PASO A PASO
Get public records from the County and City of San Francisco
How to ask for public records and get help from the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force if you don't get a reply.
You have a right to access open government records and meetings in San Francisco. You don't need to have a specific reason.
Check if information is publicly available
Sometimes the information you need is already available.
Along with a general web search, check individual agency websites to see if you can find what you need online.
Choose the right department or agency
If the information is not available online, you will need to determine which agency to contact.
To help find out:
- which agency has information you want
- the types of records that exist
- keywords used to describe different types of records
(which will help when you ask for them)
Get your request ready
You know the agency and the record types you want. Now you can prepare a clear and specific request for information.
Make your request
Varies by format.
To file your request, you will either:
- Use the City's public records request portal
or - Follow the instructions on the agency's website
or - Call or visit the office
Wait for a response
Most departments and agencies have 10 to 14 calendar days to respond to a public records request.
They should give you an estimated response date.
Follow up if you don't get a response
Contact the agency if you don't hear back after making your request for public records. Sometimes there is a backlog.
If you still don't get a response or are denied information, you can file an official complaint with the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force.