Public Records Request

Request Public Records

Any person requesting a public record is encouraged to make the request by filling out the Public Records Request form.

Go to the Form

Requests should be made to the Public Records Officer (PRO) and should include the following information:

  • Name of Person Making Request
  • Street Address, City, State, Zip Code
  • Telephone Number
  • Email Address
  • Description of Public Records Request
  • Type of Request (paper, electronic, or onsite inspection)
  • Signature
Public Records Request Policy
Downloadable Forms

General Availability of Records

Public records will be available for inspection during THA’s customary business hours. Records must be inspected at the 902 South L. Street, Tacoma, WA 98405 office of THA.

Upon request for identifiable public records, THA will make records promptly available to any person including, if applicable, on a partial or installment basis as records that are part of a larger set of requested records are assembled or made ready for inspection or disclosure. THA will not deny any request for identifiable public records solely on the basis that the request is overbroad.

If a requestor has not made arrangements to review or claim records within thirty (30) days of notice that the records are available, the PRO may close the request.

Records Exempt from Disclosure

Although documents that perpetuate, communicate, or formalize knowledge are public records, the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) and other statutes list types of public documents exempt from public viewing and copying. If only part of a record is exempt, the PRO will redact the exempt portions before providing the document. THA will not disclose lists of individuals for commercial purposes.

Cost for Providing Public Records

THA does not charge for the staff time spent in locating a public record or for making a record available for inspection. The law allows THA to charge for the actual costs connected with copying public records, inlcuding the staff time spent making copies.

If an installment of a records request is not paid for or reviewed within (30) thirty days after THA provides notice of availability of the installment, THA is not obligated to fulfill the balance of the request. In addition, because THA is prohibited from lending its credit, a requestor must prepay the estimated copy cost for any copies that must be made by an outside vendor.

Delivery Method/MaterialsDescriptionCost
Paper copiesPhotocopies or printed electronic copies15 cents/page
ScansRecords scanned into electronic format10 cents/page
Online deliveryRecords uploaded to email, cloud storage service, or other electronic delivery system5 cents for every four electronic files
Electronic transmissionRecords transmitted in electronic format or for use of agency equipment to send records electronically10 cents/gigabyte
USB/DiscsDigital storage media or device (e.g., USB, CD, DVD)Actual cost
Mailing materialsAny container or envelope used to mail copiesActual cost
PostagePostage or delivery chargesActual cost
Customized serviceCustomized service if THA estimates that the request would require the use of information technology expertise to prepare data compilations, or provide customized electronic access services when such compilations and customized access services are not used by THA for other agency purposes. THA will not assess a customized service charge unless it has notified the requestor of the charge to be applied to the request, including an explanation of why the customized service charge applies, a description of the specific expertise, and a reasonable estimate of the charge.Actual cost
Copy charges above may be combined to the extent that more than one type of charge applies to copies responsive to a request. Pursuant to RCW 42.56.130, the costs listed above do not supersede any fees for copying public records authorized by other statutory provisions, other than Chapter 42.56 RCW.

Questions?

For assistance, or to make public records requests by letter, email, or phone, contact:

Sha Peterson | Public Records Officer