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Open Records
City of Allen promotes an open and responsive government. The City Secretary’s Office provides information in accordance with the Public Information Act by responding to all public information requests.
- Search public documents: Click for a list of commonly searched documents
How to submit an Open Records Request
In accordance with the Texas Public Information Act, all requests for public information must be made in writing and should identify:
- the records needed; and,
- provide the requester's contact information such as mailing address, phone number, or email.
City of Allen is committed to open government and transparency by providing access to public records. The City processes all public information requests through the online portal, which allows such requests to be submitted online. Members of the public can track their request and, when fulfilled, download any responsive records from the online portal or request that access to responsive information be provided to them through other means. Please note that some records may require a processing fee. For online open records requests, use the buttons to the right. Upon receipt, the City of Allen will begin processing your request in the order received. Requests should be for documents, or other information that is already in existence.
All public records will be made available to the public as requested, as expeditiously as possible, unless the law provides for an exception to disclosure. Such exceptions may include but are not limited to:
- Bank account and routing numbers (Tex. Gov't Code § 552.136)
- Credit card number and expiration date (Tex. Gov't Code § 552.136)
- Date of birth (Tex. Gov't Code § 552.101 + common-law privacy) • Driver’s license number (Tex. Gov't Code § 552.130)
- Email address (Tex. Gov't Code § 552.137)
- Insurance policy number (Tex. Gov't Code § 552.136)
- License plate number (Tex. Gov't Code § 552.130)
- Personal identification number (Tex. Gov't Code § 552.147)
- Social Security numbers (Tex. Gov't Code § 552.147)
City of Allen is not required to answer questions, create documents or records; create statistics or other analyses; perform legal research, or comply with a continuing request to supply information on a periodic basis. It is important to be as specific as possible when requesting public records. If the request is vague or City staff cannot determine what information would be responsive to the request as drafted, the City of Allen may ask you to clarify your request in order to determine specifically what records are responsive. Some responsive records may be exempt from disclosure as provided by law. If the City of Allen determines that some or all of the responsive documents are potentially confidential or privileged by law the City of Allen must write to the Attorney General of Texas requesting a determination as to whether or not these responsive documents may be released to the requestor. Should the City of Allen require a determination from the Attorney General, you will be notified and updated when the Attorney General makes its determination regarding the confidentiality of the responsive documents.
Search public documents
Search our Online Records Portal or use the links below to find a variety of public records online. If you're unable to find a record, please use the Public Records Request portal.
- Annual Budget
- Annual Budget Archive
- Building Permit Reports
- Capital Improvement Program Annual Report- most recent
- Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) - most recent
- Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) Archive
- Code of Ordinances
- Council Agenda Archive
- Council Meeting Coverage - ACTV Video on Demand
- Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Coverage - ACTV Video on Demand
- Fee Schedule
- Current Health Scores
Public Information Act
Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives you the right to access government records without having to provide any reason for the request.
State law allows the city to designate a person who is authorized to receive email or faxed requests for open records. If a municipality makes such a designation, the Open Records Act is only activated if the request is directed to the assigned individual. Resolution No. 2468-12-05(R) designates the City Secretary as the public information officer for the City of Allen.
State law allows the city to recover costs associated with open records requests. These are set rates through the Texas Administrative Code. See Charges Associated with Open Records Requests