Sammamish Public Records
Sammamish public records are available through the City Clerk's office at sammamish.us. Sammamish is a King County city on the Sammamish Plateau east of Lake Sammamish, with roughly 68,000 residents. The city uses an online public records request portal and categorizes requests based on complexity, with different response times for each category. This page covers the request process, categories, fees, and how to find King County records for Sammamish residents.
Sammamish Overview
Sammamish City Public Records Portal
The City of Sammamish uses an online public records request portal at sammamish.us/government/clerk/submit-prr/. City Hall is at 801 228th Ave SE, Sammamish, WA 98075. Phone is 425-295-0500. Fax is 425-295-0600. The City Clerk serves as the Public Records Officer.
Sammamish categorizes public records requests by complexity, which affects response timelines. Simple requests — those that can be handled in five business days or less — are Category 1. More complex requests fall into additional categories with longer response times that can range from 5 to 30 days or even longer for very large or complex requests. The city will notify you of which category your request falls into when it acknowledges receipt.
Standard copy fees are $0.15 per page for paper copies under RCW 42.56.120. Inspection of records in person is free. Electronic records may be provided at a lower rate. For large requests, ask for a fee estimate before the city begins copying records.
| Portal | sammamish.us - Submit PRR |
|---|---|
| Address | 801 228th Ave SE Sammamish, WA 98075 |
| Phone | 425-295-0500 |
| Fax | 425-295-0600 |
| Copy Fee | $0.15 per page |
Law Enforcement Records for Sammamish
Sammamish does not have its own police department. The city contracts with King County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services. For law enforcement records involving incidents in Sammamish, contact the King County Sheriff's Office Public Records Unit. The KCSO processes public disclosure requests for law enforcement records from Sammamish and other areas it serves.
King County Sheriff's Office Public Records Unit can be reached at KCSODisclosure@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-2103. Submit requests for incident reports, arrest records, and other KCSO records through the Sheriff's Office rather than Sammamish City Hall. Sammamish City Hall handles city government records — building permits, city contracts, council records — but not KCSO law enforcement records.
Some law enforcement records are exempt from disclosure under RCW 42.56.240 if disclosing them would harm an active investigation or endanger someone's safety. The KCSO must acknowledge your request within five business days and provide a written denial with the specific legal basis if records are withheld.
What Sammamish City Records Include
Sammamish city records cover everything the city creates, owns, uses, or retains in official business. City Council meeting minutes and agendas, ordinances, resolutions, land use applications, building permits, contracts, budgets, and administrative correspondence are all public records. Washington law defines "writing" broadly to include emails, texts, digital files, and any electronic format used in city business.
Some records are exempt from disclosure. Personnel records, attorney-client communications, and records related to active investigations are the most common exemptions under RCW 42.56. When Sammamish denies a request, it must provide the specific statutory basis in writing. Requestors who disagree with a denial can seek review through the city or petition King County Superior Court.
Sammamish Municipal Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases and traffic infractions within city limits. Court records are governed by court rules and GR 31, not the Public Records Act. Contact the court directly for court case records. For felony criminal cases and major civil matters, those are filed at King County Superior Court.
King County Records for Sammamish Residents
Superior Court filings, property records, recorded documents, and Sheriff records for Sammamish are held by King County. Sammamish is in King County. For those records, contact King County directly. Visit the King County public records page for county contacts and online tools.
King County Superior Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases above $100,000, family law, probate, and appeals. The King County Clerk maintains court files. Property records including deeds, liens, and mortgages are recorded with the King County Auditor. The King County Assessor maintains parcel and property tax records including the online eReal Property search tool. King County Sheriff provides law enforcement services to Sammamish and maintains those records.
Online Search Tools
The Washington State Courts Odyssey Portal provides free access to King County Superior Court case information. The Washington State Digital Archives holds historical records from King County free to search. For vital records, contact the Washington State Department of Health.
Nearby Washington Cities
These cities are near Sammamish on the Eastside of King County. Each has its own public records process.