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Fresno County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Fresno County?

Public records in Fresno County are official documents or pieces of information that are not considered confidential and are generally accessible to citizens and organizations. These records are created, maintained, or received by government agencies in Fresno County as part of their legal obligations.

Public records in Fresno County typically include:

  • Court records and case information
  • Property records and deeds
  • Birth, death, and marriage certificates
  • County meeting minutes and agendas
  • Permits and licenses
  • Voter registration information
  • Tax assessment records
  • Law enforcement records (with certain restrictions)

These records are maintained by various county departments including the County Recorder's Office (2281 Tulare St, Room 302, Fresno, CA 93721), the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno (1100 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, CA 93724), and other government agencies throughout the county.

Is Fresno County an Open Records County?

Yes, Fresno County is an open records county. Like all counties in California, Fresno County operates under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), which provides that public records are open to inspection during regular office hours of government agencies.

The California Public Records Act is designed to give the public access to information in possession of public agencies. Fresno County government agencies are required to:

  • Assist members of the public in making focused and effective requests
  • Help the public identify records responsive to their requests
  • Make records promptly available
  • Provide electronic records in their native format when possible

While Fresno County is committed to transparency, certain records may be exempt from disclosure under specific provisions of the CPRA or other laws to protect privacy, confidential information, or ongoing investigations.

How Do I Find Public Records in Fresno County in 2025

Finding public records in Fresno County in 2025 can be accomplished through several methods:

  1. Online Access:

    • Visit the Fresno County Superior Court website for case information and court records
    • Use the Fresno County Recorder's online portal for property records and vital records
    • Access the County's public records request portal for general county records

  2. In-Person Requests:

    • Visit the Fresno County Recorder's Office (2281 Tulare St, Room 302, Fresno, CA 93721) for property records, birth, death, and marriage certificates
    • Go to the Fresno County Superior Court (1100 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, CA 93724) for court records
    • Visit the Fresno Police Department Records Division (2323 Mariposa Mall, Fresno, CA 93721) for police reports

  3. Written Requests:

    • Submit a Public Records Act request to the specific department that maintains the records
    • Send requests to the Fresno County Administrative Office (2281 Tulare Street, Room 304, Fresno, CA 93721) for general county records

  4. Email or Online Form Submission:

    • Many departments now accept requests through dedicated online portals or via email

For the most current information, it's recommended to check the Fresno County website or contact the specific department that maintains the records you're seeking.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Fresno County?

The cost to obtain public records in Fresno County varies depending on the type of record and the department that maintains it:

  1. Court Records:

    • Case searches: $15 per name
    • Copies of court documents: $0.50 per page
    • Certified copies: Additional $25-40 depending on document type

  2. Recorder's Office Documents:

    • Certified copies of birth certificates: $32 per copy
    • Certified copies of death certificates: $24 per copy
    • Certified copies of marriage certificates: $17 per copy
    • Property records: $2 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page

  3. Police Records:

    • Police reports: $15-25 depending on report type
    • Accident reports: $25

  4. General County Records:

    • Standard copying fees: $0.10-0.25 per page for standard documents
    • Special document reproduction: Actual cost of duplication
    • Electronic records: May be provided at no cost if readily available

Fees are subject to change, and some requests may incur additional charges if they require extensive staff time for research or redaction. Some agencies may require payment in advance before processing requests.

Does Fresno County Have Free Public Records?

Yes, Fresno County does offer some public records for free:

  1. Online Access:

    • Many court case indexes can be searched online at no cost
    • County Board of Supervisors meeting agendas and minutes are freely available
    • Some property information can be viewed online without charge

  2. Public Inspection:

    • You can inspect many public records in person at no cost during regular business hours
    • The Fresno County Clerk's Office (2221 Kern Street, Fresno, CA 93721) allows public viewing of certain records without charge

  3. Electronic Records:

    • Some electronic records that don't require special processing may be provided via email at no cost
    • Public information already published on county websites is free to access

However, while inspection may be free, obtaining copies (physical or certified) typically involves fees as outlined in the previous section. Additionally, requests requiring significant staff time for research, compilation, or redaction may incur charges even if the records themselves would otherwise be free.

Who Can Request Public Records In Fresno County?

In Fresno County, as throughout California, public records are generally available to:

  1. Any Person:

    • California residents
    • Out-of-state residents
    • Foreign nationals
    • Minors (though some practical limitations may apply)

  2. Organizations:

    • Businesses and corporations
    • Non-profit organizations
    • Media outlets
    • Research institutions
    • Law firms

  3. Government Agencies:

    • Other local, state, or federal agencies

The California Public Records Act specifically states that access to information is a fundamental right of each person in the state. Requesters do not need to:

  • State their purpose or reason for requesting records
  • Identify themselves (though some specific records may require identification)
  • Be a resident of Fresno County or California
  • Be a U.S. citizen

However, certain records may have restricted access based on the content of the records rather than the identity of the requester. For example, records containing confidential information may be redacted or withheld regardless of who is requesting them.

What Records Are Confidential In Fresno County?

In Fresno County, certain records are confidential and exempt from public disclosure under various California laws, including the Public Records Act. These include:

  1. Personal Information:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Driver's license numbers
    • Financial account information
    • Medical records and health information protected under HIPAA
    • Personnel records containing private information

  2. Law Enforcement Records:

    • Active investigation records
    • Confidential informant information
    • Juvenile criminal records
    • Certain victim information in sensitive cases

  3. Court Records:

    • Sealed court records
    • Juvenile court proceedings
    • Certain family court matters
    • Mental health proceedings

  4. Other Protected Records:

    • Attorney-client privileged communications
    • Preliminary drafts and notes not retained in the ordinary course of business
    • Records protected by federal law
    • Trade secrets and proprietary business information
    • Critical infrastructure information that could pose security risks
    • Certain deliberative process documents

  5. Vital Records Access Restrictions:

    • Birth and death records have restricted access for a period of years
    • Only authorized individuals can obtain non-redacted vital records

These exemptions are designed to protect individual privacy, ensure public safety, maintain the integrity of ongoing investigations, and comply with state and federal confidentiality laws.

Lookup Public Records in Fresno County

For more information about accessing public records in Fresno County, please visit these official resources:

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