How to File a Public Records Request in Reno, Nevada

What Is the Nevada Public Records Act?

The Nevada Public Records Act (NPRA), found at Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 239 (§§ 239.001 through 239.340), guarantees every person the right to inspect, copy, or receive copies of public books and records held by governmental entities. The Legislature explicitly declared that the NPRA must be construed liberally in favor of access, and any exemption from disclosure must be interpreted narrowly.

Under NRS § 239.010, all public books and records of a governmental entity are presumed open unless declared confidential by law. The term "public record" is broad and includes permits, contracts, meeting minutes, emails, budget documents, police reports, inspection records, and virtually any document created or received by a government agency in the course of its official duties.

Common exemptions include active law enforcement investigative files, personnel records, attorney-client privileged communications, medical records, juvenile records, and documents declared confidential by other Nevada statutes. Where no specific statute applies, courts use a balancing test that weighs the agency's interest in confidentiality against the public's interest in access. Under NRS § 239.0113, the burden of proving confidentiality falls on the government — not on you.

Read the full text of the Nevada Public Records Act (Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 239 (§§ 239.001 through 239.340))

How to File a Public Records Request with the City of Reno

How to Submit Your Request

The City of Reno's preferred method for public records requests is its OneRequest online portal at reno.streamlinegov.us. The portal allows you to submit a request, track its status, and download responsive records — all without creating an account, though registering lets you view your full request history. Alternatively, you can email the Records and Information Management Division at [email protected], or reach them by phone at (775) 348-3932. Written requests may also be mailed or delivered in person to the City Clerk's Office at 1 E. First Street, 2nd Floor, Reno, NV 89501. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Written requests are strongly preferred, as they create a clear record of your submission date and the scope of your request.

What to Include in Your Request

• Your full name and contact information (mailing address, phone number, or email)
• A specific and detailed description of the records you are seeking, including relevant date ranges
• The department or office most likely to hold the records (e.g., Public Works, Police Department, City Clerk)
• Your preferred format for receiving copies (electronic PDF, physical copies, or inspection in person)
• A statement of your fee preferences — whether you want to be notified before any charges are incurred and your fee threshold
• A citation to the Nevada Public Records Act (NRS Chapter 239) to establish the legal basis for your request
• Whether you are requesting records for commercial or non-commercial purposes (may affect fee treatment)

Response Deadlines and What to Expect

Under NRS § 239.0107, the City of Reno must respond to your public records request no later than the end of the fifth business day after receiving it. Unlike some states, Nevada imposes a uniform response deadline that applies regardless of the requester's residency or the nature of the request — there is no separate deadline for residents versus non-residents.

A "response" under Nevada law means one of four things: (1) granting access to or copies of the requested records; (2) providing written notice that the city does not have custody of the records and identifying which governmental entity does; (3) providing written notice that the records cannot be made available within five business days, along with the earliest date they will be available; or (4) issuing a written denial with a specific citation to the statute or legal authority that makes the records confidential.

If the city cannot fulfill your request within five business days — for example, due to the volume or complexity of records involved — it must notify you in writing and provide a specific date by which the records will be available. The city may also work with you to narrow the scope of your request to allow for a faster response.

Copying fees are limited to the actual cost incurred, including paper, ink, toner, media, and postage. Per NRS § 239.052, fees may not exceed $0.50 per page for paper copies. The city may require payment before releasing copies. Electronically available records can often be provided at little or no cost.

What to Do If Your Request Is Denied or Delayed

Receiving a denial — or hearing nothing at all — can be frustrating. Here's what you should know and what you can do.

Common reasons for denial include claims that records are protected by a specific Nevada statute (personnel records, active investigations, attorney-client communications), that the requested records don't exist, or that the city doesn't have custody. If your request is denied in whole or in part, Nevada law requires the city to provide a written explanation citing the specific statute or legal authority supporting the denial under NRS § 239.0107. A vague or unsupported denial is itself a potential legal violation.

Unlike many states, Nevada's NPRA provides no formal administrative appeals process. There is no ombudsman, no state-level review board, and no agency head appeal required before going to court. If you believe a denial is improper, your options are:

1. Contact the Records Division directly to discuss the denial and seek clarification or partial production. 2. Resubmit a narrowed or clarified request targeting specific documents. 3. Contact the Nevada Attorney General's office for informal guidance — this is not required but can be helpful before incurring litigation costs. 4. File a civil action in Washoe County District Court under NRS § 239.011 seeking a court order compelling disclosure.

If you file suit and prevail, the court must award you your costs and reasonable attorney's fees from the City of Reno. District courts are required to give NPRA cases priority over most other civil matters. If the city appeals a ruling against it and loses, you are also entitled to recover appellate fees and costs under NRS § 239.011(3). Pro se (self-represented) litigants are permitted to bring these actions in district court.

Steps to Appeal

1. Contact the City Clerk's Records Division at (775) 348-3932 or [email protected] to discuss the denial and request a written explanation citing the specific statutory authority, as required by NRS § 239.0107.
2. Review the denial letter carefully. If the city cited a statute, look it up in NRS to verify that it actually covers your specific records. Incomplete or incorrect citations are grounds for challenge.
3. Resubmit a revised request that narrows the scope or specifically excludes the claimed exempt material, and ask for production of any non-exempt, segregable portions.
4. Contact the Nevada Attorney General's office for informal guidance on whether the denial appears legally justified. This step is optional but can help you assess your case before pursuing litigation.
5. File a civil petition in Washoe County District Court under NRS § 239.011 seeking an order compelling disclosure. These actions are entitled to priority on the court's docket.
6. If you prevail in district court, request an award of your costs and reasonable attorney's fees from the City of Reno, as provided by NRS § 239.011(2).
7. If the city appeals the district court's ruling and the ruling is affirmed, you are entitled to recover your appellate costs and attorney's fees as well under NRS § 239.011(3).

Types of Records You Can Request from Reno, Nevada

The City of Reno generates a wide range of public records across its departments, including the City Clerk's Office, Police Department, Public Works, Development Services, Finance, and Fire Department. Most records not declared confidential by statute are open for public inspection under the Nevada Public Records Act.

• City Council meeting minutes, agendas, and voting records
• Ordinances, resolutions, and amendments to the Reno Municipal Code
• Building permits, zoning applications, and land use approvals
• Code enforcement complaints, inspection reports, and violation notices
• Police incident reports, arrest records, and traffic accident reports
• Fire Department incident and inspection reports
• City contracts, vendor agreements, and procurement records
• Budget documents, financial audits, and expenditure records
• Employee salary and benefits data for City of Reno positions
• Public Works project plans, infrastructure studies, and right-of-way records
• Development Services applications and environmental review documents
• City Clerk election filings and campaign finance disclosures
• Redevelopment Agency records and economic development agreements
• Public safety dispatch logs and 911 call records (subject to review)
• Grant applications and federal funding compliance records

If you're unsure whether a specific document is a public record, file the request anyway. The burden is on the City of Reno to justify withholding — not on you to pre-determine what's available.

Tips for Effective Public Records Requests in Reno