How to File a Public Records Request in Goodyear, Arizona
Goodyear is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Phoenix metropolitan area, located approximately 17 miles west of downtown Phoenix in Maricopa County. Named after the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, which established cotton farms here in 1917, the city has transformed from a small agricultural community into a thriving suburb of more than 118,000 residents — with projections to reach 358,000 by 2035. That explosive growth generates a vast volume of public records: development agreements, police reports, building permits, city contracts, and council decisions that directly shape the community. Under Arizona's Public Records Law (A.R.S. §§ 39-121 through 39-161), any person has the right to inspect and copy records maintained by the City of Goodyear and its departments. The City Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for public records requests. This guide walks you through exactly how to request public records from Goodyear, Arizona — including who to contact, what forms to use, and what to do if your request is delayed or denied.
What Is the Arizona Public Records Law?
The Arizona Public Records Law, codified at A.R.S. §§ 39-121 through 39-161, is one of the oldest public records laws in the nation. It establishes a broad right of access: public records and other matters in the custody of any officer shall be open to inspection by any person at all times during office hours (A.R.S. § 39-121). The law applies to all state and local government entities, including cities like Goodyear, as well as counties, school districts, and any public body supported by public funds.
A "public record" under Arizona law includes any record with a "substantial nexus" to government activity — a standard established by the Arizona Supreme Court in Griffis v. Pinal County (2007). This broad definition encompasses meeting minutes, contracts, emails, permits, budgets, police reports, inspection records, text messages, and electronic metadata. Records do not need to be in paper form to qualify.
Key exemptions allow agencies to withhold records that are made confidential by statute (over 300 Arizona statutes address confidentiality), records whose disclosure would constitute an invasion of personal privacy that outweighs the public's right to know, or records whose release would be detrimental to the best interests of the state. Common exemptions include certain personnel records, attorney-client privileged communications, law enforcement investigatory records involving witnesses or victims, juvenile records, and trade secrets. The burden of justifying any withholding always rests on the government entity — not on the person requesting the records.
How to File a Public Records Request with the City of Goodyear
Contact Information
- Office
- Goodyear City Clerk, City Clerk's Office
- Address
- 1900 N. Civic Square, Goodyear, AZ 85395
- Phone
- (623) 882-7830
- [email protected]
- Website
- https://www.goodyearaz.gov/government/public-records-request
- Hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
How to Submit Your Request
The City of Goodyear accepts public records requests through its online portal, accessible from the city's Public Records Request page at goodyearaz.gov. The portal allows you to select from categories including General Records (covering citywide records such as traffic camera video, fire inspection reports, fire incident reports, police administrative records, and police crime/incident data), Police Records (for individual police reports and body camera footage), Media Requests (for news outlets and journalism), and Fire Medical Records (for EMS reports and ambulance billing). You may also submit requests by email to [email protected], by mail to 1900 N. Civic Square, Goodyear, AZ 85395, or in person at City Hall. Building permits and inspections can be viewed through the city's Accela Development Center Portal. Written requests are recommended to create a clear, documented record.
What to Include in Your Request
- Your full name and contact information (mailing address, email, phone number)
- A clear and specific description of the records you are requesting
- The address and date range of requested records
- Names of individuals, departments, or projects related to the records
- Your preferred format for receiving records (electronic or paper copies)
- A statement indicating whether the request is for a commercial or non-commercial purpose
- Any case numbers, permit numbers, or reference numbers if available
Sample Request Letter
City Clerk's Office
City of Goodyear
1900 N. Civic Square
Goodyear, AZ 85395
Re: Public Records Request Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121
Dear City Clerk:
Pursuant to the Arizona Public Records Law, A.R.S. §§ 39-121 through 39-161, I am requesting to inspect and/or obtain copies of the following records:
[Describe the records you are seeking with as much specificity as possible, including relevant dates, addresses, names, departments, project names, or reference numbers.]
This request is for non-commercial purposes.
I would prefer to receive the records in electronic format (PDF) via email at [Your Email Address]. If there are any fees associated with this request, please notify me before proceeding if the total will exceed $[Dollar Amount].
