fresno public records: practical ways to search and request

What qualifies as a record

Fresno public records include property deeds and maps, building permits, tax assessments, council minutes, police logs, court calendars and filings, as well as certain vital records such as birth, death, and marriage indexes. Some items are certified, others are informational.

How to access them

You can search digital portals or visit local offices: the City Clerk for agendas and contracts, the County Clerk/Recorder and Assessor for land and vital records, the Superior Court for cases, and the Sheriff for incident data. Under the California Public Records Act, you may submit a written request when documents are not readily posted.

• Online: parcel lookups, court case search, agenda archives.
• In person: certified copies and older books.
• By request: tailored CPRA inquiries.

Important considerations

Be specific with dates, names, APNs, or document numbers to reduce fees and time. Inspection is usually free, but copying and certification carry costs. Some information is exempt or redacted (juvenile, medical, active investigations). Vital record copies may require valid ID and proof of entitlement. Agencies must respond promptly, but complex searches can take longer.