FAQ's

What is a public record? A public record is any record containing information relating to the conduct of government business, which is prepared, owned, used, or retained by an agency. This includes but is not limited to, electronic media, paper, email, microfilm audiotapes, videotapes, magnetic tapes, and disks (CDs/DVDs). A valid public records request is a request for a specific and identifiable public document. A request for general information is not a valid public records request. You do not have to identify the record you want with exact precision, but as much detail as you can provide will be helpful. Our staff may assist in clarifying your request.

Am I required to use the Sequim Records Request Portal? No, though it is the fastest, most efficient option. Other options to submit a request for City or Police records are email, over the phone, in person, or even in the mail.

Must the City create a document when responding to a specific request for public disclosure? No. Washington case law has established that an agency is not required to create a record that is otherwise non-existent. We do, however, reserve the sole discretion to do so.

Are my public records request confidential? No. Once the City receives a public records request, the request itself becomes a public record of the City and is subject to disclosure upon request. Unless there is an applicable exemption, any information you provide may be disclosed. This may include your name, address, email address, telephone number, and other information you may disclose while identifying which records you are seeking. The City may also post copies of requests online in the Public Records Archive, which would provide the public with access to the details of the request and the documents as produced in response to the request. However, the City does not publish the requestor's contact information in the Public Records Archive.

When can I expect a response? RCW 42.56.520 of the WA Public Records Act requires public agencies to respond to public records requests within 5 business days. The day the request is received does not count as one of the five days. Weekends and holidays observed by the City are not considered business days.

For example, a request is received on Monday. The five-day count would begin on Tuesday as the first day. The City would have until the following Monday (if not a holiday), which would be the fifth day, to respond to the request. If the following Monday was a holiday, then the fifth day would be the following Tuesday.

What kind of response can I expect? The City will provide one or more of the following: 1) a reference to some or all of the documents that are available at the City’s or other public entities’ websites, 2) an acknowledgment of the request and a time estimate when I can expect to receive the records or the next installment of records, 3) a full or a partial release of documents, 4) redact or withhold certain documents or portions of documents, or 5) no responsive records were found.

Can I request records that are not available yet or will be created in the future? No. The City provides access to existing public records in its possession at the time of the request. It is not required to provide records created after the request has been submitted. You are welcome to submit a new public records request in the future when the records are available.