Selah Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Selah, Washington government websites.
About Selah City Government
Annual Budget
$6.1 million
Regular Meetings
Public Sessions
The governing body of Selah, Washington, is the Selah City Council, which consists of seven members. Council members are elected at-large by the residents of Selah and serve four-year terms. The current council members include Mayor Sherry Raymond, and Council Members Mike McNulty, John H. McGowan, and others, as of the latest election cycle.
For the fiscal year 2023, Selah's approximate annual operating budget is $6.1 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Selah residents.
The Selah City Council holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Selah Civic Center, located at 216 S. 1st Street, Selah, WA 98942. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the governance of their community during these sessions.
About Selah, Washington
The Selah Police Department serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the city, ensuring public safety and order within the community. For residents seeking information on criminal records, the Yakima County Sheriff's Office also plays a crucial role, providing further resources and support. To obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, and criminal history, individuals can initiate the process through the Selah Police Department's records unit. Interested parties can visit the department in person or call to request specific documents. If further assistance is needed, the Yakima County Sheriff's Office can be contacted, as they maintain comprehensive records for the entire county. For broader searches, the Washington State Criminal Repository, managed by the Washington State Patrol, is an invaluable resource, housing extensive criminal history data for individuals statewide. Online lookup portals are available, allowing users to search for certain public records, though access may vary based on the specific records requested.
Court matters for Selah residents are primarily handled by the Yakima County Superior Court, which oversees civil and criminal cases, as well as family law matters. To request court records, individuals can utilize the online portal provided by the Yakima County Clerk's Office, or they may visit the clerk in person to obtain the desired documents. For vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, residents can reach out to the Yakima County Clerk-Recorder or access the Washington State Department of Health's vital records division. Property records, including assessments and ownership information, can be obtained through the Yakima County Assessor and Recorder's Office, with many records being accessible online. Additionally, general public records requests can be submitted under the Washington Public Records Act, with typical response times ranging from 5 to 10 business days. This framework ensures that citizens can obtain necessary information efficiently, promoting transparency and accountability within local government operations.
Selah, Washington Public Records & Government Resources
Selah Washington Archives and Genealogy
Washington State Archives genealogy and historical records for Selah.
Selah Washington Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court Western District of Washington for Selah.
Selah Washington Vital Records
Washington Department of Health vital records for Selah.
Selah Washington Inmate Search
Washington Department of Corrections offender search for Selah.
Selah Washington Missing Persons
Washington State Patrol missing persons for Selah.
Selah Washington Most Wanted
Washington State Patrol most wanted for Selah.
Selah Washington Sex Offender Registry
Washington State sex offender inquiry for Selah.
Selah Washington Criminal History Records
Washington State Patrol criminal history records for Selah.
Selah Washington Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Selah.
City of Selah
Directory of Selah city records and information 115 W. Naches Ave Selah, Washington 98942 Phone: (509) 698-7326 Fax: (50
Selah Police Department
Law enforcement and public safety 113 S 2nd St Selah, WA 98942 Phone: (509) 698-7346
Selah Fire Department
Fire and rescue services 206 W Fremont Saleh, WA 98942 Phone: (509) 698-7310
Selah Municipal Court
Traffic infractions, gross and criminal misdemeanors 115 W Naches Ave Selah, WA 98942 Phone: 509) 698-7329 Fax: (509) 69
Selah School District
Education information and general services 105 W Bartlett Selah, WA 98942 Phone: (509) 697-0706 Fax: (509) 697-0823
The Selah Library
Access to libraries, reference materials and research assistance 115 W Naches Selah, WA 98942 Phone: (509) 698-7345
Selah Chamber of Commerce
Listings of businesses 216 S 1st St PO Box 415 Selah, WA 98942 Email: selahchamber@fairpoint.net
Selah U.S. Census
Population demographic information Selah, WA 98942
Selah Washington Background Checks
Washington State Patrol Identification and Criminal History Section Washington State Patrol General Administration Build
Civil and Criminal Cases In Washington Courts
Divorces, criminal history and other court filings The Administrative Office Of The Courts 1206 Quince Street SE P.O. Bo
Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information
Find An Offender Statewide
Washington State Department of Corrections Mailing Address: Post Office Box 41100, Mail Stop 41100 Olympia, Washington 9
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in Yakima County involves coordination among several agencies. The Yakima County Sheriff's Office works alongside municipal departments in Yakima, Sunnyside, and Selah to maintain public safety across the region. Within city limits, the Selah Police Department serves as the primary law enforcement authority. These agencies don't work in isolation—major crimes and emergencies often bring them together through task forces and joint operations, creating a network of coordinated response that extends throughout the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Yakima County Jail serves as the primary detention facility for individuals arrested throughout Yakima County. When someone is booked into the facility, they go through fingerprinting, photographing, and collection of personal information. The public can search for current detainees using the jail's online inmate lookup service. Visitation follows scheduled hours with specific requirements for visitor identification. Bond and bail procedures adhere to Washington state guidelines, which allow for pretrial release under certain conditions.
