Accessing Public Records in Kennesaw, Georgia
Kennesaw public records are available through city offices and Cobb County agencies. The city has 37,740 residents in northwest Georgia. You can request documents from the city clerk, police department, and county courts. The Georgia Open Records Act ensures access to government information.
Kennesaw Quick Facts
Kennesaw City Public Records
The City of Kennesaw 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 Kennesaw City Hall on Summit Place.
The Kennesaw Police Department creates incident and accident reports. You can request these from the police records unit. Some reports may be exempt during active investigations. The department follows state guidelines on public access.
Building permits and inspections are with the Development Services Department. These records show work done on Kennesaw properties. You can verify permits by address or permit number. The department ensures that construction meets code requirements.
Cobb County Records for Kennesaw
Kennesaw is in Cobb County. Many records are held at the county level. The Cobb County Superior Court handles civil and criminal cases. Court records are at the courthouse in Marietta. You can search cases online or visit in person.
The Cobb County Tax Commissioner maintains tax records. You can search property tax bills and payment history online. The county website has tools for looking up parcel data. Kennesaw residents can appeal assessments through the Tax Assessor.
Vital records go through the Cobb County Probate Court. Birth and death certificates are available at this office. Marriage licenses and probate records are also kept here. The Probate Court is at the courthouse complex in Marietta.
How to Request Public Records in Kennesaw
Submit requests to the correct office for faster service. City records go to the Kennesaw city clerk. Court records go to Cobb County Superior Court. Property records go to the Tax Commissioner. Using the right office saves time.
Write a clear request with specific details. Include names, dates, or addresses. Broad requests may be narrowed. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, agencies must respond within three business days.
The City of Kennesaw accepts requests by email, mail, and in person. Visit the city website at kennesaw-ga.gov for contact details. You can also call City Hall at (770) 424-8274 to ask about records.
Online Resources for Kennesaw 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 Cobb County and all of Georgia.
The FANS system alerts you to new property filings. Register for free and get email notices. This helps Kennesaw homeowners track their land records. The service helps prevent fraud and errors.
Business records are at the Secretary of State website. Search corporations and professional licenses. The database is free and open to all. Kennesaw business owners can check their status online.
Fees for Public Records in Kennesaw
Georgia law sets standard fees for copies. Paper copies cost ten cents per page. This applies in Kennesaw and across the state. Electronic records cost only the media fee. Agencies cannot charge extra for putting 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 Kennesaw.
Exemptions to Public Records in Kennesaw
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 communications 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 Kennesaw are exempt during active cases. Once investigations close, more records become public. You can ask the Kennesaw Police about their process. The department follows state law on releases.
Cobb County Public Records
Kennesaw is part of Cobb County. Many public records are held by county offices. The Superior Court, Tax Commissioner, and Probate Court all serve Kennesaw residents. For more on county resources, visit the Cobb County public records page.