Contra Costa County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Contra Costa County?
Public records in Contra Costa County encompass a wide range of documents and information created, received, or maintained by county government agencies in the course of official business. Pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA) under Government Code § 6250-6270, public records are defined as "any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public's business prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics."
Contra Costa County maintains numerous types of public records, including:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, family law, and small claims cases maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, assessments, and property tax information maintained by the County Recorder's Office and Assessor's Office
- Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and domestic partnership registrations maintained by the County Clerk-Recorder
- Business Records: Business licenses, permits, fictitious business name statements, and professional licenses maintained by various county departments
- Tax Records: Property tax assessments, tax rolls, and payment records maintained by the County Assessor and Tax Collector
- Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance disclosures maintained by the Elections Division
- Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of proceedings for the Board of Supervisors, commissions, and other public bodies
- Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, financial reports, expenditure records, and contracts
- Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (with certain restrictions), and jail records maintained by the Sheriff's Office
- Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning maps, environmental impact reports, and planning documents maintained by the Department of Conservation and Development
The Contra Costa County public records portal serves as a central access point for many commonly requested records. Different departments maintain specific record types, with the County Clerk-Recorder serving as the official custodian for many vital and property records.
Is Contra Costa County an Open Records County?
Contra Costa County fully adheres to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under Government Code § 6253(a), "public records are open to inspection at all times during the office hours of the state or local agency and every person has a right to inspect any public record, except as hereafter provided."
The CPRA establishes that access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business is a fundamental right of every person in California. This principle is reinforced by the California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b), which states: "The people have the right of access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business."
Contra Costa County has implemented specific policies to facilitate public access to records. The county maintains a dedicated public records request system and provides detailed guidance on how to submit requests. County departments are required to respond to requests promptly, typically within 10 calendar days, though complex requests may require an extension of up to 14 additional days.
The county also complies with California's open meeting laws, specifically the Ralph M. Brown Act, which requires that meetings of public bodies be open and public, with agendas published in advance. This commitment to transparency extends to the county's proactive publication of many frequently requested documents through its online document center.
While Contra Costa County maintains an open records policy, certain records may be exempt from disclosure under specific provisions of the CPRA or other state and federal laws, as detailed in Government Code § 6254.
How to Find Public Records in Contra Costa County in 2026
Members of the public seeking records in Contra Costa County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need. The county provides multiple access points depending on the type of record sought:
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Online Access: Many records are available through the county's online document portal. The public may search for:
- Board of Supervisors meeting minutes and agendas
- County ordinances and resolutions
- Budget documents and financial reports
- Property assessment information
- Election results and voter information
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Submit a Public Records Request: For records not readily available online, individuals may submit a formal request:
- Complete the Public Records Act Request Form
- Submit requests via email, mail, or in person to the specific department
- Clearly identify the records sought with reasonable specificity
- Provide contact information for response
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Court Records: For judicial records, contact the Superior Court of Contra Costa County:
- Civil and family law records are available at the Records Office
- Criminal court records can be researched through the Court's Public Portal
- Probate and juvenile records have specific access procedures
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Property and Vital Records: Visit the County Clerk-Recorder's Office:
- Search property records through the Recorder's Office
- Request birth, death, and marriage certificates
- Access fictitious business name filings
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Maps and Engineering Records: The Public Works Department maintains maps and engineering records through their electronic records system.
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In-Person Inspection: Visit the appropriate department during regular business hours to inspect records in person.
County agencies typically respond to requests within 10 calendar days. For complex requests, the agency may extend this period by an additional 14 days with written notice explaining the reasons for the extension.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Contra Costa County?
Contra Costa County assesses fees for certain public records in accordance with Government Code § 6253(b), which permits agencies to charge "fees covering direct costs of duplication" or a statutory fee, if applicable. The current fee structure for public records in Contra Costa County is as follows:
General Document Reproduction Fees:
- Standard paper copies: $0.10 per page (8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14")
- Large format documents (maps, plans): $3.00 per sheet
- Electronic records provided on CD/DVD: $5.00 per disc
- Electronic records provided via email: No charge when feasible
Specific Record Type Fees:
- Certified copies of birth certificates: $28.00 per copy
- Certified copies of death certificates: $21.00 per copy
- Certified copies of marriage certificates: $15.00 per copy
- Recorded documents (deeds, liens): $2.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page
- Certified copies of recorded documents: Additional $2.00 per document
Court Record Fees:
- Case file searches: $15.00 per name/case
- Copies of court documents: $0.50 per page
- Certified copies of court documents: $25.00 plus copy fees
The county accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and credit card (where available). Some departments may have specific payment requirements. Electronic payments are accepted for certain online services.
It is important to note that while fees may be charged for copies, the inspection of public records is generally free of charge. Additionally, pursuant to Government Code § 6253.1, agencies must assist requesters in making focused requests that enable the agency to identify responsive records.
Fee waivers may be available when the request is determined to be in the public interest. Such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as whether the request benefits the general public rather than a private interest.
Does Contra Costa County Have Free Public Records?
Contra Costa County provides several avenues for accessing public records at no cost to requesters. In accordance with California law, the inspection of public records during normal business hours is free of charge. Additionally, the county has expanded free access through various online platforms.