Please note that under A.R.S. § 39-121.01(E), access to a public record is deemed denied if the custodian fails to promptly respond to a request. I look forward to your prompt response.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Response Deadlines and What to Expect
Arizona is unusual among states in that it does not impose a specific numeric deadline for responding to public records requests. Instead, A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1) requires that the custodian of public records "promptly furnish" requested copies, printouts, or photographs. Arizona courts have interpreted "promptly" to mean "quick to act or to do what is required" or "done, spoken, etc., at once or without delay."
Under A.R.S. § 39-121.01(E), if a custodian fails to promptly respond to a request for production of a public record, access is legally deemed denied — which triggers the requester's right to file a special action in superior court. There is no built-in grace period for indefinite delay.
For the City of Goodyear, the city's website emphasizes that requests must be as specific as possible to avoid delays. Simple requests for readily available records may be fulfilled within a few business days, while complex requests involving large volumes of records, multiple departments, or records requiring legal review and redaction may take longer. As one of Arizona's fastest-growing cities, Goodyear's administrative workload continues to expand, so being precise in your request helps ensure faster processing.
Regarding fees, inspection of records in person is free. For police records, the Goodyear Police Department charges $0.50 per page for copies. Accepted methods of payment for police records include cash, money order, cashier's check, or business check — personal checks, debit, and credit cards are not accepted at the Police Records Division. For general city records, contact the City Clerk's Office at (623) 882-7830 for information about applicable fees. Always request a fee estimate before the city begins processing a large request.
What to Do If Your Request Is Denied or Delayed
If the City of Goodyear denies your public records request or fails to respond promptly, you have legal options. Under A.R.S. § 39-121.01(E), a failure to promptly respond is treated as a denial of access, meaning you do not have to wait indefinitely before taking action.
Common reasons for denial include claims of confidentiality under one of Arizona's 300-plus statutory exemptions, privacy interests that the city argues outweigh the public's right to know, or a determination that disclosure would not be in the best interests of the state. Attorney-client privileged communications and certain law enforcement investigatory records are also frequently cited. However, the burden of justifying any withholding is always on the City of Goodyear — not on you.
Before pursuing formal legal action, it is often productive to contact the City Clerk's Office or the City Attorney's Office directly to discuss the basis for the denial and explore whether a narrower request or partial disclosure might resolve the issue. The Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens' Aide can also investigate complaints about public records access for free, though the office cannot compel production of records.
Unlike many states, Arizona does not provide a formal administrative appeal process for public records denials. If informal efforts fail, A.R.S. § 39-121.02 allows you to file a special action in Maricopa County Superior Court. If you substantially prevail, the court may award attorney fees and other legal costs. Additionally, A.R.S. § 39-121.02(C) provides a separate cause of action for damages if you are wrongfully denied access to public records.
Steps to Appeal
- Contact the City Clerk's Office at (623) 882-7830 or [email protected] to discuss the denial and request a written explanation of the legal basis for withholding records.
- Ask the City to provide an index of withheld records and the specific statutory exemption cited for each, as required by A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(2).
- If the denial involves police records, contact the Goodyear Police Department Records Division at (623) 882-7870 to discuss the specific basis for the denial.
- File a complaint with the Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens' Aide at [email protected] or (602) 277-7292. The Ombudsman can investigate and mediate at no cost to you.
- Consult with an attorney experienced in Arizona public records law to evaluate the strength of your case before filing suit.
- File a special action in Maricopa County Superior Court under A.R.S. § 39-121.02(A). If you substantially prevail, the court may award attorney fees and legal costs under A.R.S. § 39-121.02(B).
- If you were wrongfully denied access, pursue a separate claim for damages under A.R.S. § 39-121.02(C), which provides a cause of action against the officer or public body.
Types of Records You Can Request from Goodyear, Arizona
The City of Goodyear maintains a wide range of public records across its departments, from the City Clerk's Office and Development Services to the Police Department, Fire Department, and Public Works. Any record with a substantial nexus to government activity is presumed to be a public record.
