Public Records Retention Schedule - Atlanta, GA

General Governance and Administration Georgia 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia maintains a public records retention schedule that guides how long city records must be kept and when they may be disposed of. This article explains where to find the official schedule, which city office is responsible, how retention interacts with public records requests, and practical steps for departments, researchers, and members of the public. It summarizes official sources, the administrative process for records management, and how to request guidance or submit records for disposition.

Where to find the retention schedule

The City Clerk's Records Management page hosts guidance and links to the municipal retention schedule and related policies. For the city code and ordinance authority that may reference records and retention rules, consult the Atlanta Code of Ordinances.[1]

Start by contacting Records Management at the City Clerk for clarifications.

How the schedule is organized

  • Categories by record type (administrative, financial, personnel, legal) with retention periods and disposition instructions.
  • Retention measured in years, event-driven triggers, or until administrative/ legal action completes.
  • Specific retention codes or schedule identifiers used by city departments to tag records for disposition.

Penalties & Enforcement

Official pages consulted do not list specific fines or criminal penalties for noncompliance with retention schedules; fine amounts and escalation rules are not specified on the cited page.[2] Enforcement is typically administrative: the Records Management unit or City Clerk enforces retention policy within departments, and destruction or mishandling of records may lead to administrative review, internal discipline, or referral to legal counsel.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: not specified on the cited page; departments are generally expected to follow corrective plans or disciplinary procedures.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: administrative orders to preserve records, internal discipline, or referral for civil action (when applicable).
  • Enforcer and contact: Records Management / City Clerk office oversees retention policy and disposition processes; use the official Records Management contact page to report concerns.
  • Appeals/review: appeal or review routes are not detailed on the retention page; request administrative review through the Records Management or City Clerk office.
If you suspect unlawful destruction of records, contact Records Management immediately and preserve any relevant materials.

Applications & Forms

The official Records Management page provides disposition request forms, schedule documents, or links to downloadable retention schedules when published; if a specific form number is required it will appear on that page.[1]

Action steps for departments and the public

  • Identify record categories and apply the city retention code before disposal.
  • Submit a disposition request or certificate of records destruction per Records Management instructions.
  • For uncertain cases, request written guidance from the City Clerk's Records Management unit.
  • Preserve records subject to litigation hold, audit, or open records requests.
Always check the published schedule before destroying any records.

FAQ

Who publishes Atlanta's retention schedule?
The City Clerk's Records Management unit publishes or links to the retention schedule and related guidance; see the official Records Management page for current documents.[1]
Can I request a copy of the retention schedule?
Yes. Request a copy or guidance from Records Management via the City Clerk's contact channels; downloadable schedules may be posted on the Records Management page.[1]
What if my department needs to keep records longer for legal reasons?
Place a litigation or audit hold and notify Records Management; retention beyond the schedule requires documented justification and coordination with legal counsel and Records Management.

How-To

  1. Visit the City Clerk - Records Management page to locate the published retention schedule and any disposition forms.[1]
  2. Match your record to the schedule category and note the retention period or trigger event.
  3. If disposing records, complete the disposition request or certificate and submit it per Records Management instructions.
  4. If unsure, contact Records Management for written guidance before destroying records.

Key Takeaways

  • Atlanta's records retention schedule and disposition procedures are managed by the City Clerk's Records Management office.
  • Always verify the published schedule and obtain written guidance before destroying records, especially if litigation or audits are possible.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Atlanta - Records Management
  2. [2] Atlanta Code of Ordinances (Municode)

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