FAQ Page

The following information is provided as background on how to request public records from the City of San Rafael. The California State Legislature adopted the Public Records Act in 1968. It is designed to give the public access to information in the possession of public agencies. The Act also provides that public records shall be open for inspection during regular office hours of the agency. The public can inspect or receive a copy of any record unless the record is exempted from disclosure under the act. Normally, a public agency has 10 days to respond to a public records request, but if the records are readily accessible they may be available sooner for inspection during regular office hours.

What is a Public Record?

"Public Records" constitute those items that are deemed open to public inspection pursuant to the terms of the California Public Records Act (Government Code §6250 et seq.) and include any writing prepared, owned, used or retained by the City in the conduct of its official business. Writings include information recorded or stored on paper, computers, email or audio or visual tapes.

Who can initiate a Public Records request?

Anyone may initiate a request for public records.

How do I make a Public Records request?

Your written request does not need to be in any particular form but it will help us respond more quickly if you include a clear and specific description of the records you are asking for. If possible, identify dates, subjects, titles and authors of the records requested. If needed, City Clerk staff can help you focus your request by describing the type of records that we have, and providing other suggestions for simplifying access. Although not required, if you provide us your contact information (name, address, telephone number and e-mail address), it will enable us to reach you if we need to clarify your request.

Anyone with a disability who requires accommodation to access City public records should notify us of their accommodation needs.

Requests to inspect and/or copy public records of the City should be submitted in writing to:

City Clerk’s Office

1400 Fifth Avenue, Room 209

San Rafael, CA 94901

https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/contact-city-clerk/

Where do I make a request for San Rafael Police Department (SRPD) records?

The San Rafael Police Department manages its own Public Records and can be found at https://cityofsanrafaelcapd.nextrequest.com/