SERVICIO
File a request for public records in San Francisco
Once you've put together your request, here's where to send it.
Qué saber
Asking for public records
- You can ask for records by phone, email, fax, letter, or in person.
- Follow our steps to getting public records, and
- Get help making a clear request.
Cost varies
- Some agencies will charge you for copies of records.
- You can note the maximum you are willing to pay when you make your request.
¿Qué hacer?
1. Use the public records portal
Use the portal if it lists the San Francisco agency that has the records you need.
or
2. Use the contact information on the agency's website
You can usually find contact information for requesting public records:
- in the footer, or bottom, of an agency's website
or - on a separate page that includes instructions or a form to fill out
Your request can be directed to the public official or employee in charge of records (often a clerk of records). You do not need to ask an agency supervisor.
Information you include in your request may be made public. Get help making a clear request.
You are allowed to visit an agency onsite and ask to view specific records.
To do so, check the agency's website for its hours, location, and specific contact details.
If you don't get a response
The agency should respond within 10 to 14 days. You should reach out to the agency first if you don't hear back.
If you don't get a response
If the agency does not respond to your request, you can file a complaint. You can also do this if the department denies your request and you disagree with the reason.
The task force will review your complaint and may call a hearing.
File a "Sunshine Law" complaint against an agency or public body.
Información complementaria
Casos especiales
Asking for timely records
If you ask for an "Immediate Disclosure Request," the agency must get back to you by the close of the next business day.
To submit a request, mail or email your request to the agency.
Address your request to the custodian of public records.
include the words "Immediate Disclosure Request":
- Across the top of your request
- On the envelope or in the email subject line
Response time
Under certain circumstances, the agency may add 14 calendar days to their response time.
They will let you know in writing within the first 10 days why they need the extension and give you an estimated response date.
The Sunshine Ordinance specifies that for more extensive or demanding requests, maximum response times will apply.
You have the right to access government records and meetings in San Francisco. You don't need to have a specific reason.
This right is protected by the following laws:
- Sunshine Ordinance
- California's Public Records Act
- Ralph M. Brown Act for open meetings
Obtener ayuda
City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
Room 244
San Francisco, CA 94102
Obtener direcciones
Agencias asociadas
Qué saber
Asking for public records
- You can ask for records by phone, email, fax, letter, or in person.
- Follow our steps to getting public records, and
- Get help making a clear request.
Cost varies
- Some agencies will charge you for copies of records.
- You can note the maximum you are willing to pay when you make your request.
¿Qué hacer?
1. Use the public records portal
Use the portal if it lists the San Francisco agency that has the records you need.
or
2. Use the contact information on the agency's website
You can usually find contact information for requesting public records:
- in the footer, or bottom, of an agency's website
or - on a separate page that includes instructions or a form to fill out
Your request can be directed to the public official or employee in charge of records (often a clerk of records). You do not need to ask an agency supervisor.
Information you include in your request may be made public. Get help making a clear request.
You are allowed to visit an agency onsite and ask to view specific records.
To do so, check the agency's website for its hours, location, and specific contact details.
If you don't get a response
The agency should respond within 10 to 14 days. You should reach out to the agency first if you don't hear back.
If you don't get a response
If the agency does not respond to your request, you can file a complaint. You can also do this if the department denies your request and you disagree with the reason.
The task force will review your complaint and may call a hearing.
File a "Sunshine Law" complaint against an agency or public body.
Información complementaria
Casos especiales
Asking for timely records
If you ask for an "Immediate Disclosure Request," the agency must get back to you by the close of the next business day.
To submit a request, mail or email your request to the agency.
Address your request to the custodian of public records.
include the words "Immediate Disclosure Request":
- Across the top of your request
- On the envelope or in the email subject line
Response time
Under certain circumstances, the agency may add 14 calendar days to their response time.
They will let you know in writing within the first 10 days why they need the extension and give you an estimated response date.
The Sunshine Ordinance specifies that for more extensive or demanding requests, maximum response times will apply.
You have the right to access government records and meetings in San Francisco. You don't need to have a specific reason.
This right is protected by the following laws:
- Sunshine Ordinance
- California's Public Records Act
- Ralph M. Brown Act for open meetings
Obtener ayuda
City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
Room 244
San Francisco, CA 94102
Obtener direcciones