Must the City create a document when responding to a specific request for public disclosure?

No. Although there is no Washington case that has decided whether a duty to create an otherwise non-existent document exists under RCW 42.56, there is federal law on this issue. Under the Freedom of Information Act, an agency is not required to create a record which is otherwise non-existent. For more information, please call 425-888-1555, ext. 1118.

Show All Answers

1. How are the five business days calculated when responding to a public records request?
2. What public records are exempt from disclosure?
3. Do all City records have to be stored at City Hall?
4. Must the City copy records at no charge for non-profit organizations?
5. Must the City agree to provide copies of "future records"?
6. Must the City create a document when responding to a specific request for public disclosure?
7. If a record I requested is denied, what are my options?