Public Records Request

About Public Records Requests

In compliance with the Public Records Act, requests for general City records can submitted here, requests for Police Department records here, and requests for Court records here. Request forms can also be obtained by contacting the City Clerk’s office, or by phone at 360-332-8311.

The City Clerk is the designated Public Records Officer. The City Clerk may delegate the responsibilities of processing requests to other staff. Departments may also designate records coordinators within specific departments to facilitate access to public records within that department.

Cost for Public Records
There is no fee for inspecting public records.

  • Copies: Black and white copies (8.5 inches x 11 inches or by 14 inches) are 15 cents per page
  • Mailing: Actual cost of postage and mailing materials
  • Color, larger documents and digital media: Actual cost of reproduction
  • Staff time for scanning and duplicating: Actual cost
  • Additional costs: View the Uniform Fee Schedule (PDF)

Larger Requests

For large requests, the city may:

  • Require a deposit of 10% of the estimated cost prior to the copies being made
  • Provide copies in installments
  • Require advance payment before providing further installments

Response to Public Records Requests

The City Clerk is the contact for all requests not related to Police or Court record requests. The City Clerk’s office coordinates with other departments and offices to collect records responsive to the requests.

Please email the Police Department for Police Department related records.

Please email Court for Court related records.

Response Process

Within 5 business days of receipt of the request, the City Clerk’s office will do one of the following:

  • Make the records available for inspection or copying
  • Provide copies to the person who made the request if payment has been received
  • Provide an estimate of when records will be available
  • Contact the person who made the request for clarification of request
  • Deny a request citing the reason(s) for denial

If a response has not been received within 5 business days, the requester should contact the City Clerk’s Office.

Records Exempt From Disclosure

The Public Records Act lists the types of documents that are exempt from public inspection and copying. Other laws also prohibit disclosure of certain records; please see here for the current listing of exemptions for Washington state. The City of Blaine will not disclose lists of individuals for commercial purposes. If only a portion of a record is exempt from disclosure, that portion of the document will be redacted.

Other Considerations

  • If the person making the request has not reviewed or claimed the records within 30 days of the notice that records are available, or if the person fails to make payment, the City Clerk’s office may close the request.
  • If requested records contain information that may affect the rights of others, the City Clerk’s office may give notice and allow time for action by the other parties.
  • The City of Blaine follows the Washington Secretary of State recommended General Records Retention Schedules.