The California Public Records Act (CPRA) provides for two different rights of access.  One is a right to inspect public records: “Public records are open to inspection at all times during the office hours of the state or local agency and every person has a right to inspect any public record, except as hereafter provided.” The other is a right to prompt availability of copies of public records:

Except with respect to public records exempt from disclosure by express provisions of law, each state or local agency, upon a request for a copy of records that reasonably describes an identifiable record or records, shall make the records promptly available to any person upon payment of fees covering direct costs of duplication, or a statutory fee if applicable.  Upon request, an exact copy shall be provided unless impracticable to do so.

Government Code Section 7922.535 requires the City to provide a response to your request within ten (10) days of receipt. If the tenth day falls on a weekend or holiday, the next business day is considered the deadline for responding to the request. In unusual circumstances, the time limit may be extended.

NOTE: The City of Santa Maria’s City Clerk’s Office hours of operation: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friday open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on alternating Fridays. See Friday hours calendar.

FEES are in accordance with the City’s 2025 User Fee Schedule and comply with the California Public Records Act (CPRA) requirements of actual cost of reproduction.

Police Records Only - Submit a Request (Email)

Public Records Request (not Police Records)

Enterprise Systems