Public Records Request
Alabama law makes public records available to Alabama citizens, subject to exceptions specified by law (Code Section 36-12-40 and 41). These exceptions generally prevent the disclosure of privileged or otherwise protected information and communications.
The City of Huntsville seeks to serve the citizens of Alabama by complying with Section 36-12-40 to the fullest extent possible. Please note, many records maintained by the City of Huntsville are available online through the HuntsvilleAL.gov website. These records may be accessed, inspected, and obtained electronically by any member of the public at any time at no cost.
Submitting a public record request
Citizens wishing to obtain copies of public records must complete the Public Records Request Form*. Otherwise, Alabama citizens may request to inspect and take a copy of public records maintained by the office, unless the record is exempt from public disclosure.
Public Records Request Form
*The submission of a fully completed Public Records Request Form is the exclusive procedure for requesting public records from the City of Huntsville, including its employees, agents and representatives. City of Huntsville will not respond to any request for public records submitted through any process other than that set forth herein. Furthermore, the City of Huntsville will not respond to any incomplete requests. A party who submits an incomplete form may resubmit a fully completed request, which the City of Huntsville will treat as a separate and distinct request for public records.
The City of Huntsville strives to respond as promptly as possible to all public records requests from Alabama citizens while ensuring the office’s functions and responsibilities under state law are accomplished efficiently.
Please note the type and volume of records requested will determine the availability, cost, and time required to process a public records request. Requests that can be completed by producing responsive records kept in the normal course of business will be available more quickly. Requests made that clearly identify a specific, discrete document or record will be processed more quickly than requests requiring substantial staff time to search, locate, review, and produce a large volume of potentially responsive documents or records. Requests that require staff to take measures to redact or otherwise withhold legally privileged, protected, or confidential information will likely take substantial time to process.
Upon receiving a completed Public Records Request Form, the office will acknowledge receipt in writing and note any immediate deficiencies or issues with the request. The requesting citizen will also be provided a reference number for internal tracking purposes.
Alabama law permits the collection of reasonable fees for processing public records requests. The City of Huntsville charges a nonrefundable minimum processing fee of $25 for all requests. The fee covers the first hour of labor. Any additional labor cost needed to fulfill the request shall be calculated at $25 per hour. Partial hours will be rounded up to the next full hour. Records will not be released until full payment is received.
The City charges a fee of .50 per black and white page to produce copies of public records for citizens using City of Huntsville employees, equipment, and other resources. Photos are $1 per page, DVD/CDs are $50 per disc, and Police Reports are $10 per report.
Citizens are additionally responsible for any outside costs incurred by the City for providing copies of requested records. Additional fees apply for copies of certified records.
Postage fees will also be charged.
As soon as requested public records are located and assessed by the office, a cost estimate will be provided to the requesting citizen, as applicable. Upon receipt of payment, the office will promptly provide responsive records. Requesting citizens may request hard copies produced on paper or electronic copies.
Notice to News Media
News Media representatives, including those with a deadline, should contact media@huntsvilleal.gov , or call 256-427-5000 and ask for the Communication Office. The City will do its best to accommodate media deadlines to the extent that the current workload and detail of request permits. Fees and requirements for public records related to a media inquiry are not waived.