Requesting Public Information

Search for information in Records Online

Many public records are available to you online for easy public review. If you are requesting election information, ordinances, resolutions, agendas, meeting minutes, contracts, or communications, try searching in Records Online, which provides immediate access to search and view City documents. See what types of documents the City has by viewing the Records Retention Schedule. 

Request information through NextRequest

You can gain access to public information by submitting a request on the NextRequest portal. City staff will respond through the portal and you will be able to track the progress of your request.

You can also view past requests that others have submitted on NextRequest, along with any documents that the City may have released in response to the request.

Note: If you need assistance entering your request into NextRequest or if you have additional questions regarding how to request information, please contact City Clerk staff at (510) 981-6900 or records@berkeleyca.gov.  

You can also make a request for a public record by submitting a Public Records Request Form to the City Clerk Department in person or by mail.

Review records for free, or pay for paper copies

There is no charge to review records. Standard-sized documents are copied at 10 cents per page for single-sided copies and 20 cents per page for double-sided copies. The department determines costs for documents outside the standard 8.5 x 11" format.

The City Clerk Department accepts credit and debit cards, cash, checks, and money orders. The City Clerk Department may not be able to give change for bills of $20 or greater. Only exact change or credit/ATM transactions are accepted after 4:30 pm.

You can submit an anonymous request

You are not required to include any contact information with a request, however if you submit an anonymous request you will not receive updates about your request or be able to log in to access documents.

Requests are generally processed in 10 days

The City will determine whether it has disclosable records within 10 days after receiving your request. In some instances, depending on the complexity of the request, the City may take a 14-day extension in which to conduct a search to determine whether responsive records exist. 

If disclosable records exist, the City will make every effort to provide responsive non-exempt records within a reasonable timeframe; however, response times will vary depending on the types and volume of records requested and the scope or timeframe of the request.

Please note that certain records kept by the City may not be disclosed because the records are exempt from disclosure by law. Review the California Public Records Act, Government Code section 7920.000 et seq., for details about documents that are exempt from public disclosure. 

Requesting alternative formats

You can request documents in accessible formats, such as audio, braille, large print, and electronic text. Producing a document in an alternative format may take 7-10 days. Please contact our Disability Services Specialist to make a request:

Email: ada@berkeleyca.gov
Phone: (510) 981-6418
TTY: (510) 981-6347