Access to Public Records

 

Your  basic right to access public records is defined by the California Public Records Act which was

enacted in 2004.  Key provisions of the law, along with related helpful information, is available on the Web site of the California First Amendment Coalition.  

Public records include "any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public's business prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics."

Ordinarily, you may be able to review, or obtain a copy of public records simply by contacting the appropriate City department. However, if you are asking for a Morro Bay record under the Public Records Act,  you must go through the Morro Bay City Attorney.  

If you want personal copies of documents, videotapes, etc., the City requires that you pay copying costs.

We have heard occasional complaints that gaining access to requested records was a bit of a challenge, and that on occasion, a certain amount of persistence was required, but we have heard no complaints regarding the City specifically denying access to public records.  

 

Some City documents are available at the Library.