- City Council meeting agendas, minutes, and resolutions
- Ordinances and municipal code amendments
- Building permits, inspection records, and certificates of occupancy
- Zoning applications and land use decisions
- City contracts, vendor agreements, and procurement records
- Annual budgets and financial audit reports
- Police incident and arrest reports
- Body-worn camera footage
- Traffic camera video recordings
- Fire inspection, incident, and investigation reports
- Code enforcement complaints and violation notices
- Employee salary and compensation data
- Business license applications and registrations
- Development agreements and impact fee records
- City emails and correspondence related to official business
If you're unsure whether a specific document is a public record, file the request anyway. The burden is on the City of Goodyear to justify withholding — not on you to pre-determine what's available.
Tips for Effective Public Records Requests in Goodyear
Use the online portal
Goodyear's online public records request portal at goodyearaz.gov is the fastest way to submit and track requests. Select the appropriate category — General Records, Police Records, Media Requests, or Fire Medical Records — to route your request correctly.
Be specific
The City of Goodyear stresses that requests must be as specific as possible. Include addresses, date ranges, department names, and document types. A focused request will be processed faster than a broad, open-ended one.
Check Accela first
Building permits and inspections are available through Goodyear's Accela Development Center Portal at no charge. Search there before filing a formal request — you may find what you need instantly.
Know the right channel
Police reports and body camera footage go through the Police Records category, fire EMS reports go through Fire Medical Records, and everything else goes through General Records. Routing correctly avoids unnecessary delays.
Request electronic copies
Electronic records delivered via email are often faster and cheaper than paper copies. Arizona law permits agencies to deliver records in electronic format when available, which can reduce or eliminate per-page copying fees.
Bring the right payment
For police records, the Goodyear Police Department accepts only cash, money order, cashier's check, or business check — no personal checks, debit, or credit cards. Plan accordingly to avoid return trips.
Document everything
Keep records of when you submitted your request, all communications with the City, and any fee estimates or denial letters. This documentation is critical if you need to escalate your request to the Ombudsman or to court.
Leveling the Playing Field
Public records laws exist because transparency isn't optional — it's the foundation of democratic governance. In a city like Goodyear, where population has more than doubled in a decade and massive development is reshaping the landscape from cotton fields to master-planned communities, access to government records helps residents stay informed about the decisions that affect their daily lives. Project Paper Trail provides the tools and context to make that access meaningful.
Project Paper Trail is an AI-powered platform that helps residents, journalists, and attorneys follow the paper trail on development approvals. We use public records, AI-driven document analysis, and relationship mapping to detect patterns of missing records, procedural shortcuts, and developer-government conflicts of interest. Every finding is sourced from public records. Every conclusion is traceable.
Developers have attorneys, engineers, and relationships with city hall. Project Paper Trail gives you the same visibility into the approval process — powered by public records and AI analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Records in Goodyear, Arizona
How long does the City of Goodyear have to respond to a public records request?
Arizona law does not set a specific number of days. Under A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1), the City of Goodyear must respond 'promptly' to all public records requests. If the City fails to respond promptly, the request is legally deemed denied under A.R.S. § 39-121.01(E), and you may pursue legal remedies, including filing a special action in Maricopa County Superior Court.
Does the City of Goodyear charge fees for public records?
Inspecting records in person is free. For police reports, the Goodyear Police Department charges $0.50 per page. Payment at the Police Records Division must be made by cash, money order, cashier's check, or business check — personal checks and credit/debit cards are not accepted. For other city records, contact the City Clerk's Office at (623) 882-7830 for fee information.
How do I request police records from the Goodyear Police Department?
You can submit a police records request through the City's online portal at goodyearaz.gov by selecting 'Police Records' for individual police reports and body camera footage. You can also visit the Police Records Division at 11 N. 145th Ave., Goodyear, AZ 85338, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, or contact them at (623) 882-7870.
Do I need to be a Goodyear resident to request public records?
No. Arizona's Public Records Law allows any person to request public records regardless of residency. Under A.R.S. § 39-121, public records are open to inspection by 'any person' at all times during office hours. You do not need to state a reason for your request unless it is for a commercial purpose, which must be disclosed under A.R.S. § 39-121.03.
What can I do if the City of Goodyear denies my public records request?
Ask the City Clerk's Office for a written explanation of the denial and an index of withheld records under A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(2). You can file a free complaint with the Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens' Aide at (602) 277-7292. If informal efforts fail, you may file a special action in Maricopa County Superior Court under A.R.S. § 39-121.02. The court may award attorney fees if you substantially prevail.