Arrest Records
The Yakima County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain arrest records for their jurisdictions. These records document the individual's arrest, charges filed, and booking details. Residents and attorneys seeking these records can request them through the sheriff's office or the specific department that made the arrest. The Washington Public Records Act governs how these documents are released, balancing public access with protection of sensitive information. Typical records include the arrest date, charges, and the name of the arresting agency.
Court Records
The Selah Municipal Court handles local judicial matters for the city, processing everything from traffic violations to misdemeanor criminal cases. Residents and other interested parties can access court records, schedules, and related information through the court's official website. For more serious legal proceedings beyond the municipal court's scope, the Yakima County Superior Court exercises jurisdiction over the community, handling felony cases and other matters requiring higher court authority.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Yakima County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Yakima County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Washington State Patrol provides statewide criminal history checks. Residents can request background checks through the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) program, which provides information on convictions and pending charges. The Washington Bureau of Investigation also supports local law enforcement with forensic and investigative resources.
Public Records Access
Property and land records for Selah are maintained by the Yakima County Assessor's Office, which keeps a comprehensive database accessible to the public. Residents can search for property ownership information, parcel details, and tax assessments through the office's online portal. The Yakima County Auditor's Office handles another critical function, overseeing the recording and preservation of official land records, deeds, and other documents tied to real estate transactions in the community.
Vital Records
Vital records for Selah, including birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses, are maintained by the Washington State Department of Health. Individuals can request copies of these documents through the state's Vital Records office. Additionally, the Yakima County Auditor's Office serves as a local resource for obtaining certified copies of vital records related to residents of Selah and the surrounding area.
Business & Licensing Records
Operating a business within Selah, Yakima County, Washington requires obtaining the proper licenses and permits through the City of Selah's Business Licensing Office. General business licenses form the foundation, while specialized permits cover activities like construction, zoning, and land use. The Selah Planning and Community Development Department reviews and approves commercial projects to ensure they comply with local regulations. This oversight helps maintain the city's character while supporting economic growth throughout the community.
Economy & Demographics
Selah's economy is largely driven by its thriving agricultural sector, with numerous farms and orchards cultivating a variety of fruits, including apples, cherries, and pears. These agricultural operations, along with related processing and distribution facilities, are major employers within the local community. Beyond agriculture, Selah also boasts a diverse range of small businesses, professional services, and retail establishments that cater to the needs of residents and visitors alike, contributing to the city's overall economic vitality.
Elections & Voter Records
Voters in Selah, Yakima County, Washington receive election services through the Yakima County Elections Office, located at 128 North 2nd Street, Yakima, WA 98901 (phone: 509-574-1340, website: www.yakimacounty.us/elections). As an all-mail voting state, Washington automatically sends ballots to all registered voters approximately 18 days before each election. Residents can register online through the Washington Secretary of State at www.vote.wa.gov up to 8 days before an election, or they can register in person at the Elections Office up to and including Election Day.
