Accessing Public Records in Canton, Georgia
Canton public records are maintained by the city and Cherokee County offices. The city has 38,049 residents and serves as the county seat. You can request records from the city clerk, police department, and county courts. The Georgia Open Records Act gives everyone the right to access these documents.
Canton Quick Facts
Canton City Public Records
The City of Canton maintains records for its residents. The city clerk serves as the Open Records Officer. Council minutes, ordinances, and resolutions are available through this office. The clerk's office is at Canton City Hall on Main Street.
The Canton Police Department creates incident reports and accident records. You can request these from the police records division. Some reports may be exempt if they involve active investigations. The department follows state guidelines on releases.
Building permits and inspections are handled by the Community Development Department. These records show work done on properties in Canton. You can verify that contractors pulled proper permits. The department helps protect home values through code enforcement.
Cherokee County Records in Canton
As the Cherokee County seat, Canton hosts the county government. The Superior Court Clerk keeps court records at the courthouse on North Street. This includes civil cases, criminal filings, and property deeds. You can search these records in person or online.
The Cherokee County Probate Court handles vital records. Birth and death certificates are available at this office. Marriage licenses and probate estate records are also kept here. The Probate Court is near the main courthouse in Canton.
Property records are maintained by the Cherokee County Tax Assessor. You can search ownership, values, and tax records. The assessor provides online access to basic data. Canton residents can file appeals if they disagree with their assessments.
How to Request Public Records in Canton
Find the right office for your records. City records go to the Canton city clerk. Court records go to the Cherokee County Superior Court. Property records go to the Tax Assessor. Using the correct office speeds up your request.
Write a clear request with specific details. Include names, dates, or case numbers. Broad requests may be narrowed by the agency. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, agencies must respond within three business days.
The Cherokee County Clerk of Superior Court accepts requests by mail and in person. The office is at 90 North Street, Suite 150, Canton, GA 30114. Phone inquiries can be made at (678) 493-6511. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Online Resources for Canton Records
The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority runs databases for court and property records. You can search deeds, liens, and civil cases at gsccca.org. This covers Cherokee County and all of Georgia.
The FANS system tracks filings on your property. Register for free and get email alerts. This helps Canton homeowners watch for fraud. The service covers all Georgia counties.
Business records are at the Secretary of State website. Search corporations, LLCs, and professional licenses. The database is free to use. Canton business owners can verify their status or research competitors.
Fees for Public Records in Canton
Georgia law sets standard fees for copies. Paper copies cost ten cents per page. This applies in Canton and across the state. Electronic records cost only the media fee. Agencies cannot add extra charges for data on CDs or drives.
Search time has a free period. The first fifteen minutes cost nothing. After that, you pay the hourly rate of the lowest-paid qualified worker. Large requests may need a deposit if costs exceed $500.
Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Court certifications have set fees. Call ahead to learn current rates. This helps you plan for the cost of your request in Canton.
Exemptions to Public Records in Canton
Some records are exempt from public access. Georgia law lists fifty types of exempt records. These include medical files, certain police records, and personal data. Trade secrets and attorney-client talks are protected.
If an agency denies your request, they must cite the law. They must point to the specific exemption in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72. You have the right to appeal. The court can order release if the exemption does not apply.
Some police records in Canton are exempt during active cases. Once investigations close, more records become public. You can ask the Canton Police about their process. The department follows state law on releases.
Cherokee County Public Records
Canton is the county seat of Cherokee County. Many records for Canton residents are held at the county level. The Superior Court, Probate Court, and Tax Assessor all maintain public records. For more on county resources, visit the Cherokee County public records page.