California Code, Government Code - GOV § 27205

After two years from the date of filing in the recorder's office of notice of completion of any building or improvement, the contract, plans, specifications and bond under which the work or improvement was performed may be returned by the recorder to the person filing them, unless the recorder has been notified in writing to retain them by someone claiming some interest under the contract or in the property affected.  After five years from the date of filing in the recorder's office of any contract, plans, and specifications of any building or improvement, the recorder may destroy the contract, plans, specifications, and bond relating thereto if they have not been delivered as provided in this section, unless he has been notified in writing to retain them by someone claiming some interest under the contract or in the property affected.