Public records and requests

Welcome to the City of Charlotte's Public Request Page!

A public record is information created or received while transacting the public business by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions.  North Carolina’s public records law, enacted in 1935, is one of the most open public records laws in the United States. The law provides a very broad definition of what is a public record and stipulates that anyone can request a public record for any reason. It also affirms that public records and public information are property of the people.

You can review the law in full here: NC General Statute Chapter 132.  

​Request Public Records

Use this form to submit your request and provide as much detailed information as possible:  Public Records Request form

​​Media Requests

Members of the media searching for public records can email the request to: CharlotteCommunicationsMarketing@charlottenc.gov.

View Records Requests and their status on the Open Data Portal.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Public Records

​​Wha​t is a​​ public record?

G.S. 13​2-1 defines public records, in relevant part, as "all documents . . . magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records . . . regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received . . . in connection with the transaction of public business . . ."

All records maintained by the City of Charlotte are available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. 

Wh​at is the pu​​blic policy regarding public records?​

The NC General Assembly has declared as a matter of public policy that the public records and public information compiled by agencies of North Carolina government or its subdivisions are the property of the people. N.C.G.S. § 132-1(b)​ 

​Are all records public records?

Although most information the City of Charlotte houses is public and subject to disclosure, some information is considered protected.  For example, we are obligated to protect such things as: sensitive public security information, components of personnel files, tax information, and social security numbers.

What is the purpose of the Public Records Request form?

​​The Public Records Request forms aid the employee and requestor by clarifying precisely what information is being requested. Please be aware that the public records policy does not require the City to do research, analyze data or create a record that does not currently exist.​

How long will it take to receive a response?

The City of Charlotte is committed to an open and transparent government. As a rule, we respond to all requests for information as quickly as possible and strive to communicate a realistic time frame. It may not always be possible to fill requests right away if the requests span agencies and/or if they need to be reviewed to see if they contain confidential or restricted information. 

Request a public record>>

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​More information 

Information provided in a public records request is subject to North Carolina public records laws and can be disclosed to any person making a public records request. 

Information submitted as part of your public records request will be disclosed publicly on the City of Charlotte’s Open Data Portal. This information will include Name, Organization, Date Submitted, and the text of your public records request.

The City of Charlotte is committed to protecting your privacy and will ensure that any disclosures are done according to law. To learn more about how this information is managed, please see our Privacy Statement.