Free public records available in Contra Costa County include:
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Online Document Center: The county's public records portal offers free access to numerous documents including:
- Board of Supervisors meeting agendas and minutes
- County ordinances and municipal codes
- Annual budgets and financial reports
- Planning documents and environmental reports
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Property Information: Basic property information is available through the Assessor's online database without charge, including:
- Property ownership information
- Assessment values
- Parcel maps and data
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Election Information: The Elections Division provides free access to:
- Current and past election results
- Voter information guides
- Campaign finance disclosure statements
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Court Case Information: The Superior Court's public portal offers free case index searches, though detailed document retrieval may incur fees.
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Public Meeting Records: Agendas, minutes, and video recordings of public meetings are available at no cost through the county's website.
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GIS Data: Basic geographic information system (GIS) data and maps are available for viewing online without charge.
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Environmental Documents: Environmental impact reports and related documents required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) are available for public inspection at no cost.
Members of the public may access these free resources through the county's website or by visiting the appropriate department during regular business hours. While inspection is free, reproduction costs may apply if physical or certified copies are requested, as outlined in the county's fee schedule.
Who Can Request Public Records in Contra Costa County?
Under the California Public Records Act, any person may request access to public records maintained by Contra Costa County. The term "person" is broadly defined and includes:
- Individual citizens (regardless of residency status)
- Corporations and business entities
- Associations and organizations
- Media representatives
- Government agencies
- Non-profit organizations
Pursuant to Government Code § 6257.5, agencies may not limit access to public records based on the purpose for which the records are being requested. Requesters are not required to:
- Provide identification (except for certain restricted records)
- State the reason for their request
- Demonstrate a direct interest in the records
- Be California residents
For most general public records, requesters may remain anonymous. However, certain record types do have specific eligibility requirements:
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Vital Records: Birth and death certificates are available only to individuals with a direct interest as defined by Health and Safety Code § 103526. Requesters must provide identification and may need to submit a sworn statement.
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Criminal History Records: Access is restricted to the subject of the records, authorized representatives, and certain agencies as specified by law.
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Juvenile Court Records: These are generally confidential with access limited to parties to the case, parents/guardians, and specific agencies.
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Medical and Mental Health Records: Access is typically limited to the subject of the records or their legal representative.
When requesting records about oneself, proper identification is typically required. When requesting records about another individual, additional documentation such as authorization forms or court orders may be necessary depending on the record type.
The county processes all eligible requests in accordance with statutory timelines regardless of the requester's identity or purpose, though certain records may be subject to redaction or withholding based on statutory exemptions.
What Records Are Confidential in Contra Costa County?
While Contra Costa County maintains a commitment to transparency, certain records are exempt from public disclosure under state and federal laws. Pursuant to Government Code § 6254, the following categories of records are generally confidential:
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Personnel Records: Employee medical information, performance evaluations, and personal contact information are protected, though certain information such as salary and job title remains public.
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Law Enforcement Records: Active investigation records, intelligence information, security procedures, and certain victim information are exempt from disclosure.
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Juvenile Records: Court records, probation reports, and law enforcement records pertaining to minors are confidential under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827.
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Medical and Mental Health Records: Protected under HIPAA and state medical privacy laws, including county health department and hospital records.
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Social Services Records: Child welfare records, adult protective services information, and public assistance records containing personal information.
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Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and attorney work product prepared for the county.
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Preliminary Drafts and Notes: Documents not retained in the ordinary course of business, provided the public interest in withholding outweighs disclosure.
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Library Patron Records: Information showing library usage patterns of specific individuals.
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Tax Records: Individual tax information beyond what appears in assessment rolls.
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Critical Infrastructure Information: Details about public utilities, technology systems, or security measures that could compromise safety if disclosed.
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Sealed Court Records: Records ordered sealed by a court, including certain criminal records subject to expungement.
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Trade Secrets and Proprietary Information: Confidential commercial or financial information submitted to the county.
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Records Protected by Federal Law: Including education records protected by FERPA, certain environmental data, and homeland security information.
When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the county will redact the confidential portions and release the remainder. The county applies the "public interest balancing test" under Government Code § 6255, weighing whether the public interest in nondisclosure clearly outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
Confidentiality determinations are made on a case-by-case basis, and requesters have the right to appeal denials or seek judicial review.
Contra Costa County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder's Office
555 Escobar Street
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 335-7900
County Clerk-Recorder
Public Counter Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays
Additional Service Locations:
East County Service Center
151 Sand Creek Road, Suite A
Brentwood, CA 94513
(925) 335-7900
West County Service Center
2547 Stanwell Drive
Concord, CA 94520
(925) 335-7900
The Contra Costa County Recorder's Office maintains and provides access to vital records and property documents including:
- Real property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Birth, death, and marriage certificates
- Military discharge records (DD-214)
- Fictitious business name statements
- Notary public registrations
- Environmental documents
Services available at the Recorder's Office include:
- Recording of property documents
- Issuance of certified copies of vital records
- Marriage license applications
- Document research assistance
- Copies of recorded documents
The Recorder's Office maintains records dating back to the county's formation in 1850. Many recent records are available through the office's electronic indexing system, while historical documents may require in-person research. Staff members are available during business hours to assist with locating and accessing records.
For expedited service, appointments are recommended for marriage licenses and certain recording services. The office accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and credit card for most services.
Lookup Public Records in Contra Costa County
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa