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Public Information Requests

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The Texas Public Information Act (the "Act") gives the public the right to request access to government records.  The Act is triggered when a person submits a written request for information that is already in existence. The Act does not require the City to create new information, compile data, do legal research, or answer questions.  The City will respond to your request with either the records or some type of notification promptly or as soon as possible, but no later than the 10th business day.

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How to make a request

You must make a written request which includes:

Requestor’s contact information. We would also need you to be very detailed when stating the type of documents you are requesting and if possible, provide a date range in order to narrow the request.

Request may be submitted by one of the following forms:

Online: 
Click on GENERAL button above and press Submit
once you have filled in the information. 
E-Mail: openrecords@baytown.org
     By Mail: 
City of Baytown
Attn: City Clerk's Office
2401 Market Street
Baytown, Texas 77520 
      In Person:

City of Baytown
City Clerk's Office
2401 Market Street
Baytown, Texas 77520
General Public Information
Records Request Form

What happens after a request is made

The City Clerk’s Office will "promptly" respond to your request. Requests are generally completed within 10 business days. However, requests may exceed the 10 business days depending on the amount of information you have requested, but you will receive notification from us by the 10th business day informing you if more time is required to comply with your request or if a request for an Attorney General Opinion is necessary.

Costs for Public Information Records are regulated by the Public Information Act and if it is determined that complying with your request will result in the imposition of a charge that exceeds $40, we will provide you with a cost estimate letter as required by Section 552.2615 of the Texas Government Code. A fee schedule, which was adopted by the City Council listing charges for various services, is available for inspection upon request.

How to find building permit, agenda, or minutes information

At no cost, building permit information is accessible online at eGOV PLUS and meeting agenda packets and minutes are available online from 2007 to present.

What information is redacted (removed) without an Attorney General Opinion

Based on a previous determination decision (Open Records Decision No. 684) for all governmental bodies with regard to various exceptions to disclosure in the Public Information Act and other statues, we may redact the following confidential Information:
  • Sections: 552.024 and Section 552.1175 (b) - Home address, home telephone number, emergency contact information, social security number, date of birth, and/or family member information of a public employee, official, or a peace officer;
  • Section 552.136 - Credit card, debit card, charge card, or access device number;
  • Section 552.130 - Motor vehicle records (a) (1) a motor vehicle operator's or driver's license or permit issued by an agency of this states, (2) a motor vehicle title or registration issued by an agency of this state; or (3) a personal identification document issued by an agency of this state or a local agency authorized to issue an identification document;
  • Section 552.137 - Certain E-Mail addresses when communicating electronically with governmental body; and
  • Section 552.147 - Social Security Numbers of any living person
NOTE: Redacted documents will not be sent to any requestor electronically.  

When does the City request an Attorney General Opinion

In the event the requested information contains additional confidential data the City will submit a request to the Attorney General's Office to withhold it.

While it is the intent of this office to furnish requested data in a straightforward manner, occasionally a requested item may not be considered a matter of public record. In these instances, we will seek the opinion of the Texas Attorney General and will notify you within ten (10) business days of the receipt of the request of any delay in processing your request.

We will provide you with a copy of the letter that was sent to the Attorney General’s Office. It can take up to 45 business days for you and the City to receive a response or ruling from the Attorney General’s Office. Depending on the ruling and the amount of records, we will notify you as soon as your documents are available for pick up.

 

How to request judicial records

Judicial records are not subject to the Texas Public Information Act. They must be requested directly from the Baytown Municipal Court.

Contact Information for Court Records

Physical/Mailing Address:

                Baytown Municipal Court
                3120 N Main Street
                Baytown, Texas 77521

Phone: (281) 427-9511

E-Mail:  courtrecords@baytown.org

What happens after a request is made

The Court will "promptly" respond to your request. Requests are generally completed within 10 business days. However, request may exceed the 14 business days depending on the amount of information you have requested.

Costs for Public Information Records are regulated by the Code of Ordinances, City of Baytown, Texas.

How to request case information or copy of a citation

You must make a written request which includes:

Defendant’s full name/ Date of Birth/ Texas Driver’s License (If available) /Citation or Case Number (If available) Include the requestor’s contact information. Request can only include documents or other information that are already in existence.

Request can be made in one of the following forms:

     Online: Court Records Request

     E-Mail:  courtrecords@baytown.org

     By Mail: The City of Baytown Municipal Court
                   Attn: Open Records
                   3120 North Main Street
                   Baytown, Texas 77521
                   Court Information Records Request Form

     In Person: The City of Baytown Municipal Court
                      3120 North Main Street
                      Baytown, Texas 77521

How to request Deferred Disposition

See the Municipal Courts Deferred Disposition page for more information

How to make a request

You must make a written request which includes:

Requestor’s contact information. We will need you to be very detailed when stating the type of documents you are requesting and if possible, provide a date range in order to narrow the request.

Request may be submitted by one of the following forms:

Online: Click on the POLICE button above and press Submit once you have filled in the information.

E-Mail:  openrecords@baytown.org

By Mail:  City of Baytown
               Attn: Police Department
              3200 N. Main Street
               Baytown, Texas 77521

 In Person: City of Baytown
                  Police Department
                  3200 N. Main Street
                  Baytown, Texas 77521

What to provide

To obtain copies of police reports, you need to provide case number(s), if available. Also, please provide date, time, and location of the incident, as well as any other information, including names of persons involved. It will help us serve you better if you include as much detailed information as possible.

How to request service calls, 911 calls, or other recordings

These requests are handled by our Police Department and should be requested as a Police request instead of a General request. Please provide date, time, and location of the incident, as well as any other information, including phone numbers from which calls were placed, if known.

What information is redacted (removed) without an Attorney General Opinion

Based on a previous determination decision (Open Records Decision No. 684) for all governmental bodies with regard to various exceptions to disclosure in the Public Information Act and other statues, we may redact the following confidential Information:
  • Sections: 552.024 and Section 552.1175 (b) - Home address, home telephone number, emergency contact information, social security number, date of birth, and/or family member information of a public employee, official, or a peace officer;
  • Section 552.136 - Credit card, debit card, charge card, or access device number;
  • Section 552.130 - Motor vehicle records (a) (1) a motor vehicle operator's or driver's license or permit issued by an agency of this states, (2) a motor vehicle title or registration issued by an agency of this state; or (3) a personal identification document issued by an agency of this state or a local agency authorized to issue an identification document;
  • Section 552.137 - Certain E-Mail addresses when communicating electronically with governmental body; and
  • Section 552.147 - Social Security Numbers of any living person
NOTE: Redacted documents will not be sent to any requestor electronically.  

When does the City request an Attorney General Opinion

In the event the requested information contains additional confidential data the City will submit a request to the Attorney General's Office to withhold it.

While it is the intent of this office to furnish requested data in a straightforward manner, occasionally a requested item may not be considered a matter of public record. In these instances, we will seek the opinion of the Texas Attorney General and will notify you within ten (10) business days of the receipt of the request of any delay in processing your request.

We will provide you with a copy of the letter that was sent to the Attorney General’s Office. It can take up to 45 business days for you and the City to receive a response or ruling from the Attorney General’s Office. Depending on the ruling and the amount of records, we will notify you as soon as your documents are available for pick up.

 

How to obtain an accident report

Accident reports are not subject to the Act and may be requested directly from the Baytown Police Department or the Texas Department of Transportation ("TxDOT").

For more information please visit the Police Department Accident Report page or TxDot Crash Reports and Records page.