Public Records Request
Public Records Request (CPRA)
The California Public Records Act (CPRA), adopted in 1968, ensures public access to information held by government agencies. Public records are open to inspection during regular office hours unless an exemption applies. See Government Code § 7920.000 et seq..
The City Council’s policy for processing public records requests is set by Resolution No. 2018-3918 (adopted November 20, 2018).
How to Submit a Request
Submit Online (Recommended) - Track status, receive updates, and securely upload files.
Submit by Mail or In-Person
Attn: City ClerkLemon Grove City Hall
3232 Main Street
Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Prefer paper? Download and complete the Printable Request Form and include it with your submission.
Tips for a Faster Response
- Be specific: subject, date range, department, address/location, record type (e.g., emails, permits, contracts).
- Include known titles, project/permit numbers, agenda dates, or keywords.
Fees and Charges
Electronic records in the City Clerk’s possession are generally provided without charge when feasible. Fees for paper copies, media (e.g., CDs), and special services are set by the City’s Master Fee Schedule.
Processing Timelines
- 10 days: The City will determine whether your request seeks disclosable records within ten (10) calendar days of receipt.
- Up to 14-day extension: For voluminous, complex, or inter-departmental searches, the City may extend the determination by up to fourteen (14) days pursuant to Gov. Code § 7922.535.
- Production: Delivery of non-exempt records follows within a reasonable timeframe and depends on scope, format, volume, and any required legal review or redaction.
What the City Can—and Cannot Provide
- The City provides existing, identifiable records. The CPRA does not require the City to create new records, conduct research/analysis, or answer questions in lieu of providing records.
- Some information may be withheld or redacted if exempt (e.g., attorney-client privileged materials, personal privacy, certain drafts and security records). Non-exempt portions will be produced when reasonably segregable.
- If requested records are not in the City’s possession (e.g., they are held by another agency), the City will identify the likely custodian whenever reasonably known.
Documents Not Held by the City of Lemon Grove
These records are typically maintained by San Diego County or other agencies:
| Agency / Office | Examples of Records |
|---|---|
| Assessor - County Clerk Recorder | Birth, death, and marriage certificates; recorded documents; parcel maps; property ownership; fictitious business names. |
| San Diego County Superior Court | Court case files (civil, criminal, traffic), traffic citations, restraining orders. |
| Registrar of Voters (ROV) | Voter registration, vote-by-mail status, precinct/registration lists, official election results. |
| San Diego County Sheriff’s Department | Incident and arrest reports, dispatch logs, citations (for Sheriff-policed jurisdictions). |
| Treasurer-Tax Collector | Secured/unsecured property tax bills and payment records. |
| County Environmental Health / HHSA | Health inspections, environmental permits, and records maintained by County agencies. |
Note: This list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure of the correct custodian, the City Clerk’s Office can help point you in the right direction.
Inspecting Records In-Person
Records are open to inspection during regular business hours. Please contact the City Clerk in advance to schedule an appointment so staff can stage the appropriate files and a viewing space.
Contact Us
Lemon Grove City Hall
3232 Main Street
Lemon Grove, CA 91945
(619) 825-3800