FAQ

What is a California Public Records Act 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.)

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.

Who can submit a Public Records request? 

Anyone may submit a request for public records. 

What type of information can be requested? 

L.A. County does not keep all public records in one place -- each County Department maintains their own records. 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.

Examples of requests for the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC):

  • Election related information
  • RR/CC contracts, RFPs, sole-source agreements
  • RR/CC training manuals

Under the CPRA, RR/CC may withhold certain information on documents if there is a legal basis for doing so. 

Examples of requests for other County departments:

  • Arrest records, 911 transcripts = LA County Sheriff’s Department
  • Building zoning and planning = Department of Regional Planning
  • Restaurant, apartment, hotel inspection reports = Department of Public Health
  • Building code enforcement, road designs, traffic signal plans, environmental UST studies = Department of Public Works
  • Civil, criminal & divorce records = LA County Superior Court
  • Property tax payment records and overpayments = Treasurer & Tax Collector

For other County department’s record requests, please contact the appropriate County Department Records Contact. 

The following records do not fall within the parameters of the California Public Records Act and may be purchased through normal course of business.

How long does it typically take to receive an initial response? 

RR/CC has 10 calendar days from the time the request is sent to provide an initial response. However, RR/CC may, upon written notice to the requester, acquire an additional 14 days to respond. A time extension must be filed within the initial 10-day response period. 

Is there a charge associated with a PRA request? 

Certain requests may incur additional costs based on the time required to produce the documents, such as a report that would need to be compiled. Access to documents and materials in RR/CC’s possession will be generally provided without charge, if available in an electronic format. 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))