How do I make a public records request?

Submit a written FOIA request to the City Clerk using the city’s published form or a clear written description of the records; see the City Clerk pages for the official submission options.

Are there fees for copies?

Copying and processing fees may apply; the city’s records management or clerk pages list any current fee schedules or references in the municipal code. If a fee schedule is not published, the cited pages note that fees may be charged.

What if my request is denied?

Denials include instructions for appeal or further review; the municipal code and clerk resources describe remedies and contacts for contesting a denial. Specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited city pages—confirm with the City Clerk or the municipal code.

Ann Arbor Public Records, Retention & Privacy Code

General Governance and Administration Michigan 3 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026

Ann Arbor, Michigan maintains public records and retention protocols under municipal practice and state law. This guide explains how to request records, where retention schedules are published, privacy considerations, and which city offices enforce rules. It summarizes the City Clerk’s procedures, the city records management resources, and the municipal code so you can make requests, pay fees, or appeal denials with the correct forms and contacts.^[1]^[2]^[3]

Scope & Key Definitions

This article covers: what counts as a public record, retention schedule references, common privacy exemptions, and practical steps for requesting, reviewing, and appealing records decisions. The City Clerk is the primary custodian and point of contact for FOIA requests and public records inquiries.^[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is primarily administrative and judicial: the City Clerk and the City Attorney administer records and respond to requests; litigation remedies follow state procedures. Specific fine amounts for municipal noncompliance are not specified on the cited city pages; see the cited sources for available remedies and referenced instruments.^[1]^[3]

Fines/monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: first and repeat offence procedures not specified on the cited city pages.
Non-monetary sanctions: court orders, injunctions, and other judicial remedies are available through legal action; see the municipal code and city clerk resources for procedures.^[3]
Enforcer and complaints: City Clerk handles requests and initial reviews; the City Attorney represents the city in litigation. Contact links are in Resources below.^[1]
Appeals/review: judicial appeal routes exist; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited city pages and should be confirmed with the City Clerk or the municipal code.^[1]

If a charge or deadline is unclear, contact the City Clerk before filing a request.

Applications & Forms

The City provides an official FOIA request procedure and may publish a request form and instructions on the City Clerk pages and records management resources cited below. If no form is required, a written request meeting the city’s requirements is typically accepted; consult the City Clerk page for the current form and submission methods.^[1]^[2]

FOIA request form: available from the City Clerk (if published) with submission options by mail, in person, or email; check the City Clerk page for the current link.^[1]
Fees: copying and processing fees may apply; specific fee schedules are referenced on city records pages or the municipal code if published.^[2]
Deadlines: statutory response times are referenced on governing instruments; the city pages link to retention schedules and request procedures.^[2]

Many routine records are available online without a formal FOIA request.

How-To

Identify the records you need and the likely custodian within city government.
Submit a written FOIA request to the City Clerk using the published form or a written request that describes records clearly and provides contact information.
Provide precise date ranges and keywords to speed processing.
Pay any required fees or follow instructions for fee estimates; if denied, follow the denial notice for appeal steps or contact the City Clerk for clarification.

FAQ

How do I make a public records request?: Submit a written FOIA request to the City Clerk using the city’s published form or a clear written description of the records; see the City Clerk pages for the official submission options.^[1]
Are there fees for copies?: Copying and processing fees may apply; the city’s records management or clerk pages list any current fee schedules or references in the municipal code. If a fee schedule is not published, the cited pages note that fees may be charged.^[2]
What if my request is denied?: Denials include instructions for appeal or further review; the municipal code and clerk resources describe remedies and contacts for contesting a denial. Specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited city pages—confirm with the City Clerk or the municipal code.^[1]^[3]

Key Takeaways

City Clerk is the primary contact for public records and FOIA requests.
Retention schedules and available records lists are published on records management resources.
If uncertain about fees or timelines, confirm with the City Clerk before filing.