How do I make a public records request?
Click here to submit a public records request via the online portal.
Alternatively, you may mail or fax your request. You must include your contact information and a description of the records sought. If you need assistance, please contact us by telephone or in person (by appointment only) and we will assist you. Hand-delivered requests may be placed in the Office’s request drop box, which is located at 4311 11th Ave NE, Seattle, WA. Our fax number is (206) 616-6294.
What happens when I make a public records request?
The Office of Public Records and Open Public Meetings acts as a clearing house for requests for records from the public. When we receive a request, it joins a queue of other public records requests.
Within five business days you will be sent a notification that your request has been received. The office’s staff contacts the department(s) that holds the records you seek and provides them with a copy of your request. The departments will identify, collect and forward the records to the Office of Public Records and Open Public Meetings.
Once received, public records staff will review the records and may redact information from records as allowed by the public records statute, state law, federal law or case law. Our staff may also notify third parties who have an interest in the records that you have made a public records request.
Once our staff completes the review and records are ready to be released, you will be contacted. Response time to requests varies depending on many factors such as volume and complexity.
How much does it cost to obtain public records?
The University is piloting an online portal through which requestors can receive digital records.
If you would like to opt in to this pilot project, please contact our office. The costs are as follows:
$0.05 for every 4 files, and $0.10 per GB
You may opt-in to the pilot program, otherwise our standard charges apply. See below:
Discs (CD) $0.69 per CD
Envelope $0.29 per envelope
Photocopy (Black & White copy) $0.15 per page
First Class US Postage
Requestors will be notified in advance of any non-standard charges.