Accessing Public Records in Dalton, Georgia
Dalton public records are maintained by the city and Whitfield County offices. The city has 34,970 residents in northwest Georgia. You can request documents from the city clerk, police department, and county courts. The Georgia Open Records Act gives everyone the right to access government documents.
Dalton Quick Facts
Dalton City Public Records
The City of Dalton maintains records for its residents. The city clerk serves as the Open Records Officer. Council minutes, ordinances, and city contracts are available through this office. The clerk's office is at Dalton City Hall on West Waugh Street.
The Dalton Police Department creates incident and accident reports. You can request these from the police records division. Some reports may be exempt during active investigations. The department follows state law on law enforcement record releases.
Building permits and inspections are handled by the Inspections Department. These records show work done on Dalton properties. You can verify permits by address or permit number. The department ensures all construction meets code requirements.
Whitfield County Records in Dalton
As the Whitfield County seat, Dalton hosts the county government. The Superior Court Clerk keeps court records at the courthouse on North Selvidge Street. This includes civil cases, criminal filings, and property deeds. You can search these records in person.
The Whitfield 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 Dalton.
Property records are maintained by the Whitfield County Tax Assessor. You can search ownership, values, and tax records. The assessor provides access to property data. Dalton residents can file appeals if they disagree with their assessments.
How to Request Public Records in Dalton
Find the right office for your records. City records go to the Dalton city clerk. Court records go to the Whitfield 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 City of Dalton accepts requests by email, mail, and in person. Visit the city website at cityofdalton-ga.gov for contact details. You can also call City Hall at (706) 278-9500 to ask about records.
Online Resources for Dalton Records
The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority provides online access to court and property records. Search deeds, liens, and civil cases at gsccca.org. This covers Whitfield County and all of Georgia.
The FANS system tracks filings on your property. Register for free and get email alerts. This helps Dalton homeowners watch for fraud. The service covers all counties in the state.
Business records are at the Secretary of State website. Search corporations and professional licenses. The database is free to use. Dalton business owners can verify their status online.
Fees for Public Records in Dalton
Georgia law sets standard fees for copies. Paper copies cost ten cents per page. This applies in Dalton and across the state. Electronic records cost only the media fee. Agencies cannot charge extra 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 fees set by law. Call the office before visiting to learn current rates. This helps you plan for the cost of your request in Dalton.
Exemptions to Public Records in Dalton
Some records are exempt from public access. Georgia law lists fifty exemptions. 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. A court can order release if the exemption does not apply.
Some police records in Dalton are exempt during active cases. Once investigations close, more records become public. You can ask the Dalton Police about their process. The department follows state law on releases.
Whitfield County Public Records
Dalton is the county seat of Whitfield County. Many records for Dalton 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 Whitfield County public records page.