County Clerk charges statutory fees for certified vital records and property documents
- Electronic copies: Provided at the cost of the medium (e.g., CD, USB drive) if the agency does not maintain the record in electronic format; no charge if transmitted electronically
- Search fees: Not permitted under Kentucky Open Records law for standard requests
Accepted payment methods at the Nelson County Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order. The Nelson County Finance Office may accept additional payment forms for tax-related records. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to be in the public interest, at the discretion of the agency.
Does Nelson County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to any member of the public under Kentucky law. The Kentucky Open Records Act requires that public agencies permit inspection of non-exempt records at no charge during regular business hours. The following resources currently provide free access to certain records:
- Nelson County Government Website: Fiscal court minutes, ordinances, agendas, and the open records request form are accessible at no cost through the county's official portal.
- Kentucky Court of Justice: Basic case information for Nelson County courts is available through the court system's public access tools via the Nelson County court information page.
- In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may inspect original records at the relevant custodial office without charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
- Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife: The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife provides free access to certain licensing and open records information maintained at the state level.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection carries no cost, reproduction of records is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Nelson County?
Any person may request public records in Nelson County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Under the Kentucky Open Records Act, the right to inspect and copy public records extends to all individuals. Requestors are not required to:
- Be a resident of Kentucky or Nelson County
- Provide government-issued identification (except in limited circumstances)
- State the purpose of the request for most record categories
Certain record types carry additional access requirements. For example, requests for records containing personal identifying information, sealed court documents, or records subject to specific statutory protections may require the requestor to demonstrate a legitimate interest or legal entitlement. Individuals requesting their own records—such as personal court files or vital records—may be required to provide proof of identity to ensure the integrity of the disclosure process. Non-residents retain the same rights as residents under state law, with no distinction made based on geographic origin.
What Records Are Confidential in Nelson County?
Not all government records are subject to public disclosure. Kentucky law enumerates specific categories of records that are exempt from the Open Records Act. Pursuant to KRS § 61.878, the following categories are currently exempt from mandatory disclosure:
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile records and proceedings
- Records of ongoing law enforcement investigations
- Personal identifying information (Social Security numbers, financial account data)
- Medical and health records protected under HIPAA
- Adoption records
- Child welfare and protective services records
- Personnel records, including performance evaluations (with limited exceptions)
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
- Security plans, infrastructure vulnerability assessments, and emergency response protocols
- Attorney-client privileged communications involving public agencies
- Preliminary agency drafts and internal memoranda not adopted as final policy
As noted in the Kentucky Open Records Act, "the exceptions provided for by KRS 61.878 shall be strictly construed." When a public agency withholds a record, it must provide written notification citing the specific statutory basis for the exemption. Members of the public who believe a record has been improperly withheld may appeal to the Kentucky Attorney General's Office or seek judicial review.
Nelson County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Nelson County Clerk
113 E Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 348-1820
Nelson County local government
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Nelson County Justice Center – Circuit Court Clerk
200 Nelson County Plaza, Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 348-3648
Nelson County Court of Justice
Circuit Court Clerk: Diane Thompson
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Nelson County Finance Office – Treasurer
1 Court Square, Second Floor, Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 348-1804
treasurer@nelsoncountyky.gov
Nelson County Finance Department
Treasurer: Rhonda Fenwick
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Members of the public seeking to submit a formal open records request to the Nelson County Fiscal Court may do so through the open records request portal on the county's official website. Requests may also be submitted in writing to the relevant custodial office at the addresses listed above.