Accessing Public Records in Union City, Georgia
Union City public records are available through city and Fulton County offices. The city has 28,195 residents south of Atlanta. You can request documents from the city clerk, police department, and county courts. The Georgia Open Records Act ensures access to government information.
Union City Quick Facts
Union City Public Records
The City of Union City 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 Union City Hall on Pointe South Parkway.
The Union City 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 guidelines on law enforcement records.
Building permits and inspections are handled by the Community Development Department. These records show work done on Union City properties. You can verify permits by address or permit number. The department ensures code compliance for construction projects.
Fulton County Records for Union City
Union City 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 visit in person.
The Fulton 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. Union City residents can appeal assessments through the Tax Assessor.
Vital records go through the Fulton 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 Atlanta.
How to Request Public Records in Union City
Submit requests to the correct office for faster service. City records go to the Union City clerk. Court records go to Fulton 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 Union City accepts requests by email, mail, and in person. Visit the city website at unioncityga.org for contact details. You can also call City Hall at (770) 964-2288 to ask about records.
Online Resources for Union City 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 Fulton County and all of Georgia.
The FANS system tracks filings on your property. Register for free and get email alerts. This helps Union City 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. Union City business owners can verify their status online.
Fees for Public Records in Union City
Georgia law sets standard fees for copies. Paper copies cost ten cents per page. This applies in Union City 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 Union City.
Exemptions to Public Records in Union City
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 Union City are exempt during active cases. Once investigations close, more records become public. You can ask the Union City Police about their process. The department follows state law on releases.
Fulton County Public Records
Union City is part of Fulton County. Many public records are held by county offices. The Superior Court, Tax Commissioner, and Probate Court all serve Union City residents. For more on county resources, visit the Fulton County public records page.