Request Public Records
Learn how to request copies of building permits or plans
Submit your request to City Hall
Other ways to make your request:
- Email cityclerk@elkgrovecity.org
- Call (916) 478-3635
- In-Person at the City Clerk's Office - City Hall 1st Floor
- Request by mail: Complete the mail-in form and send it to:
City of Elk Grove
Office of the City Clerk
8401 Laguna Palms Way
Elk Grove, CA 95758
The City will notify you within 10 days
We'll let you know if we have the records or if additional time is needed to locate them. In unusual circumstances, the 10-day time limit can be extended up to 14 days if more research is needed or if the records requested are extensive. The City will act promptly to make the records available to you unless it is determined that an exemption within the California Public Records Act (Government Code 7920.000, et seq.) justifies non-disclosure of the record(s).
Accommodations
If you have a disability that requires alternative access, please notify the Office of the City Clerk at the time of your request so we may provide timely accommodation.
Access Building Permit Information
Use the Permit Lookup Tool
Data is updated daily, Tuesday through Saturday.
Open lookup tool in a new window
A location may contain more than one permit. These are grouped together on the map labeled with the number of permits issued. The number will change dynamically depending on the map zoom level.
Click the circles on the map to view permits or use the "Find Permits" panel (strongly recommended).
Need Copies of Building Plans?
After using the permit lookup tool, if you still need copies of permit documents or construction plans submit a public records request. Keep reading to learn how.
Copies of building plans can take up to 60 days because the plans are copyrighted by the professional who made them.
- Submit your request to City Hall
- The City will notify you within 10 days if we have the records or if additional time is needed to locate them.
- Visit City Hall within 14 Days
You'll need to view the plans in person. Taking photos is not allowed.
Considering a remodel? We encourage you to bring your contractor so they can help you understand the plans.
Often, viewing plans in person provides the information most people need such as load-bearing walls, location of an electrical panel and more.
Request Copies of Building Plans
- Sign an Affidavit for Duplication
- City staff will send it via certified mail to all professionals whose stamp appears on the plans to ask for permission to duplicate them (yes! even for digital copies)
- The professionals will have 30 days from when the affidavit is mailed to approve or deny your request.
- Once we receive the returned affidavit, you’ll be notified, typically by email, whether permission has been granted.
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If permission is granted: An electronic version of the plans will be provided via a link in an email.
If permission is not granted: You can re-visit City Hall to view the plans in person, photos are not allowed but you can make notes.
About Public Records Requests
- A written request is not required.
- Provide a clear description of the records, including dates, subjects, and titles, for a timely response.
- You do not need to give your name, address, or reason for the request.
- Providing contact information (phone, email, or mailing address) helps City staff reach you when records are ready or if there are questions about your request.
Is there a cost?
- Requesting or examining public records at the City Clerk’s Office is free.
- Records can also be emailed in PDF or other available formats at no cost.
- Copies are $0.10 per page or the vendor’s fee for reproduction. The total cost for photocopies must be agreed upon and paid before records are released.
Accommodations
If you have a disability that requires alternative access, please notify the Office of the City Clerk at the time of your request so we may provide timely accommodation.
Additional Resources
- "The People's Business: A Guide to the California Public Records Act" published by the League of California Cities
- California Government Code Division 10: Access to Public Records
California Public Records Act
The purpose of the California Public Records Act ( "Act"), Government Code §7920.000, et. seq., is to provide the public with greater access to information about how the City of Elk Grove ( "City") conducts its public business.
In accordance with the Act, the City provides access to public records, except those exempt from disclosure by law. Under the Act you are entitled to copies of identifiable, non-exempt public records . The Act requires the City to provide access to, or copies of, records responsive to your request that may be in its possession, subject to certain exceptions, pursuant to Government Code §7922.530(a). The Act does not require the City to answer questions or create records that do not exist.
Have Questions?
Contact the City Clerk Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.
- cityclerk@elkgrovecity.org
- (916) 478-3635
- Office of the City Clerk, 8401 Laguna Palms Way, Elk Grove, CA 95758