Accessing Public Records in East Point, Georgia
East Point public records are available through the city government and Fulton County offices. The city serves 38,270 residents south of Atlanta. You can request documents from the city clerk, police department, and county courts. Georgia law ensures open access to government records for all requesters.
East Point Quick Facts
East Point City Public Records
The City of East Point maintains records for its residents. The city clerk serves as the Open Records Officer. You can request council minutes, ordinances, and city contracts through this office. The clerk's office is at East Point City Hall on East Cleveland Avenue.
The East Point Police Department creates incident reports and accident records. You can request police reports through the records division. Some reports may take time to process if they involve active cases. The department follows state law on law enforcement record releases.
Building permits and inspection records are with the Community Development Department. These records show work done on properties in East Point. You can search permits by address or permit number. The department helps residents verify that work on their homes met code.
Fulton County Records for East Point
East Point is in Fulton County. Many records are held at the county level. The Fulton County Superior Court handles civil and criminal cases. Court records are at the courthouse in downtown Atlanta. You can search cases online or in person.
The Fulton County Tax Assessor maintains property records. You can search ownership, values, and tax bills online. The county website has a property search tool. East Point residents can appeal their assessments through this office.
Vital records for East Point go through the Fulton County Probate Court or the state Department of Public Health. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online or by mail. The DPH website at dph.georgia.gov has ordering info.
How to Request Public Records in East Point
Submit requests to the right office for faster results. City records go to the East Point city clerk. Court records go to Fulton County Superior Court. Property records go to the Tax Assessor. Using the correct office saves time.
Write your request with clear details. Include names, dates, or addresses that help staff find the records. Broad requests may be delayed or narrowed. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, agencies must respond within three business days.
The City of East Point accepts requests by email, mail, and in person. Visit the city website at eastpointcity.org for current contact info. You can also call City Hall at (404) 270-7000 to ask about the records process.
Online Resources for East Point Records
The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority provides online access to court and property records. You can search deeds, liens, and civil cases at gsccca.org. This system covers Fulton County and all of Georgia.
The FANS system lets you track filings on your property. Register for free and get alerts about new documents. This helps East Point homeowners watch for fraud or errors. The service covers all counties in the state.
Business records are available through the Secretary of State. Search corporations, LLCs, and professional licenses. The database is free and open to the public. East Point business owners can check their status or research other companies.
Fees for Public Records in East Point
Georgia law sets the fees for public records. Paper copies are ten cents per page. This rate applies in East Point 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. This rule keeps search costs fair. Large requests may need a deposit if the total exceeds $500.
Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Court certifications have set fees under state law. Call the office before you visit to learn current rates. This helps you plan for the cost of your records request in East Point.
Exemptions to Public Records in East Point
Some records are exempt from public access. Georgia law lists fifty exemptions. These include personal data, medical files, and some police records. Trade secrets and attorney-client talks are also protected. Agencies must cite the law when they withhold records.
Active police investigations are often exempt. Once a case closes, more records become public. The East Point Police follow state guidelines on releases. You can ask the records division about specific reports.
If your request is denied, the agency must explain why. They must cite the specific statute that applies. You can appeal a denial through the courts. A judge can order release if the exemption does not fit.
Fulton County Public Records
East Point is part of Fulton County. Many public records are held by county offices. The Superior Court, Tax Assessor, and Probate Court all serve East Point residents. For more on county resources, visit the Fulton County public records page.