About Refton
Refton is an unincorporated community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Use the official town and county resources on this page to reach the clerk, court, assessment, public records, and Freedom of Information request pages serving residents and researchers.
Economically, Refton has a mix of residential and agricultural areas, reflecting its historical roots in farming and local commerce. The borough is situated near the popular shopping destination of Rockvale Outlets, which contributes to the local economy by attracting visitors. Historically, Refton was established in the mid-19th century and has maintained its small-town character while being part of the larger Lancaster County region, known for its rich Amish heritage and vibrant agricultural industry. The borough's proximity to Lancaster City also provides residents with access to urban amenities while enjoying the tranquility of rural living.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Refton
Lancaster County Sheriff's Office
Lancaster County residents have been receiving an increasing number of scam telephone calls from persons impersonating Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office Deputies.
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Refton
Public Records | Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania
Search and view individual court case information (including docket sheets)—for free—please go to the UJS web portal. Search, view and print Unified Judicial System (UJS) contract summaries, detailed expenditure data, monthly salary and annual compensation reports. Review the statewide processes for making and responding to public records requests; provisions that safeguard sensitive information and documents including local rules, court regulations and filing procedures.
🏠 Property & Public Records in Refton
Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds
Property records for Refton, Pennsylvania are maintained by the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Lancaster County, including Refton.
About Refton — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
Lancaster County Prison is the primary detention facility for anyone arrested within county borders. The facility handles the full booking process, photographs, fingerprints, and intake paperwork, for all detainees. Those looking for information about current inmates can access Lancaster County's online lookup tool. Visitation requires advance scheduling and strict adherence to facility rules. Pennsylvania state law governs the bond and bail process, allowing release once the required amount has been posted.
Arrest Records
The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments keep detailed arrest records throughout Lancaster County. These documents spell out the charges filed, the date and location of each arrest, and identifying details about those taken into custody. Anyone seeking arrest records - whether residents or attorneys - must submit formal written requests under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law. The records themselves typically contain personal information about the arrestee, specifics about the incident, and documentation of any court proceedings that followed.
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Lancaster County covers a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can run background checks through the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Pennsylvania State Police offers additional resources for Lancaster residents seeking detailed criminal records.
Vital Records
The Lancaster County Office of Vital Records is responsible for maintaining birth, death, and marriage records for Refton residents. To obtain a copy of a vital record, visit their office at 150 N Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603 or call (717) 295-3819. You can also request records online at https://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/153/Vital Records.
Business & Licensing Records
The association maintains an office at 4025 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks, PA 17572. Business owners seeking information about licensing requirements, zoning regulations, or economic development opportunities can contact the association at (717) 394-1234 or visit https://www.reftonbusiness.org.
Economy & Demographics
Refton's local economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with many farms and related businesses located within the borough. The Refton Farmers Market, held every Saturday from May to October, is a popular destination for People. reftonbusiness.org.
Elections & Voter Records
The Lancaster County Board of Elections administers voting for Refton residents from its office at 150 North Queen Street, Suite 117, Lancaster, PA 17603 (phone: 717-299-8293, website: https://www.lancastervotes.com). Pennsylvania residents can register online at https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx, though the deadline falls 15 days before any election. Registration requires either a Pennsylvania driver's license or PennDOT ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number.
Because Refton functions as an unincorporated community, there's no municipal government and therefore no local races for mayor or council. Instead, residents cast ballots in Strasburg Township supervisor elections during odd-numbered years, along with Lancaster County offices, state legislative seats, statewide positions, and federal contests. Voters can locate their assigned polling place by entering their address at https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/PollingPlaceInfo.aspx - most Refton residents vote at fire halls or community centers in the southern part of Lancaster County. The state makes numerous election records publicly available, including voter registration lists sold for political purposes at $20.00, campaign finance reports accessible through the Pennsylvania Department of State at https://www.campaignfinanceonline.pa.gov, candidate nominating petitions filed with the Lancaster County Board, and precinct-level results published after each election at https://www.electionreturns.pa.gov. Last November's presidential election saw Lancaster County register approximately 325,000 voters, with turnout exceeding 75 percent - a sign of Lancaster County's civic engagement. Pennsylvania now offers mail-in voting to any registered voter without requiring an excuse. Applications are available at https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/OnlineAbsenteeApplication, though completed ballots must arrive by 8:00 PM on election day. Act 77 of 2019 (25 P.S. § 3150.11 et seq.) expanded mail voting access across the state, and voters can track their ballot status online.
Public Records Resources for Refton, Pennsylvania
Official government websites for Refton, Pennsylvania and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Pennsylvania Criminal History RecordsFind information on how to obtain a criminal history record in Pennsylvania.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Philadelphia OfficeFederal criminal records, criminal background checks.
- Pennsylvania State PoliceLaw enforcement and highway safety services.
- Pennsylvania InmatesFind the location and release information of individuals incarcerated with the PA Dept. of Corrections.
- Pennsylvania Sex OffendersSearch the PA State Police database of registered offenders by name or location.
- Pennsylvania Most WantedCurrent posting of fugitives and absconders from the PA State Police.
- Pennsylvania Crime Victims AssistanceHelp and services for victims of crime.
- Pennsylvania Game CommissionLicenses, permits, information and more.
- Pennsylvania Attorney GeneralCivil, criminal and appellate courts.
- Pennsylvania Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the PA Secretary of State.
- Pennsylvania Death RowPennsylvania's death penalty, execution list, warrant listing and list of individuals executed by lethal injection.
- Pennsylvania Professional License Verifylook up professional Pennsylvania licensing, verify status and eligibility.
Nearby Cities in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Refton, Pennsylvania?
To register to vote in Refton, Pennsylvania, residents can register online through the Pennsylvania Department of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Lancaster County elections office. Pennsylvania requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Pennsylvania Department of State's voter lookup tool. For local county and state elections (Refton is an unincorporated community in Lancaster County and does not hold municipal elections), contact the Lancaster County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Refton, Pennsylvania?
Property records for Refton, Pennsylvania are maintained by the Lancaster Board of Assessment Appeals's Office and the Lancaster Recorder of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Lancaster County, including parcels in Refton. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Lancaster Recorder of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Pennsylvania counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Lancaster County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Refton, Pennsylvania?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Refton, Pennsylvania residents are available through both county and state offices. The Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located in New Castle, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Pennsylvania. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Lancaster County Register of Wills issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Lancaster County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.