University of Washington Policy Directory

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*Formerly part of the University Handbook
Washington Administrative Code

Title 478 WAC - University of Washington


Chapter 478-276 WAC: Governing Access to Public Records

WAC 478-276-100: Copying fees.


(1) Copying facilities available. Facilities shall be made available to requestors for the copying of public records as set forth under WAC 478-276-095, except when and to the extent that this would unreasonably disrupt the operations of the public records office.

(2) Copying costs. Pursuant to RCW 42.56.120(2), as amended by section 3, chapter 304, Laws of 2017, the University of Washington declares for the following reasons that it would be unduly burdensome for it to calculate the actual costs it charges for providing copies of public records: Funds were not allocated for performing a study to calculate such actual costs and the agency lacks the necessary funds to perform a study and calculations; staff resources are insufficient to perform a study and to calculate such actual costs; and a study would interfere with and disrupt other essential agency functions. Therefore, the University of Washington adopts the following fees consistent with the fee schedule established in RCW 42.56.120, as amended by section 3, chapter 304, Laws of 2017:

  a) Fifteen cents per page for photocopies of public records, and printed copies of electronic public records when requested by the person requesting records;

  b)

The university may charge the actual cost of any digital storage media or device (for example, without limitation, compact disks (CDs), digital versatile disks (DVDs), audiotape, or videotape) used to provide copies, the actual cost of any container and envelope used to mail or transmit the copies to the requestor, and the actual postage or delivery charge, or other charges as allowed by law. Such charges shall not exceed the amount necessary to reimburse the university for actual costs.

(3) Deposits. The university may require a ten percent deposit on copying or other charges. Any required deposit must be paid before the request is processed.

(4) Prepayment. The public records office shall not release any requested copies of public records unless and until the requestor has paid all copying and other charges as set forth above. Fee waivers are an exception and are available at the discretion of the public records officer. If payment is not received by the public records office within fifteen business days of issuance of the university's notice of availability, the university may consider the request closed, and any records or copies responsive to such request shall be subject to disposition as provided under WAC 478-276-105.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.20.130, 42.56.100, 42.56.040(1), and 42.56.120 as amended by 2017 c 304. WSR 18-05-044, § 478-276-100, filed 2/13/18, effective 3/16/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.20.130 and chapter 42.56 RCW. 13-05-073, § 478-276-100, filed 2/19/13, effective 3/22/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.20.130, 2005 c 274, and Executive Order 97-02. 06-17-131, § 478-276-100, filed 8/22/06, effective 9/22/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.20.130, 42.17.260, 42.17.290, 42.17.300 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 01-11-136, § 478-276-100, filed 5/23/01, effective 6/23/01; 97-14-004, § 478-276-100, filed 6/19/97, effective 7/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.20.130. 91-10-031, § 478-276-100, filed 4/24/91, effective 5/25/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.20.130(1). 81-20-049 (Order 81-2), § 478-276-100, filed 10/2/81; Order 73-5, § 478-276-100, filed 5/29/73.]