Public Records Request
Requesting records
Use the Public Disclosure Request Form to submit a public records request.
Under the Public Records Act, you may request specific, identifiable records. If you do not know the title of a specific record, include details such as the subject, dates, location, physical address, and people involved.
You have several ways to submit public records requests.
The County will respond within 5 business days with one of the following:
- Provision of the record.
- Acknowledgement of receipt of the request and a reasonable estimate of the time the County will need to respond.
- Denial of the request.
The County may need more time to respond to your request. This can happen if staff need to ask you for clarification, locate and gather the records, notify third parties or agencies affected by the request, or decide whether any of the information is exempt from release.
For more information about Skagit County's commitment to providing full assistance and access to public records, read Public Records Resolution R20070276.
Receiving and reviewing requested records
Once staff have assembled the responsive records, they will either send the records to you electronically or notify you that the records are ready for review in the Skagit County Records Management office.
You may request paper copies of records. Staff will discuss any costs with you before they make copies.
Records exemptions
The County may deny a request in full or in part. The law Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 42.56 lists reasons why information may be exempt from release to you.
If you object to the initial denial or partial denial of a request, you may petition in writing to the Public Records Officer for a review of the decision. After the Public Records Officer receives the petition, the Public Records Office will promptly provide the petition and other relevant information to the County Attorney. The County Attorney or a designee will affirm or reverse the denial within two business days.
