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Public Records Requests
The California State Legislature adopted the Public Records Act in 1975. It is designed to give the public access to information in possession of public agencies.
Submit a Public Records Act Request:
To submit a Public Records Act (PRA) request with the City of Mill Valley, please review and fill out the City's Public Records Act Request Form (PDF). Prior to submitting a Public Records Act Request, please note the following:
- In-person access to public records maintained by the City of Mill Valley is immediate and allowed at all times during business hours. However, scheduling an appointment with the City Clerk prior to visiting City Hall for a records inspection is strongly encouraged.
- If you are submitting a Public Records Act request related to a property, please confirm the property is located within the City limits of Mill Valley (LINK).
- An agency has 10 days to decide if copies will be provided. If a request seeks records held off-site or requires consultation with other agencies, the agency may, upon written notice to the requesters, give itself an additional 14 days to respond.
- The Public Records Act covers only records that already exist, so an agency is not required to create a record, list, or compilation.
- If a request specifically asks for physical copies of responsive records, the agency may charge the requestor a copying fee. The City of Mill Valley charges a copying fee of $0.25 for the first page and $0.10 for all additional pages.
- The agency will justify the withholding of any record by demonstrating that the record is exempt or that the public interest in confidentiality outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
Records Exempt from Disclosure:
The Public Records Act exempts certain records from disclosure in whole or in part. This does not mean they are not public records or that disclosure is prohibited. Many categories of records are exempt, some by the Act itself, (§§ 6254(a)-(z)) and some by other laws (§§6275-6276.48). For more information on exemptions, please review the State of California Government Code (LINK).
Reasonable Accommodations Request:
To ensure that persons with disabilities have equal and full access to public records, City staff will make every effort to assist individuals requesting reasonable accommodations. Persons with disabilities who require reasonable accommodation for obtaining access to the City of Mill Valley's public records should notify the City Clerk of their accommodation needs in their written request, or by calling the Mill Valley City Clerk's office at (415) 388-4033.
- How do I make a Public Records request?
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All requests for public records should be directed to the Mill Valley City Clerk. Please include in your request:
- Your name
- Your contact information (including phone number, postal address, and email address)
- A detailed description of the information you are seeking
- If you would like the information mailed to an address that is different from your contact information, please give the postal address of where you would like the materials sent.
Requests may be sent to the Mill Valley City Clerk via email at cityclerk@cityofmillvalley.org or at:
Mill Valley City Hall
26 Corte Madera Avenue
Mill Valley, CA 94941 - Who can initiate a Public Records request?
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Anyone may initiate a request for public records.
- What type of information can I request?
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Public Records requests may be used to obtain "agency records," which include a wide variety of documents and other materials (including print, photographic, and electronic formats) that were created or obtained by a City agency and are, at the time the request is filed, in the department's possession and control.
- How soon must a city agency respond to my request?
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A City agency receiving a request for documents under the Public Records Act has ten days in which to respond to the request.
- How much will I be charged for my request?
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Fees for copies are $0.25 per page, unless the requested document has an established statutory fee. The cost of CDs and audio tapes will vary depending on the specific request.
- When may public records be inspected?
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Public records are open to inspection during regular City Hall business hours. To make an appointment with the City Clerk, please call 415-388-4033. The office of the City Clerk is located at:
26 Corte Madera Avenue
Mill Valley, CA 94941