Right-to-Know Request
Request access to public records under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.)
Online Submission Not Available
Right-to-Know requests cannot be submitted through this website. Please download the form below and submit via mail, fax, email, or in person to the Open Records Officer.
Response Timeframes
The City has five (5) business days to respond to a Right-to-Know request. This period may be extended by up to thirty (30) calendar days if additional time is needed to gather responsive records. The requester will be notified of any extension.
About the Right-to-Know Law
The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) grants citizens the right to access public records maintained by Commonwealth and local government agencies. The City of Happytown is committed to transparency and providing access to public records in accordance with the law.
Under the RTKL, a "public record" is defined as information that documents a transaction or activity of the City and is created, received, or retained by the City. Certain records are exempt from disclosure under the law.
How to Submit a Request
1Download the Request Form
All Right-to-Know requests must be submitted using the official request form.
Download RTK Request Form (PDF)2Complete the Form
- Provide your name and contact information
- Describe the records you are requesting with specificity
- Indicate your preferred format (paper copies, electronic, inspection)
- Sign and date the form
3Submit to the Open Records Officer
By Mail:
City of Happytown
Attn: Open Records Officer
123 Main Street
Happytown, USA 12345
By Fax: (555) 123-4568
By Email: openrecords@happytown.gov.example
In Person: Municipal Building, Room 101
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Fees & Payment
The City may charge fees for providing copies of public records. Current fee schedule:
- Standard copies (8.5" x 11")$0.25/page
- Legal size copies (8.5" x 14")$0.35/page
- Oversized copiesActual cost
- Electronic copies (CD/DVD)$5.00/disc
- Certification of records$5.00/document
The City may require prepayment if estimated fees exceed $100.00. Payment accepted by check or money order only, payable to "City of Happytown."
Exempt Records
Certain records are exempt from disclosure under the Right-to-Know Law, including but not limited to:
- Records protected by attorney-client privilege or attorney-work product doctrine
- Records relating to criminal investigations or intelligence information
- Personal identification information (Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, etc.)
- Medical records and information relating to disability or handicap
- Trade secrets and confidential proprietary information
- Records that would constitute an invasion of personal privacy
- Internal deliberative materials (draft documents)
- Records relating to labor negotiations or arbitration
For a complete list of exemptions, please refer to Section 708 of the Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.708).
Appeals Process
If your request is denied or you believe the response was inadequate, you may file an appeal with the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records within fifteen (15) business days of the mailing date of the City's response.
Office of Open Records
Commonwealth Keystone Building
400 North Street, 4th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: (717) 346-9903
Website: openrecords.pa.gov
Open Records Officer
Janet M. Thompson
City Clerk / Open Records Officer
(555) 123-4567 x105
openrecords@happytown.gov.example
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tips for Faster Processing
- Be as specific as possible in your request
- Include date ranges when applicable
- Identify the department that may have the records
- Provide valid contact information
The City of Happytown strives to respond to all Right-to-Know requests in a timely manner. For status updates on pending requests, please contact the Open Records Officer.