How to File a Public Records Request in Colorado
The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), first enacted in 1968, declares that 'all public records shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times.' CORA applies to state and local government entities across all branches — including cities, counties, school districts, and special districts — though criminal justice records are governed separately by the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA). Any person may request records; no residency requirement or statement of purpose is needed. Records custodians must respond within three working days, with a possible seven-working-day extension if extenuating circumstances exist. The burden of proving that records are exempt from inspection falls on the government custodian, and Colorado courts have held that exemptions 'should be narrowly construed.' If a denial is challenged in court, prevailing applicants are entitled to court costs and reasonable attorney fees.
The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA)
- Statutory Citation
- Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 24, Article 72, Part 2 (§§ 24-72-200.1 through 24-72-206)
- Response Deadline
- 3 working days
- Fee Provisions
- Under C.R.S. § 24-72-205, agencies may charge up to $0.25 per standard page for paper copies, but no per-page fee for records provided electronically. The first hour of staff time for research and retrieval is free. After the first hour, agencies may charge up to $41.37 per hour (as adjusted effective July 1, 2024) under C.R.S. § 24-72-205(6). Total fees cannot exceed the actual cost of producing the records. Fee waivers are discretionary.
- Key Exemptions
- Major CORA exemptions include personnel files (though basic employment information is public), trade secrets and confidential commercial data, attorney-client privileged communications, real estate appraisals, records of ongoing investigations, and personally identifiable information such as Social Security numbers and home addresses. Records that would be contrary to the public interest may also be withheld. Criminal justice records are governed separately under the CCJRA (C.R.S. §§ 24-72-301 through 24-72-309).
- Appeal Process
- Colorado offers no administrative appeal mechanism for CORA denials. If a request is denied, the requester must notify the custodian of intent to file suit at least 14 days before filing, during which time both parties may attempt informal dispute resolution. The requester may then file a complaint in state district court under C.R.S. § 24-72-204(5). The custodian bears the burden of justifying withholding. Prevailing applicants are awarded court costs and reasonable attorney fees. Fees are awarded to the custodian only if the court finds the suit was 'frivolous, vexatious, or groundless.'
- Ombudsman
- Colorado does not have a dedicated public records ombudsman. The Colorado Attorney General's office publishes guidance on CORA but does not have authority to adjudicate disputes between requesters and records custodians. The Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition (CFOIC) is a nonprofit resource that provides guidance and advocacy for public records access.
City FOIA Guides in Colorado
Select a city below for a detailed guide on how to file a public records request with that municipality.
Need Help with Public Records in Colorado?
If you're dealing with missing records or unresponsive agencies in Colorado, Project Paper Trail can help you follow the paper trail on development approvals.
Report a Concern