Request Public Records for Franchise Contracts - Philadelphia

Business and Consumer Protection Pennsylvania 3 Minutes Read · published February 05, 2026 Flag of Pennsylvania

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, franchise contracts held by city agencies are public records available under the municipal public-records process and Pennsylvania open-records rules. This guide explains how to locate and request franchise agreements, which city offices handle contracts, typical timelines and appeal routes, and where to send requests for municipal contract records. Use the City records request instructions and the procurement/contracts pages to identify specific franchise agreements and the office of record. City Right-to-Know page[1]

Which records to request

Franchise contracts can include concession agreements, utility franchises, cable or telecommunications franchises, and long-term service concessions. When drafting a request, include the contract party names, approximate dates, and any contract or ordinance numbers the city used when approving the franchise.

How to submit a request

  • Include a clear description of the franchise contract sought and any identifiers (ordinance number, contract number, vendor name).
  • State whether you want copies, inspection only, or electronic records.
  • Send requests to the City records office or the specific department that manages the franchise (often Procurement or the department named in the contract). See the procurement/contracts guidance for where contracts are held. City Contracts & Procurement[2]
Be as specific as possible about dates, vendor names, and ordinance numbers to speed retrieval.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for improper withholding or failure to produce public records is handled through administrative appeal and, where applicable, the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records. Specific statutory fines and monetary penalties for municipal withholding of franchise contracts are not specified on the cited page. Pennsylvania Office of Open Records[3]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: details for first, repeat, or continuing offences are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: may include orders to produce records, court enforcement, or other remedies as available under state or municipal procedure; specific remedies are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: initial remedy is through the City records office and, if required, appeal to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records; contact details appear on the cited official pages.
  • Appeal/review routes and time limits: appeal pathways exist but exact filing deadlines or statutory time limits are not specified on the cited page.
If the city denies access, file the administrative appeal steps listed on the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records page promptly.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes guidance for public-records requests and may provide an online request form or instructions on where to submit written requests; if a specific standardized franchise-contract request form is required, that form is not specified on the cited city page. City Right-to-Know page[1]

Common records and where to find them

  • Executed franchise agreements and amendments — often retained by the department that negotiated the franchise.
  • Associated council ordinances or resolutions that approved the franchise.
  • Financial exhibits, concession fee schedules, and performance reports referenced in the contract.
  • Procurement or Contracts Office records for procurement processes leading to the franchise award.

Action steps

  • Identify the franchise by vendor name, ordinance or contract number, and approximate dates.
  • Submit a written request via the City records page or department contact listed on the procurement page. City Contracts & Procurement[2]
  • If denied, follow the appeal instructions on the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records page. Pennsylvania Office of Open Records[3]

FAQ

Who holds franchise contracts for the City of Philadelphia?
The specific department that administered or negotiated the franchise typically holds the executed contract; procurement or the named department are common custodians.
Do I have to pay fees to get copies?
Copy fees or reasonable reproduction costs may apply; the exact fee schedule is not specified on the cited city page.
What if the city refuses to release a franchise contract?
Use the City records administrative appeal process and, if unresolved, appeal to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records following the procedures on that site.

How-To

  1. Locate contract identifiers (vendor name, ordinance number, contract number, dates).
  2. Draft a clear records request describing the franchise contract and desired format (copies or inspection).
  3. Submit the request following the City records instructions or to the department listed on the procurement page. City Right-to-Know page[1]
  4. If denied, follow appeal steps on the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records page. Pennsylvania Office of Open Records[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Be specific about vendor names, dates, and ordinance/contract numbers when requesting franchise contracts.
  • Start with the City records office and the procurement/contracts office that holds contract files.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Philadelphia - Right-to-Know / Public Records
  2. [2] City of Philadelphia - Contracts & Procurement
  3. [3] Pennsylvania Office of Open Records

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