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Public Records Requests

The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) provides the community with the opportunity to review and obtain copies of public records generated and retained by SDHC. This is in compliance with the California Public Records Act.

The SDHC Public Records Request Portal (Portal) is SDHC’s preferred method for receiving records requests from the public.

Please visit the portal to submit a new request or search for available records – CLICK HERE

The Portal allows users to:

  • Submit requests for public records;
  • Correspond with SDHC Public Records Requests staff;
  • Track the progress of requests online; and
  • Search for and access previous public records requests SDHC has received and disclosable records SDHC has provided in response to those requests.

Please note, the law does not require SDHC to:

  • Provide staff reports or other documents originating from other city, state or federal agencies.
  • Create new documents, such as analysis of information in SDHC databases, in response to a records request.

Pursuant to federal law, 5 US Code 552a, and the right of privacy under the California Constitution, among others, SDHC cannot disclose information about specific individuals without the prior written consent of the individuals to whom the records pertain. SDHC would need to received written consent and verification of the identity of the person signing the consent, such as notarization, before such records would be released.

SDHC has adopted a policy, approved by the Housing Authority of the City of San Diego, and an administrative regulation to provide guidelines for access to public records. You may view and download the policy and administrative regulation here:

Public Documents

Reports generated by SDHC are public documents. These include the agency’s Annual Budget, Plans and Policies, and reports presented to the SDHC Board of Commissioners and the Housing Authority of the City of the City of San Diego.

News Media Inquiries

News media inquiries should be submitted via email to mediarequests@sdhc.org or by calling (619) 578-7550.

Frequently Asked Questions

What contact information should I include on my request?
Requesters are strongly encouraged to provide at least some contact information. Providing an email address will allow you to log into the SDHC Public Records Request Portal to view your request and access records that are uploaded to your request. In addition, this will allow SDHC to send you notifications regarding the status of your request.
Who can see my contact information?
Requesters’ contact information is not published on the SDHC Public Records Request Portal. However, all information sent and received by SDHC is subject to the California Public Records Act. Therefore, any communications and data exchanged or provided to SDHC is a public record and may be released in response to a public records request.
How detailed should my request be?
SDHC strongly recommends including details that will facilitate a focused search:

  • Describe the nature of the record being requested.
  • Provide the time frame or date range you are interested in (For example: Fiscal Year 2021 or from February 2020 to present).
  • When possible, identify the SDHC program related to your request.
  • When applicable, provide specific addresses, block numbers (for example, the 500 block of Main Street), or an intersection.
How does SDHC process Public Records Requests?

SDHC responds to requests for public records through its SDHC Public Records Request Portal pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code section 7920.000 et seq.)

SDHC will determine whether it has disclosable records within 10 days from receipt of a request. In some instances, depending on the complexity of the request, SDHC may take a 14-day extension in which to conduct a search to determine whether responsive records exist. These timeframes may vary if requests are submitted and/or are due after hours, on weekends, or when SDHC is closed, including on alternating Fridays, according to the agency’s posted schedule.

If disclosable records exist, SDHC will make every effort to provide responsive non-exempt records within a reasonable timeframe; however, response times will vary depending on the types and volume of records requested and the scope or timeframe of the request.

Are there any fees or charges for public records requests?
Photocopying fees and postage rates apply. Single-sided pages are 15 cents per page; double-sided are 25 cents per page. However, there is no charge for electronic or PDF files that are emailed.
Can I appeal SDHC’s decision about my public records request?
Pursuant to Section 3.5 of SDHC Policy 205.000 and Section 13.1 of SDHC Administrative Regulation 205.000, you may appeal SDHC’s decision regarding your public records request within 10 business days of the date you SDHC informs you of its decision. If you wish to appeal SDHC’s decision, please reply to SDHC’s notification of its decision, stating your request to appeal; describing the records you requested; and providing the reason you believe the records should be disclosed. If you request to appeal SDHC’s decision, SDHC’s President & CEO, or their designee, will review your appeal, consult with legal counsel if necessary, and inform you in writing of their determination.

 

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