Public Records: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
- What constitutes a public record?
Oregon law states that every person has a right to inspect any non-exempt public record. Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 192.410 defines a "public record" as any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public's business, prepared, owned, used or retained by a public body regardless of the physical form or characteristics. ORS 192.410 goes on to define "writing" as handwriting, typewriting, printing, photographing and every means of recordings of any type, which includes letters, words, pictures, sounds or symbols, or any combination thereof, and all papers, maps, magnetic or paper tapes, photographic films and prints, discs, drums or other documents.
- How do I request public records from the City?
Requests for public records are made through the Records Department located at City Hall. You can submit a Records Request online or you can contact Lora Garland, Sr. Records and Information Specialist at cityrecords@tigard-or.gov.
- How soon must the City respond to a request for public records?
The ORS 192.430 requires a custodian of public records to provide proper and reasonable opportunities for inspection and examination of the records in the office of the custodian. The public body has a reasonable amount of time to respond to the request.
- What can the City charge for providing copies of public records?
A public body is allowed to charge for the actual cost in making records available.
- What public records are exempt from disclosure?
In Oregon the Public Records Law is a disclosure law, rather than a confidentiality law. Exemptions are contained in ORS 192.501 and are applied on a case-by-case basis.
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