Big changes are coming to the way Scioto County handles plat map recordings. Beginning October 6, 2025, the Recorder’s Office will charge $0.10 per square inch for plat maps, with a minimum fee of $40. That minimum applies regardless of whether the map is submitted on letter or legal-sized paper. The previous minimum was $8.
Once a plat surpasses 400 square inches, each additional square inch will cost an extra 10 cents. Measurements will be based on the paper size, not the image.
In addition, the office will no longer store plat maps on-site. Instead, they will be returned with the original documents after recording, since all maps are now available online.
Why the Change?
Recorder Gary Jenkins says the shift isn’t optional. “While I have concerns about these fees, I must comply with the regulations established by the Ohio Revised Code. We appreciate your understanding as we implement these required changes,” Jenkins explained.
The Ohio Revised Code section governing recorder’s fees requires a base fee and housing trust fund fee of five cents per square inch each, with minimums that effectively set the lowest charge at $40. Jenkins said the office’s previous fee—just $8—was a clear violation of the law. The updated fee structure technically went into effect statewide in October 2024, but Scioto County is now moving into full compliance.
For the complete code language, residents can review ORC 317.32 at codes.ohio.gov.
New Leadership at the Recorder’s Office
The fee change comes less than a year after Jenkins, just 22 years old, became the youngest elected county recorder in Ohio. He ran on a platform of modernizing the office and increasing efficiency.
Jenkins unseated long-time Recorder Gail Alley, who had held the post for 32 years. In last November’s election, Jenkins won handily with 7,285 votes to Alley’s 5,840. That race was part of a broader political shift in Scioto County, which has transformed from a Democratic stronghold to solidly Republican. In the same election, longtime Treasurer Bill Ogg, who served 18 years, was also defeated by Republican Joey Sandlin.
What It Means for Residents
For those filing plat maps, the biggest impact is financial. A standard 18×24 plat (432 square inches) will now cost at least $43.20, compared to just $8 under the old system. Larger plats could carry much higher costs.
The office stresses, however, that online access to maps will remain free, and residents will still receive their original documents back after filing.