Public Records Request

Members of the public may request access to non-exempt records maintained by Bellwood Public Works under the state open records law. This includes permits, inspection reports, work orders, contracts, meeting minutes, and correspondence, except where a specific exemption applies. Requests are typically fulfilled within ten business days of receipt.

Who can request records

Any member of the public may submit a request. You do not need to be a Bellwood resident, explain your reason for the request, or have a connection to the records you are asking for. Requests may be submitted by an individual, a business, a journalist, or an organization.

How to submit a request

Complete the Public Records Request Form, available on the Forms and Applications page, and submit it by mail, email, or in person at City Hall. To help staff locate records quickly, describe the records you are seeking as specifically as possible, including a date range, location or project name, and department if known.

What is exempt

Certain records are exempt from disclosure or must be redacted before release, including personnel files, active law enforcement investigations, security plans for critical infrastructure, attorney-client privileged communications, and records containing personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers or financial account numbers. If a request includes exempt material, the department will release the non-exempt portions and provide a written explanation for any withheld information.

Fees

The first fifty pages of copies are provided free of charge. Additional copies are billed at $0.15 per page, and staff time for extensive searches or redactions may be billed at the department's standard clerical rate after the first hour, which is provided at no cost. Requesters who qualify for a fee waiver under the state's public interest standard may submit the Public Records Fee Waiver Request alongside their records request.

Response time

The City Clerk's Office will acknowledge a request within five business days and provide records, a partial release, or a written explanation of any delay or denial within ten business days. Requests involving a large volume of records or records held by multiple departments may take longer, and staff will provide an estimated timeline in writing if the ten-day window cannot be met.

Appeals

If a request is denied in whole or in part, the response will include the specific exemption relied upon and instructions for appeal. Appeals may be submitted in writing to the City Attorney's Office within thirty calendar days of the denial and will be reviewed within fifteen business days.

Contact

Questions about a records request can be directed to the City Clerk's Office at records@bellwoodpublicworks.example or (555) 011-2200.