New registrants must provide a Washington driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. The city holds municipal elections for Mayor and City Council positions—the Mayor serves a four-year term, and the seven council positions also carry four-year terms with staggered elections. Municipal elections occur in odd-numbered years, with the next scheduled for November 2025. Candidate filings and local ballot measures appear on the Yakima County Elections website. Local voters have access to ballot drop boxes at City Hall and the Selah Community Center, with locations listed on the Yakima County elections site. Washington state law permits voter registration lists to be purchased for political purposes, and campaign finance reports can be searched through the Washington Public Disclosure Commission at www.pdc.wa.gov. Precinct-level election results are posted on the Yakima County elections website following certification. During the November 2024 general election, Yakima County saw approximately 52% voter turnout, with over 58,000 ballots returned out of approximately 112,000 registered voters. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature races for U.S. House of Representatives (Washington's 4th District, which includes the city), Washington State Legislature positions (14th Legislative District covering State Senate and two House seats), Yakima County Commissioner positions, Yakima County Assessor, and potentially Yakima County Prosecutor and other county offices depending on term expirations. Washington's U.S. Senate seats are not up in 2026, and the Governor's race is scheduled for 2028. Since Washington operates on automatic mail-in voting, all registered voters receive ballots by mail and can return them via postal mail (postmarked by Election Day), official ballot drop boxes (by 8 PM on Election Day), or in person at the Elections Office.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10 — Yakima County and Washington State provide excellent online access to most public records through free searchable databases and the statewide court portal, though some historical documents and city-level business licenses require in-person requests
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Selah, Yakima County, Washington?
Education in Selah is served by local school districts. Students attend schools within Yakima County. The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction oversees K-12 public education for the state, including curriculum standards, teacher certification, and school accountability.
For specific information about schools serving Selah, contact the local school district office or visit the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction website to find district boundaries, school ratings, and enrollment information for your address.
For specific information about schools serving Selah, contact the local school district office or visit the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction website to find district boundaries, school ratings, and enrollment information for your address.
2 What are the crime statistics for Selah, Yakima County, Washington?
Law enforcement in Selah, Yakima County, Washington is provided by the Selah Police Department and the Yakima County Sheriff's Office. Crime data for Selah is reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program and can be accessed through the FBI Crime Data Explorer. Residents can also request local crime reports from the Selah Police Department or the Yakima County Sheriff's Office.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Selah, Yakima County, Washington Library?
The Selah Public Library in Yakima County, Washington provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Washington government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), which governs access to government documents in Washington. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Selah Washington Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sos.wa.gov/archives/Genealogy.aspx. Contact the Selah Public Library reference desk for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
4 Where is the Selah, Yakima County, Washington Public Library located?
The Selah, Yakima County, Washington Library is located at 117 W Naches Ave, Selah, WA 98942.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Selah, Yakima County, Washington?
Fingerprinting services for Selah, Washington residents are provided at the Selah Police Department, which serves Yakima County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Selah Police Department for visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Washington State Patrol for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Washington State Patrol at https://www.wsp.wa.gov/crime/criminal-history/.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Selah, Yakima County, Washington, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for Selah, Yakima County, Washington, you will need to contact the Yakima County Health District.
The vital records that are available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. All of these records will include the name of the person, the date of the event, and the place of the event. Depending on the type of record, additional information may be included, such as the names of the parents or the names of the spouses.
The vital records that are available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. All of these records will include the name of the person, the date of the event, and the place of the event. Depending on the type of record, additional information may be included, such as the names of the parents or the names of the spouses.
7 How do I register to vote in Selah, Washington?
To register to vote in Selah, Washington, residents should contact the Yakima County Clerk's office, which administers elections for Selah and surrounding communities. Eligible voters must be U.S. citizens, residents of Washington, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. Washington offers voter registration online at sos.wa.gov/elections, by mail, or in person at the Yakima County Clerk's office. Residents can check their registration status, find their polling location, and view sample ballots through the Washington Secretary of State website. For questions about voter registration or elections in Selah, contact the Yakima County election office directly.
8 How do I look up property records in Selah, Washington?
Property records for Selah, Washington are maintained by the Yakima County Assessor's Office and the Yakima County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Yakima County, including parcels in Selah. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Yakima County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Washington counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Yakima County offices at the county courthouse. The Yakima County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Selah, Washington?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Selah, Washington residents are available through both county and state offices. The Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, located in Olympia, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Washington. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Yakima County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Yakima 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.
10 How do I find business license records in Selah, Washington?
Business licensing for Selah, Washington operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Selah town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Selah limits. Yakima County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Washington businesses must register with the Washington Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Washington Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Washington licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Selah, contact the Selah clerk's office and the Yakima County economic development office.