Pursuant to the Public Records Act (California Government Code (G.C.) Section 6250, et seq.), a person may request to review and/or receive a copy of any public record. While there are certain records exempt by statute (G.C. 6254), records of the City are public, and the goal of the City Clerk’s Department is to provide quick and easy access to public records.

search for Records online

The public can now self serve for public records available online such as ordinances, resolutions, minutes, and contracts. The new online portal was launched in May 2023 and will continue to expand as resources allow for the addition of public records.

Public Records Requests

Records that are not available above can be requested by submitting a request to the City. It is not always feasible to provide an immediate copy for review or duplication, however the City strives to provide requested records within 10 days, or the requestor will be notified within 10 days of when the record(s) may be available. The City may invoke an extension of time to determine whether to comply with your request if there is a need to:

• Search for and collect the requested records from field facilities.
• Search for and examine a voluminous number of records.
• Consult with another agency or City departments having a substantial interest in the determination of the request.

There is no charge to review public records, however there are fees associated with obtaining copies of records. The fees are established in the Master Fee Schedule and vary depending upon the type of record and the method in which the record is provided. Whenever possible the City will provide the records electronically.

How do I make a public Records Request?

Public records are open to inspection during regular business hours and interested persons may request and pay for a copy of any identifiable public records that are not exempted by statute.

Requests must also be focused and specific and must reasonably describe identifiable records (Gov. Code Sec. 6253). Requests that are not focused and specific may delay receipt of responsive records. 

The City encourages public record requests to be submitted in writing in order to assist in providing the requestor with an accurate and timely response. Online requests can be submitted below.

For questions, please contact the City Clerk at cityclerk@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us or 510-215-4305.

requests for police records

For Police Department records, please visit the Police Department Records Bureau Page for instructions.

SB 272 Catalog of Enterprise Systems

Senate Bill 272 requires the City to create a catalog to disclose a list of the enterprise systems utilized by the agency and the current system vendor and product.

OTHER RECORDS

The Contra Costa County Clerk Recorder’s Division maintains vital documents (birth, death, and marriage) and recorded documents affecting real property.  Assessor Parcel Books and recorded maps are available through Contra Costa County Public Works Department’s electronic records system. The County Clerk-Recorder’s Office is located at the 555 Escobar Street, Martinez. For further information you can visit their website at http://www.ccclerkrec.us/recorder/county-recorder-division/ or contact them at (925) 335-7910.