Only public records as defined by RCW 42.56.010 are subject to disclosure.

Response.

The City will process requests in the order allowing the most requests to be processed in the most efficient manner. Within five business days of receiving a records request, the City will either:

• Notify the requester that the documents are available; or
• Acknolwedge that it has received the request and provide a reasonable estimate of the time it will require to respond to the request; or
• Seek clarification from the requester; or
• Deny the records request.

Large Requests.

When a Records Request is for a large volume of records, the City may elect to provide records on an installment basis. If a Requester does not contact the Public Records Officer to arrange for the review of the first installment within 15 business days of notice of review, the City may deem the request abandoned and stop fulfilling the remainder of the request. The City may fulfill smaller requests received after a large request prior to fulfilling the large request. RCW 42.56.120

Notice to Third Parties.

If a public record contains personal information that identifies an individual or organization other than the subject of the requested public record, the City may notify that individual or organization to allow the third party to seek relief pursuant to RCW 42.56.540. The City may take this into account when providing an estimate for when the records will be available. The City should also review any contracts with third parties that may contain special notice provisions. Nothing in this policy is intended to create any right to such notice.

Reference to Website.

The City may fulfill requests by providing a link to the records published on the City’s public website.

Unclear Requests.

If a public record request is vague or otherwise unclear, the City shall request clarification from the requestor. If the requestor fails to clarify the request, the City may deem the request as having been abandoned.