Public Records Request

Make a Public Records Request

The City Clerk’s Office handles Public Records Requests in compliance with California’s Public Records Act. In most cases your request will be fulfilled within 10 days. You can review previous requests and responsive documents, or submit a new request for public documents.

The California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6253(c)) requires the City to respond to a request for public records within ten (10) calendar days.

The City will determine whether the request, in whole or in part, seeks copies of disclosable records and will promptly notify the requestor of its determination. In unusual circumstances, it may be necessary to request a 14-day extension to provide a determination.

Policy Regarding Access to Public Records

The California Public Records Act declares that access to information concerning the conduct of the people’s business is a fundamental and necessary right of every person in the state because it gives the public an opportunity to monitor the functioning of their government. It is the City of South San Francisco's goal to provide the public with timely access to its public records.

What Is a Public Record

The California Government Code defines public records as, “…any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public’s business prepared, owned, used or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristic.” For example, public records can include, but are not limited to, papers, books, maps, charts, photographs, audiotapes, videotapes, and information stored on a computer.

Who Can Request Public Records

Anyone may make a request to inspect or obtain a copy of a public record. A requester is not required to provide any personal identification or reason for the request. Completion of the Public Records Request Form makes the process more efficient.

Tips to Expedite a Request

To speed up your request, make your request as specific as possible about the records you are seeking. For example, you may want to provide a date range for your request, the department or staff that created the requested records, and/or any helpful keywords. You may complete and submit a Public Records Request Form (link below) to the appropriate department to help expedite your request. For records requests pertaining to medical records, additional documentation is required per the instructions located here.

Provide contact information or arrange to call or meet with a department representative at a later time to discuss the availability of the requested records.

Contact

Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (650) 877-8518 if you need further assistance with respect to your Public Records Request.

Submit a Public Records Request