Public Records Policy

(Updated 2026) The Lake County Recorder reserves the right to modify this policy at any time as deemed necessary.

Introduction

It is the policy of the Lake County Recorder that openness leads to a better-informed citizenry, which leads to better government and better public policy. It is the policy of the Lake County Recorder’s office to adhere to the state’s Public Records Act.

Section 1. Public Records

This Office, in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code, defines records as including the following: Any document that is created or received by, or comes under the jurisdiction of a public office that documents the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the office. All records of the Lake County Recorder are public unless they are exempt from disclosure under the Ohio Revised Code.

Section 1.1

It is the policy of the Lake County Recorder that, as required by law, records will be organized and maintained so that they are readily available for inspection and copying.

Section 2. Record requests

The Lake County Recorder email address to request public records is: RecorderPublicRecordRequest@LakeCountyOhio.gov Each request for public records will be eligible for response using the following guidelines:

Section 2.1

Although no specific language is required to make a request, the requester must at least identify the records requested with sufficient clarity to allow the public office to identify, retrieve, and review the records

Section 2.2

The requester does not have to put a records request in writing, but doing so is strongly encouraged, and does not have to provide his or her identity or the intended use of the requested public record.

Section 2.3

Public records are to be physically available for inspection during regular business hours, with the exception of published holidays. Public records must be made available for inspection promptly. Office response for copies of public records must be made available within a reasonable period of time. “Prompt” and “reasonable” take into account the volume of records requested; the proximity of the location where the records are stored; and the necessity for any legal review of the records requested. Several updates in the law has required records be digitized and available online since January 1980. The Lake County Recorder website address is www.LakeCountyOhioRecorder.com

Section 2.4

Denial of public records requested must include an explanation, including legal authority. If the request is in writing, the explanation for denial of the request will be provided to the requester in writing.

Section 3. Costs for Public Record Copies per Ohio Revised Code.

Those seeking public records will be charged according to the Ohio Revised Code.

Section 3.1

The charge for all copies is $2.00 per page/image.

Section 3.2

Requesters may ask that documents be emailed or mailed to them. Copies are $2.00 per page/image. Please send a self-addressed stamped envelope for mailed requests

Section 4. E-mail

Documents in electronic mail format are records as defined by the Ohio Revised Code when their content relates to the business of the office.

Section 4.1

Records in individual e-mail folders used to conduct public business are subject to disclosure, and all employees or representatives of this Office are instructed to retain their e-mails that relate to public business.

Section 5. Failure to respond to a public records request

The Lake County Recorder recognizes the legal and non-legal consequences of failure to properly respond to a public records request, the Lake County Recorder’s Office failure to comply with a request may result in a court ordering the Lake County Recorder’s Office to comply with the law.

Section 6. Recorder notification

Lake County Recorder employees responding to public record requests, notifying the Lake County Recorder.