City of Sacramento - City Clerk

The City of Sacramento understands and supports the public's right to access the public records created and maintained by the City in the course of their normal business. It is the goal of the City to provide service in a transparent manner, which includes timely access to requested records in accordance with the California Public Records Act (PRA), Government Code Sections 6250 to 6270.

“Public records” include any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public’s business prepared, owned, used or retained by the City of Sacramento regardless of physical form or characteristics. “Writing” means handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostating, photocopying, photographing, transmitting by electronic mail or facsimile, and every other means of recording upon any tangible thing, any form of communication or representation, including letters, words, pictures, sounds or symbols or any combination thereof, and any record thereby created, regardless of the manner in which the record has been stored.

Yes. Visit our online records library to search for records. Currently the following records are available:

Staff reports and other meeting materials of the City Council and various City boards, committees, and commissions governed by the Ralph M. Brown Act 1980 - Present
Resolutions passed by the Sacramento City Council, Redevelopment Agency, Housing and Financing Authority from 1921 - present.
Ordinances passed by the Sacramento City Council 1921 - present.
Meeting minutes from the Sacramento City Council, and various City boards, committees, and commissions governed by the Ralph M Brown Act 1921 - present.
City Budget Records 1922 - present.
Building Permits Card from the early 1900's - 1982. Permits from 1982 -present can be viewed through Community Development's Online Permit Search.

Check back frequently as we are working to add additional record series. If the record you are looking for is not listed above or found in the online library, make a public record request to obtain the record you are searching for.

The City retains building plans for permitted development projects in accordance the Health & Safety Code. The City does not have any building plans prior to 1955. Most building plans are maintained on microfilm and/or digitally, and they are public record for viewing; however, building plans are subject to "copyright law" which states it is against the law to allow the duplication of these documents without receiving written permission from both the owner of the property and (1) all certified, licensed, or registered professionals or (2) their successors (if any) who signed the original documents, or (3) by order of a proper court. California Health & Safety Code §19850-19853

If record's staff has confirmed drawings are available and you would like to obtain copies, it will be necessary to review the drawings to confirm that they are appropriate. The City will send certified letters to all parties, including the owner, who must release copies of the desired drawings. If the plan releases are not received from the involved parties then copies of the building plans cannot be released.

If you would like to obtain the fees due on a Code Compliance Case you will need to submit a Demand Request by faxing a Demand Request Form to 916-808-7722.

Vital records (birth, death, and marriage certificates) are generally held by the county where the event took place; not by the Sacramento City Clerk's Office. Please see the links below to assist you with your search for these types of documents.

Certified copies of actual divorce decrees are only available from the Superior Court in the county where the divorce was filed. The State Office of Vital Records can issue a Certificate of Record - and only for divorces that occurred between 1962 and June 1984. A Certificate of Record includes the names of the parties to the divorce, the county where the divorce was filed, and the court case number. A Certificate of Record is not a certified copy and does not indicate if the divorce was finalized. Visit the State of California Vital Statistics Web Page for additional information on divorce records.

Public records are open to inspection during regular City office hours, except for City holidays. While there are charges for the duplication of records (photocopies, CDs and DVDs) there is no charge to inspect or view records. Whenever possible the City will provide the records electronically when requested.

Advanced notice is not required to inspect public records; however, the inspection of records is subject to a rule of reason and must be consistent with the efficient functioning of City offices. It is advisable for any person who wishes to inspect public records to contact the City Clerk's Office to make sure that the records are available. An appointment may have to be scheduled if the records are being used by City staff, if the records must be located and reviewed, when the requested records are stored off site or redaction of confidential information is necessary. In order to prevent records from being lost, damaged or destroyed during inspection, City staff may determine the location of, and may monitor, the inspection.

While a written request is not required, the City prefers that all public record requests be in writing so that City staff can more accurately identify the records sought and process the request more efficiently. Please be as specific as possible when making your request; include dates and times if applicable, and any details regarding the information you are requesting.

Requests may be made in person in the City Clerk’s Office, via email at records@cityofsacramento.org, or over the phone at (916) 808-5002

We are happy to assist you. Please contact the City's Records Manager, via email at: records@cityofsacramento.org, or by phone at (916) 808-5002.