Public Records and Records Retention
The Port of San Francisco’s public records request process is structured in accordance with the SF Sunshine Ordinance (Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code) and the California Public Records Act (California Govt. Code § 6250 et seq).
Per the Sunshine Ordinance: “Government’s duty is to serve the public, reaching its decisions in full view of the public.” The Port of San Francisco believes strongly in the right of citizens to access information concerning the conduct of their government and is committed to conducting all activities with full transparency and openness.
How to Request Public Records
The Port has a Custodian of Records whose duties include receiving and responding to requests for public records. Requests for Port of San Francisco records can be emailed to portrecords@sfport.com
Time Allowed to Respond to a Request for Public Records
The Port responds to all requests for public records as promptly as reasonably possible, and provides responsive records, if any, as soon as possible after they are available.
Per California Govt. Code § 6253(c), the Port is allowed 10 calendar days to respond to a public records request. In unusual circumstances, the Port may extend its time to respond by an additional 14 calendar days. If the Port extends the time to respond, the department will notify the requesting party in writing within the initial 10-day response period of the reason(s) for the extension and the estimated date of response.
Immediate Disclosure Requests
The purpose of the immediate disclosure request is to expedite the City’s response to a “simple, routine, or otherwise readily answerable request.” Admin. Code 67.25(a). The Sunshine Ordinance specifies that for more extensive or demanding requests, the maximum deadlines for responding to a request are appropriate. Admin. Code § 67.25(a). These requests for expedited handling of requests for public records must include the words "Immediate Disclosure Request" across the top of the request and on either the envelope, subject line, or cover sheet in or with which the request is submitted to the Custodian of Public Records. Generally, the Port must respond to an immediate disclosure request by the close of the next business day after the request is received. The Port may extend the time to respond to an Immediate Disclosure request by an additional 14 calendar days for the same reasons, and following the same procedure, described above.
Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code Government's duty is to serve the public, reaching its decisions in full view of the public.
For more information on your rights under the Sunshine Ordinance or to report a violation of the ordinance, contact the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, 401 Van Ness Avenue, Room 402.