What public records are exempt from disclosure?

In general, public records that are exempt from public disclosure are those in the categories listed in RCW 42..56.230 through 42.56.480.  Reference must be made to this statute to determine on a case-by-case basis whether a particular record is exempt. When a city denies a request for disclosure of a public record, it must identify the specific statutory exemption upon which the denial is based and it must provide a brief explanation of how that exemption applies. RCW 42.56.520. It should be kept in mind, however, that certain statutes outside of the public records law also prohibit disclosure of particular records.

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1. How do I submit a Public Records Request?
2. Can I See All City Records?
3. Will my request for records be kept confidential?
4. How are the five business days calculated when responding to a public records request?
5. Must the City copy records at no charge for non-profit organizations?
6. What is third party notification?
7. When is a request considered abandoned?
8. How does the City handle large requests?
9. Where can I find Council meeting recordings, minutes and agendas?
10. How do I get Birth/Death, Marriage, or Divorce certificates?
11. Must the City agree to provide copies of “future records”?
12. What public records are exempt from disclosure?