FAQ's

What records can I request from the City of Janesville (Excluding Janesville Police Department records)?

“Record” means any material on which written, drawn, printed, spoken, visual, or electromagnetic information or electronically generated or stored data is recorded or preserved, regardless of physical form or characteristics, that has been created or is being kept by the City of Janesville (Wis. Stat. § 19.32(2)).

When a record contains material with release restrictions and material that is not subject to release restrictions, the restricted material shall be redacted, and the unrestricted material released (Wis. Stat. § 19.36(6)).

The Custodian of Records shall determine if the requested record is available and, if so, whether the record is exempt from disclosure. Either the requested record or the reason for nondisclosure will be provided as soon as practicable and without delay (Wis. Stat. § 19.35(4)). If the request cannot be completed within 10 days from the initial date of request and unless unusual circumstances preclude doing so, the requestor shall be notified in writing of the delay.

How do I make a Public Records request?

Please visit the City of Janesville Public Records Portal, NextRequest, to make your request. Requests by mail, phone, fax, email or in person are also accepted, but will be entered into the portal for processing.

How much will I be charged for my request?

Most records are sent electronically, at no cost. However, the city will charge actual labor costs to search, find and collate records if this exceeds $50. Paper copies of records cost $0.25 per page as established by City Ordinance. The City will charge the actual costs for mailing and the actual costs for providing copies by CDs, DVDs, or other electronic media. Any requests with estimated costs exceeding $50 will require pre-payment to the City Clerk-Treasurer.

When submitting a request, citizens may also indicate they wish to physically inspect records instead of requesting copies. No document reproduction costs will be charged for records that are physically inspected; however, the City will charge actual labor costs to search, find and collate records if this exceeds $50.

What records are exempt from Wisconsin Open Records Law?

Include (but are not limited to):

  • Draft notes and other preparatory material
  • Personally identifiable information that would pose a threat to the individual identified
  • Trade secrets
  • Personal information of employees
  • Security information
  • Financial identifying information

Frequently Requested Records:

Many frequently requested records have been made available through this website. Please click the links below to access the following records:

Underground Storage Tanks:

The Janesville Fire Department does not maintain records of hazardous material storage nor aboveground or underground storage tanks. For records of tanks, contact the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. An online Tank Search is also available through that department.

How do I request records from the Janesville Police Department?

You can submit an open records request with the Janesville Police Department but visiting www.cityofjanesvillepd.nextrequest.com or by clicking the following link: Janesville Police Department Public Records Request