Open Data & API Requests - Salt Lake City Municipal Guide

Technology and Data Utah 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah publishes datasets and APIs for public use but nonprofits often need guidance to request additional datasets or API access not already public. This guide explains the municipal request paths, typical timelines, compliance checks, and practical steps nonprofits should follow to request data, ask for API keys or dataset extracts, or file a formal public-records request when necessary. Use the city open data portal first and escalate to an official records request if the dataset or API access is not provided.

Penalties & Enforcement

Salt Lake City treats data disclosure under its open data practices and under Utah public-records law. Specific fines and daily penalties for withholding data are not specified on the cited city pages; see the Records and Open Data pages for official rules and remedies. [1][2]

  • Enforcer: City Recorder and City Attorney handle formal records disputes and enforcement.
  • Monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first informal request, then formal records request, then administrative appeal or judicial review; specific time-based fines or fee schedules are not specified on the cited page.
  • Inspection and complaints: submit a records request or contact the Open Data team using the official contacts below.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: court orders to produce records, injunctions, or enforcement actions via the city attorney or court.
If a dataset is not published, start with the open data request before a formal records request.

Applications & Forms

The city provides a public records request form and an open data portal contact form; exact form names, fees, and submission steps are published on the city pages cited below. If a specific application number or fee is required, it is not specified on the cited page. [2]

  • Public records request form: see the City Records page for the official form and submission instructions.
  • Open Data contact/request form: use the city open data portal to request new datasets or API access.
  • Typical timeline: not specified on the cited page; expect initial acknowledgement within days but full fulfillment may vary.

Common violations and typical outcomes:

  • Failure to publish requested open dataset — outcome: administrative review; monetary penalty: not specified on cited page.
  • Improper withholding of public records — outcome: formal appeal under records law; penalties not specified on the cited page.
  • Unauthorized API use or breach of a data-use agreement — outcome: access suspension, contract remedies, or legal action.

How to Request Data or API Access

Nonprofits should follow a two-track approach: 1) check and request via the city's open data portal, and 2) if unavailable, file a public records request under the City Records procedures. Include purpose, intended use, and preferred format (API, CSV, geodata). Support technical details with schema examples and sample queries to speed fulfillment.

  • Provide a precise dataset name, fields needed, time range, and preferred delivery method (API key, SFTP, CSV).
  • Offer a data-use purpose statement and contact for technical follow-up.
  • Follow up with the Open Data contact or City Records office if you do not receive acknowledgement within a few business days.
Clear, technical requests get faster responses from the Open Data team.

FAQ

How do I request an API key or programmatic access?
Start on the city open data portal and use the developer/API contact form; if not available, submit a public records request describing the API access needed.
Are there fees for data requests?
Fees for data extraction or special formats are handled per the city records procedures; specific fee amounts are not specified on the cited page.
How long does a records request take?
Response times vary and a formal timeline is not specified on the cited page; expect an acknowledgement followed by an estimate for delivery.

How-To

  1. Identify the dataset on the Salt Lake City open data portal and try the available API endpoints.
  2. Prepare a concise request: dataset name, fields, date range, format, and nonprofit purpose.
  3. Submit via the open data contact form; note contact names and timestamps.
  4. If the portal cannot provide access, file a formal records request per the City Records instructions.
  5. If denied, follow the administrative appeal route or seek judicial review as described by the records office.

Key Takeaways

  • Try the open data portal first before filing a records request.
  • Provide technical details to speed fulfillment.
  • Contact the City Records or Open Data team early if you need help.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Salt Lake City Open Data portal
  2. [2] Salt Lake City Records and Public Records Requests

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