Request a Public Record

Public records are broadly defined by California law as any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public's business, prepared, owned, used, or retained by a state or local agency, regardless of physical form. The San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department (SMC Fire) is committed to providing timely access to its public records in compliance with the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code section 7920.000 et seq.

How to Submit a Request

The fastest way to request records is through our online Public Records Request form, below. Requests may also be submitted by mail or in person at SMC Fire Administration. The more specific your description, the faster staff can locate and review responsive records.

 

What Happens After You Submit a Request

Under Government Code section 7922.535, SMC Fire will determine within 10 calendar days of receiving your request whether it holds disclosable records responsive to your request, and will notify you of that determination and the reasons for it. If records are disclosable, we will also provide an estimated date and time when they will be made available.

In unusual circumstances, such as the need to search multiple facilities, review a voluminous number of records, consult with another department or agency, or compile data from electronic systems, this initial response period may be extended by up to 14 additional days. If an extension applies, you will receive written notice explaining the reason and the expected response date.

Note that the 10-day (or 24-day, if extended) period is the deadline for SMC Fire to tell you whether it has responsive records and will release them, not necessarily the deadline for producing the records themselves. Complex requests involving extensive review or redaction may take longer to fully complete. Some records, or portions of records, may be withheld or redacted where the CPRA or other law provides an exemption, such as certain personnel, medical, investigative, or attorney-client privileged records.

There is no fee to inspect records. Copies may be provided at the direct cost of duplication, and electronic records may carry additional costs in limited circumstances as described in Government Code sections 7922.570 through 7922.580.