Denver Public Records Requests - FOIA/CORA Guide

General Governance and Administration Colorado 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 07, 2026 Flag of Colorado

This guide explains how to request public records in Denver, Colorado, including the municipal process, responsible office, typical steps, and remedies. Denver follows the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) framework while maintaining local procedures for submitting and processing requests. The City and County of Denver provides an official request portal and instructions for requesters; follow the City's submission requirements to avoid delays. Official City of Denver public records page[1]

How the process works

Anyone may request public records from Denver municipal departments. A proper request should reasonably identify the records sought (dates, departments, subject) and a preferred format (electronic or paper). Departments review requests for responsiveness and legal exemptions under CORA. If records are available, they are produced or a denial is issued with a stated basis. If records are exempt or withheld, the denial should reference the legal basis for withholding.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of public records access rights in Denver proceeds under state law (CORA) and through Colorado courts when necessary. The City Clerk and applicable custodian manage requests, while legal disputes may involve the Denver City Attorney and state courts.

  • Monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to produce records, court injunctions, and judicial remedies are available under CORA; specific local administrative sanctions are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: City Clerk and Recorder is the primary custodian contact; legal enforcement occurs through Colorado courts or the Denver City Attorney as applicable.
  • Appeal/review: judicial review under CORA; specific local appeal timelines are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences and discretion: recognized statutory exemptions under CORA may justify withholding; department discretion follows statutory standards.
If a department withholds records, you may seek judicial review under CORA.

Applications & Forms

The City posts an official public records request form and submission instructions on the City Clerk and Recorder pages; submission may be online, by email, or by mail depending on the office and record type. Specific form names or fees are not specified on the cited page.

Typical request steps

  • Draft: clearly describe the records sought, including date range and relevant department.
  • Submit: use the City of Denver public records portal or the City Clerk's designated submission channel.
  • Review: the custodian will determine responsiveness and exemptions, then produce records or issue a denial.
  • Fees: costs for copies or staff time may apply; check the department's fee schedule or ask when you submit the request.
  • Appeal: if denied, consider administrative reconsideration and judicial remedies under CORA.
Be as specific as possible in your request to speed processing and reduce fees.

Records commonly requested

  • Police reports and incident records (subject to law enforcement exemptions).
  • Permits, licenses, and inspection records held by Denver Community Planning or Development.
  • City contracts, bids, and procurement documents.

Action steps

  • Prepare: note department, date range, and key terms for the records you want.
  • Submit: follow the City Clerk's instructions on the official request page and keep a copy of your submission.
  • Track: record request dates and follow up if you do not receive an acknowledgment.
  • Appeal: if denied, request a written explanation and consider judicial review under CORA.

FAQ

Who can request public records from Denver?
Any person or entity may request public records from the City and County of Denver; requests are processed under CORA and local procedures.
How do I submit a request?
Submit via the City Clerk's public records portal or the department holding the records; the official submission page lists current instructions and contact details.[1]
Are there fees?
Fees for copying or staff time may apply; specific fee amounts are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the custodian.
What if my request is denied?
Denials should cite the legal basis; you may seek reconsideration and judicial review under CORA.

How-To

  1. Identify the records you need, including dates, department, and keywords.
  2. Locate the City Clerk's public records request form on the Denver website and complete the required fields.
  3. Submit the form through the portal or by the department's specified method and note the submission date.
  4. If you receive a denial, request a written explanation and consult CORA guidance or legal counsel about appeal options.

Key Takeaways

  • Denver processes records requests under Colorado law with local submission requirements.
  • Use the City Clerk's official page for forms and contact information to avoid delays.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Denver - Public Records Requests

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