Request a Public Record

NCGS § 132-1 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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

Please complete the Public Records Request Form. If you need assistance, please call the City Clerk's Office at 704-336-2248 or email cityclerk@charlottenc.gov

Please click here to visit the Public Records Request Tracker on the Open Data Portal.

Please click here to view the North Carolina's Public Records law in full.