Public Records Act Request

Public Records Act Requests are made when a member of the public wants to obtain public information that the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk does not offer as part of normal business services.

California Public Records Act Policy

Public Records Act Request Policy - Access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business is a fundamental and necessary right of every person in this state. Records of the County of Los Angeles which are not exempt from disclosure are available for inspection and copying in accordance with the California Public Records Act upon a request that reasonably describes an identifiable record or records. (Los Angeles County Code § 2.170.010(a).)

The California Public Records Act is found in the California Government Code, beginning at Section 7920.000. Records subject to inspection and copying include any writings, meaning any handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostating, photographing, and every other means of recording upon any form of communication or representation, including information available in an electronic format. (See, Government Code § 7920.540 and 7922.570 – 7922.580.)

The County of Los Angeles does not maintain a centralized record keeping system. Requests to inspect and copy public records, which are not otherwise immediately available to the public, should be made directly to the responsible department, agency head, commission, committee secretary or to an identified designee. The list of all County departments, agencies, commissions, and committees is available on the County's website: https://lacounty.gov/newsroom/public-information/public-records-request-contacts/.

Records may be described by their content. It is the responsibility of the department, agency, commission, or committee to search for records based on the criteria set forth in the records request, and to determine whether it has such records under its control.

Records shall be made promptly available for inspection, and for copying within ten (10) calendar days. In unusual circumstances, the ten (10) days may be extended by written notice from the department, agency head, commission, committee secretary, or the designee for no more than an additional fourteen (14) days as provided by law.

A fee for copies of public records may be charged which covers the direct costs of duplication as determined by the County's Auditor-Controller. (Los Angeles County Code § 2.170.010(a))