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City Records

Most city documents are public records, meaning you can look at them and request copies. Some records are exempt from disclosure because they are considered confidential or privileged. Rules about records can be found in the Public Records Act.

Need help?

clerk@carlsbadca.gov 
760-434-2808

Requesting Records

  • Many city records are available online, including contracts, reports, resolutions and meeting minutes. 
  • If you submit a request, the city, in accordance with Government Code Section 6256, has 10 days to respond.
  • This response must indicate whether or not the documents exist and can be made available.
  • Please include as much detail as possible when requesting records. 
  • If you are unsure about what records might exist, give us a call, and we'd be happy to help you narrow down your search.

Temporary Document Viewing Services

    Although the City of Carlsbad has temporarily suspended in-person services in response to the San Diego County public health order to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City Clerk’s Office has developed a process to safely facilitate the review of public documents responsive to a Public Records Act request by appointment.

    • Beginning Sept. 16, 2020, the following appointment windows will be available:
    • Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon
    • Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Documents must be reviewed at City Hall, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
    • All documents will be reviewed at an outside table with a staff person present (6 ft. social distance and masks required)
    • Documents will be quarantined for a minimum of 7 days before each appointment.
    • Surfaces will be disinfected immediately before and after each appointment.

    This service is being provided on a temporary basis to help increase access to government documents during the COVID-19 public health emergency. To use this temporary service, submit a Public Records Act request via the online portal. Once your records are ready, call 760-434-2808 during business hours to schedule an appointment. Please have your Records Request number ready.