Vancouver Public Records

Vancouver public records are available through the City of Vancouver's Records Management Office in Clark County. Vancouver is Washington's fourth-largest city and the largest in Southwest Washington, with roughly 195,000 residents. The city has a dedicated Records Manager and Public Records Officer. This page covers the request process, contact information, fees, and how to find Clark County records for Vancouver residents.

Vancouver City Public Records

The City of Vancouver's Records Management Office handles public records requests under RCW 42.56. The City Records Manager is Sarah Leffler. The Public Records Officer is Raelyn McJilton. Records Specialist Matt Oftedahl also supports the office. Contact the team at citypdr@cityofvancouver.us or by phone at 360-487-8480. The general city phone is 360-487-8711. The mailing address is PO Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668.

Requests can be submitted by email, mail, or in person. The city website at cityofvancouver.us provides current instructions and forms. 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 is free. Electronic records may be available at a reduced rate or no charge.

City records include City Council meeting minutes and agendas, ordinances, resolutions, land use and building permits, contracts, budgets, utility records, and administrative correspondence. Washington law defines "writing" broadly to include emails, texts, digital files, and any electronic format used in city business. Personnel records, attorney-client communications, and records that would harm active investigations are exempt under RCW 42.56.

Vancouver Police Department Records

Vancouver Police Department handles law enforcement records separately from the Records Management Office. Police records include incident reports, arrest records, collision reports, body-worn camera footage, and other law enforcement documents. Submit police records requests directly to the Police Department.

Include the incident date, location, report number if available, and names of parties involved when submitting a request. Some records are exempt under RCW 42.56.240 if disclosure would harm an active investigation or endanger someone's safety. Body-worn camera footage requests may involve higher fees due to mandatory redaction requirements under Washington law. The department must respond within five business days and provide a written denial with the specific legal basis if records are withheld.

Vancouver is directly across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon. For incidents that occurred in Portland or on the interstate bridges, contact the relevant Oregon agency. Washington State Patrol may also have records for incidents on state highways through Vancouver. Identify which agency responded before submitting your request.

What Vancouver City Records Include

Vancouver city records cover all documents the city creates, owns, uses, or retains in official business. City Council materials, planning and zoning files, building permits, code enforcement records, utility records, contracts, budget documents, and staff correspondence are all public records. Vancouver manages major infrastructure including roads, water systems, and parks, so the city holds a large volume of public works records in addition to standard administrative records.

Some records are exempt from disclosure. Personnel records, attorney-client communications, and records tied to active investigations are the most common exemptions. When Vancouver denies a request, it must provide the specific statutory basis in writing. Requestors who disagree can seek review through the city or petition Clark County Superior Court.

Vancouver Municipal Court handles traffic infractions, misdemeanor criminal cases, and civil infractions within Vancouver city limits. Municipal 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 Clark County Superior Court in Vancouver, since Vancouver is the Clark County seat.

Clark County Records for Vancouver Residents

Superior Court filings, property records, recorded documents, and Sheriff records for Vancouver are held by Clark County. Vancouver is the Clark County seat, so the county courthouse is in the city. For county records, contact Clark County directly. Visit the Clark County public records page for county contacts and online tools.

Clark County Superior Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases above $100,000, family law, probate, and appeals. The Clark County Clerk maintains court files at the Vancouver courthouse. Property records including deeds, liens, and mortgages are recorded with the Clark County Auditor. The Clark County Assessor maintains parcel and property tax records. Clark County Sheriff provides law enforcement to unincorporated areas of the county outside Vancouver.

Online Search Tools

The Washington State Courts Odyssey Portal provides free access to Clark County Superior Court case information. The Washington State Digital Archives holds historical records from Clark County free to search. For vital records, contact the Washington State Department of Health.

Nearby Washington Cities

These cities are near Vancouver in Southwest Washington. Each has its own public records process.