FAQs

How long after I submit a request will I receive a response?

Agency should acknowledge request within four business days. Pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-210, public records must be kept accessible and must be made available to a requesting person "promptly during regular office or business hours." It is the Freedom of Information Commission's (FOIC) opinion that the word "promptly," as used in Conn. Gen. Stat. §1‑210(a), means quickly and without undue delay, taking into account all of the factors presented by a particular request. 

How do I know if there is a fee for my records request?

Most records are electronic and provided free of charge. However, requesters will be notified in advance of any charges. The City of Norwalk may make reasonable charges not to exceed fifty cents per page. Other fees may be charged for certified copies of public records, transcriptions, printouts, or records on electronic media.

How can I get the documents I requested?

Most documents are available electronically and can be provided through this website by creating an online account and submitting an electronic records request. Records can also be provided via thumb drive (for an additional fee), or you can schedule an appointment with the appropriate department to go and view the files.

May I request to inspect a record rather than get a copy?

A requestor may ask to inspect City records. The City will notify the requestor once the records are available for inspection and make them available at a date and time mutually agreed upon by the requestor and the City during regular office or business hours. The appointment to inspect the record may need to be broken into intervals so as not to interfere with daily operations of a department.

What makes a record exempt?

The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act does not require and, in some cases, forbids the production of certain information and/or records. For example, personally identifiable information such as a public employee’s home address, home telephone number, cell phone number, and birth date cannot be released in response to a Freedom of Information Act request. The responding department may and, sometimes must, redact specific information in the record or withhold the entire record, depending on the applicable exemption.