Request Portal

Record Request Portal

The record request portal is the preferred method to submit a request. Alternatively, records can be submitted in person, by mail, email, fax, or phone. Paper request forms are available at City Hall during regular business hours (excluding holidays). 

All record requests, regardless of format, will be entered into the records request portal. 

What to Include

To assist us in finding the records you're looking for, please provide clear and specific details in your request, such as document titles, dates or date ranges, full names, site addresses or parcel numbers, and report or reference numbers. A request must be for an "identifiable record" that exists at the time the request is made and can be reasonably located by City staff. 

A request for “any and all” records may yield a large volume of records, and it will require more time to search, identify, and review. If you have a specific type of record you are interested in, please indicate this in your request.

After Submitting Requests

After submitting a request, you will receive an email confirmation with a tracking number. Staff will begin identifying responsive documents and determining any costs associated with satisfying your request. Within five (5) business days, staff will do one or more of the following:

• Provide the record(s);
• Provide a link to the records posted on the City website;
• Provide a reasonable estimate of the time the City will require to respond to the request;
• Seek clarification of the request; or
• Deny the request [per RCW 42.56.520(4)].

Records Request Fees

Any copies requested will be charged as listed below. There is no fee for inspecting public records; inspections and copying are conducted during normal business hours.

• Photocopies: $0.15 per page
• Other media: $0.10 per page to scan paper records into electronic format; $0.05 per four electronic files or attachments; and $0.10 per gigabyte for electronic file transfer.
• Mailing: The actual cost of supplies and postage. 
• Body Worn Camera Redactions: $0.83 per minute of redacted video.

• Advisory Body Records (Boards & Commissions)
• City Council Meeting Records (by meeting date)
• Council Committee Records
• Bids and Proposals
• City Budget
• Federal Way Municipal Code
• Hearing Examiner Records
• Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Contracts and Agreements (filed by year)
• Ordinances
• Permit Records (1990-Present)
• Planning Records
• Proclamations
• Recorded Documents (filed by year)
• Resolutions

Asbestos and Lead Paint Abatement 
Contact: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency

Birth and Death Certificates 
Contact: King County Vital Records

Deeds, Easements, Marriage Licenses 
Contact: King County Recorder's Office

Electric and Natural Gas Utility Records 
Contact: Puget Sound Energy

Fire Inspections, Hazardous Materials, and Storage Tanks 
Contact: South King Fire and Rescue

Garbage Services 
Contact: Waste Management

Historical Permits (before February 1990) 
Contact: King County Permitting Division

Property Search and Tax Records
Contact: King County Assessor's Office

Septic Systems and As-Built Drawings 
Contact: Seattle & King County Public Health

Water and Sewer Utility Records
Contact: Lakehaven Water & Sewer District

Wells, Underground Storage Tanks, and Cleanup Sites
Contact: WA State Department of Ecology