san francisco public records: expert tips for faster, accurate requests

What counts as a public record

In San Francisco, records include city emails, meeting minutes, budgets, permits, property deeds, campaign filings, and more. Courts are separate (Superior Court). Some info is restricted: personal identifiers, active investigations, and privileged legal material may be redacted.

How to request

Under the California Public Records Act and the local Sunshine Ordinance, agencies generally respond within ten days. You can request by email or web portal; be specific about dates, departments, and formats (CSV, PDF). Fees usually cover copies, not staff time, and you can inspect records for free.

1. Identify the correct agency (Assessor-Recorder for deeds, County Clerk for vital records, SFPD for incident logs).
2. Describe the record with clear keywords and a time window.
3. Ask for electronic delivery and rolling releases.
4. Note you agree to pay reasonable copy fees; ask for a cost estimate first.
5. Follow up politely if deadlines slip; reference CPRA and Sunshine.

Pro tips

Search the city’s open data and agendas before filing; many datasets are already posted. If a request is denied, ask for the specific exemption in writing and request segregable portions. Keep communications courteous yet firm.