SeaTac Public Records
SeaTac public records are available through the City's Records Division using the NextRequest portal. SeaTac is a King County city built around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, with roughly 31,000 residents. The city uses its Legal Department's Records Division to handle public records requests, with the Deputy City Clerk serving as the Public Records Officer. This page covers the request process, contact information, fees, and how to find King County records for SeaTac residents.
SeaTac Overview
SeaTac City Public Records
The City of SeaTac uses the NextRequest portal for public records requests. The Records Division is part of the Legal Department. The Deputy City Clerk serves as the Public Records Officer under Resolution 23-008. Contact the Records Division at recordsmanagement@seatacwa.gov or by phone at 206-973-4663. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
The city must respond within five business days under RCW 42.56.520. Standard copy fees are $0.15 per page under RCW 42.56.120. Inspection of records in person is free. Electronic records may be provided at no charge or a reduced rate depending on format and staff time required.
City records include City Council meeting minutes and agendas, ordinances, resolutions, land use and building permits, contracts, budgets, and administrative correspondence. Washington law defines "writing" broadly to cover emails, texts, and digital files used in city business. Personnel records, attorney-client communications, and records that would harm active investigations are exempt from disclosure under RCW 42.56. When denying a request, the city must provide the specific statutory basis in writing.
| Portal | NextRequest |
|---|---|
| recordsmanagement@seatacwa.gov | |
| Phone | 206-973-4663 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| PRO | Deputy City Clerk (Resolution 23-008) |
| Copy Fee | $0.15 per page |
SeaTac Police Department Records
The SeaTac Police Department handles law enforcement records separately from city government records. Police records include incident reports, arrest records, collision reports, and other law enforcement documents. Submit police records requests directly to the Police Department. You can also submit police records requests through the NextRequest portal — check the city website for current submission options.
SeaTac is home to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and airport-related incidents may involve Port of Seattle Police, TSA, or other federal agencies in addition to SeaTac Police. For incidents at or near the airport, identify which agency responded before submitting your request. Port of Seattle Police handles security on airport property and processes their own public records requests separately.
Some police records are exempt under RCW 42.56.240 if disclosure would harm an active investigation. The department must respond within five business days and provide a written denial with the specific legal basis if records are withheld.
What SeaTac City Records Include
SeaTac city records cover all documents the city creates, owns, uses, or retains in official business. City Council materials, planning and zoning files, building permits, contracts, budgets, and staff correspondence are all public records subject to RCW 42.56. The city's records also include documents related to the airport's significant impact on city planning and development, such as noise mitigation programs and land use decisions near the airport.
Some records are exempt from disclosure. Personnel records, attorney-client communications, and records tied to active investigations are the most common exemptions. When SeaTac denies a request, it must provide the specific statutory basis in writing. Requestors who disagree can seek review or petition King County Superior Court.
SeaTac Municipal Court records are governed by court rules, not the Public Records Act. Contact the court directly for court case files. For felony criminal cases and major civil matters, those are filed at King County Superior Court, with the Regional Justice Center in Kent serving the south county area.
King County Records for SeaTac Residents
Superior Court filings, property records, recorded documents, and Sheriff records for SeaTac are held by King County. SeaTac 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. King County also operates the Regional Justice Center in Kent, which serves the south county area including SeaTac.
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 SeaTac in south King County. Each has its own public records process.