Accessing Public Records in Pooler, Georgia
Pooler public records are maintained by the city and Chatham County offices. The city has 31,171 residents west of Savannah. You can request documents from the city clerk, police department, and county courts. The Georgia Open Records Act ensures access to government documents for all citizens.
Pooler Quick Facts
Pooler City Public Records
The City of Pooler 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 Pooler City Hall on West Highway 80.
The Pooler 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 Planning and Zoning Department. These records show work done on Pooler properties. You can verify permits by address or permit number. The department ensures code compliance for construction projects.
Chatham County Records for Pooler
Pooler is in Chatham County. Many records are held at the county level. The Chatham County Superior Court handles civil and criminal cases. Court records are at the courthouse in Savannah. You can search cases online or visit in person.
The Chatham 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. Pooler residents can appeal assessments through the Tax Assessor.
Vital records go through the Chatham County Probate Court or the state Department of Public Health. Birth and death certificates can be ordered through these offices. Marriage licenses are issued at the Probate Court in Savannah.
How to Request Public Records in Pooler
Submit requests to the correct office for faster service. City records go to the Pooler city clerk. Court records go to Chatham 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 by the agency. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, agencies must respond within three business days.
The City of Pooler accepts requests by email, mail, and in person. Visit the city website at pooler-ga.gov for contact details. You can also call City Hall at (912) 748-7261 to ask about records.
Online Resources for Pooler 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 Chatham County and all of Georgia.
The FANS system tracks filings on your property. Register for free and get email alerts. This helps Pooler 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. Pooler business owners can verify their status online.
Fees for Public Records in Pooler
Georgia law sets standard fees for copies. Paper copies cost ten cents per page. This applies in Pooler 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 Pooler.
Exemptions to Public Records in Pooler
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 Pooler are exempt during active cases. Once investigations close, more records become public. You can ask the Pooler Police about their process. The department follows state law on releases.
Chatham County Public Records
Pooler is part of Chatham County. Many public records are held by county offices. The Superior Court, Tax Commissioner, and Probate Court all serve Pooler residents. For more on county resources, visit the Chatham County public records page.