Public Records Requests
Request forms are available online.
For assistance,to make a viewing appointment, or to make requests by letter, email, or phone contact:
Snohomish County PDS
ATTN: Public Records Specialist
3000 Rockefeller Avenue, M/S 604
Everett, WA 98201
Telephone: 425-388-3622
Fax: 425-388-3682
Email: PublicDisclosure.PDS@snoco.org
Public Service Hours
Public information requests should include:
• Name and address and contact information for requestor
• Description of public information adequate to locate the information
• Date of request
NOTE: Much public information is currently available on the County’s web site at no cost. Examples include:
The Public Records Specialist or designee will make information available for inspection and copying by appointment. Requestors will not remove documents from the viewing area or disassemble or alter any document. The requestor will indicate which documents he or she wishes the County to copy.
Within five business days of receipt of the request, the Public Records Specialist or designee will do one of the following:
• Make the information available for inspection or copying
• Send copies to requestor if payment has been received
• Provide a reasonable estimate when information will be available
• Contact requestor to request clarification
• Deny the request citing reason for denial
There is no fee for inspecting public information; however, the following copying / mailing costs apply:
• Black & white copies $.25 per page
• Mailing - Actual cost of postage and shipping container
• Other media - Actual cost of reproduction
(Color, electronic and/or information provided on a disk or CD-ROM)
Payments by cash, check, or money order payable to “Snohomish County.”
For large requests, the County may:
• Require a deposit of up to ten percent of estimated cost before making copies
• Provide copies in installments
• Require advance payment before providing further installments
• Oversee compliance with the Public Records Act
• Administer program consistent with County Code
• Provide the “fullest assistance” to requestors
• Coordinate response to requests with departments and offices
• Provide most timely possible & efficient action on requests
• Fulfill requests without excessive interference with county business
• Protect public information from damage or disorganization
If a requestor does not receive a response within five days, he or she should contact the Public Records Officer to determine the reason.
The Public Information Act (RCW 42.56) and other statutes, list types of documents exempt from public inspection and copying. If only a portion of a record is exempt from disclosure, the Public Records Specialist or designee will redact the exempt portions before providing the document and provide an exemption log.
• If a requestor has not reviewed or claimed information within thirty days of notification that the information was available or fails to make payment, the Public Records Specialist may close the request. (WAC 44-14-040(6-b))
• If requested information contains information that may affect rights of others, before providing the information, the Public Records Specialist or designee may give 3rd party notice and allow time for action by the other parties.
• After a request has been filled, if the Public Records Specialist or designee becomes aware of additional documents existing at the time of the request, these will be provided to the requestor on an expedited basis.
A requestor may send a written petition to the Public Records Officer in order to have any disclosure denial reviewed. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office – Civil Division will consider petitions and affirm or reverse the denial within two business days following the receipt of the petition by that office. (WAC44-14-080)
Within two business days of an initial denial, a requestor may obtain court review. See the Revised Code of Washington, RCW 42.56, for more information.