Access to Public Records
Under Oregon’s Public Records law (ORS 192) any individual or organization may request that Multnomah County provide copies or access to written documents and materials. Please note that this policy pertains to records that have already been created. Multnomah County is not required to create new records to meet a request.
These procedures apply to the Department of Community Services Code Compliance Program enforcing Land Use Zoning, Transportation Right-of-Way, and Solid Waste & Recycling regulations. For record requests from other offices in Multnomah County, please contact that office or refer to the county’s Records Management Program.
How Do I Request Public Records?
Record requests must be made in writing or by email. Be sure to include:
- Your name
- Your contact information
- A specific description of the records you are requesting
- The date range of the records you are requesting
- Whether you are requesting copies of the records or to schedule a time to inspect them in person
- The format you want - paper copies, digital files
Who Do I Contact?
Requests for records from the DCS Code Compliance Program should be submitted to:
dcs.records@multco.us
1600 SE 190th Avenue
Portland, OR 97233
503.988.3043
How Will You Respond?
We will provide a written response as soon as possible, but no later than five business days. In our response:
- We will provide you an estimate of the full cost of the request (if there is a cost)
- If there is a cost, payment is required before the county will produce the records
- We may ask some questions to narrow down or clarify your request
We will also notify the County Attorney’s office of any record request.
What Will It Cost?
We may bill you for the following costs as needed:
- Case file retrieval, including re-filing the records when we’re done
- Redaction (removing details such as personal information)
- Copying, including special handling like oversized paper or binding
- Digital storage such as a flash drive
- Mailing or shipping
- Legal review
Because each request is unique, other costs may apply on a case-by-case basis. The county will estimate the cost based on having the appropriate employee retrieve the records requested. Labor costs will vary, depending on which employee does the work.
We will provide you with an estimate of the total cost in our written response before we proceed with fulfilling the request.
Fees may be waived or reduced on a case-by-case basis. If you request a reduction or waiver of fees, the decision will be made by the manager of the section responding to your request.
How Do I Pay?
Payment may be made by credit card or check.
Payment must be received before we will copy or mail the records.
Legal Basis
Access to and production of public records is provided in compliance with ORS Chapter 192 and Multnomah County
(Multnomah County Public Records Disclosure Practice).