Find Boulder County Public Records

Boulder County public records include property documents, court case files, recorded deeds, health reports, and government records kept by county offices. The Colorado Open Records Act guarantees that most records are open for inspection by the public. Boulder County provides access through an online Open Records Center and in-person visits to county offices. Before making a formal request, check if the records you need are already available online for free. The county maintains searchable databases for property records, commissioners' meetings, and election data. For records not available online, submit a CORA request through the county's system in Colorado.

Boulder County CORA Process

The Boulder County CORA page provides information on how to access public records. The Colorado Open Records Act is a series of laws designed to guarantee that the public has access to the records of government bodies. Most records are public and open for inspection. Some records may be withheld if they fall under specific exemptions listed in state law in Colorado.

Before making a request, search the Recording Division's Public Records Database to see if the information is already available. Check the County Commissioners' Meeting and Video Archives for meeting records. Read the Open Records and Public Records Policy to understand the process and fees in Colorado.

To submit a CORA request, use the Boulder County Open Records Center available through the county website. This online system allows you to submit and track your request. You'll need to provide your contact information and a clear description of the records you want. The more specific your request, the faster it will be processed.

Some departments have specialized request procedures. For Sheriff's Office records, visit the Boulder County Sheriff's Records page. For Clerk and Recorder election records, use the Open Records Center. For voter registration and election data, visit the Election Maps and Data webpage in Colorado.

Property Records Access

The Boulder County Clerk and Recorder maintains property records, deeds, liens, mortgages, marriage licenses, and election records. Many property records can be searched online through the Recording Division's database. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents filed with the county in Colorado.

You can search the database by name, address, or document number. The index is free to view. If you need certified copies, you must order them from the Clerk's office. Recording fees vary by document type. Standard documents cost a set fee per page. Certification adds an extra charge per document.

The Clerk and Recorder also handles marriage licenses and voter registration. Marriage records are public and can be searched at the office. Some voter data has privacy protections under state law, so not all information is available to the public in Colorado.

For CORA requests related to the Clerk and Recorder, use the Open Records Center. Staff can help you find what you need if you're not sure how to search the database. Office locations and hours are listed on the county website.

Court Records in Boulder County

Boulder County is part of the 20th Judicial District. Court records include civil cases, criminal cases, family law matters, probate files, and small claims. Most court records are public unless sealed by a judge or restricted by law in Colorado.

You can search some court records online through third-party vendors like LexisNexis Colorado Courts. These services charge fees for searches and document access. The Colorado Judicial Branch does not offer free online access to full case files. You can also visit the courthouse in person to view records at no cost. The clerk's office can help you locate a case by name or case number in Colorado.

To get copies of court documents, contact the Clerk of Court. Court fees include name searches, paper copies, and certified copies. Research time is charged at a set hourly rate after the first free hour. Processing time depends on the size and complexity of your request.

For questions about court records, call the court clerk's office or email the records request address for the 20th Judicial District. Court staff can explain what records are available and how to request them. Some records have restricted access due to privacy laws or court orders under state law in Colorado.

Sheriff Records

The Boulder County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, booking photos, and other law enforcement files. These records are governed by the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act. Some are public, while others may be withheld during active investigations or to protect victims in Colorado.

Visit the Boulder County Sheriff's Records page for information on submitting requests. You must submit your request in writing. Include as much detail as possible about the records you want, such as dates, names, case numbers, and locations. The office charges fees for research and copies based on state guidelines.

Booking information is often available through the Sheriff's website. This includes names, photos, charges, and booking dates for people currently in custody or recently released. Historical arrest records require a formal request. Response times are three days with a possible seven-day extension in Colorado.

For crime reports filed with local police departments, contact the police department directly. The Sheriff's Office only has records for incidents in unincorporated areas or cases where deputies responded. Each city police department handles its own records.

Fees and Timelines

Boulder County responds to CORA requests within three working days under state law. This timeline starts when the custodian receives your request. If the records are easy to find, you may get them sooner. If the request is large or complex, the county can extend the deadline by seven more days. You'll be notified in writing if an extension is needed in Colorado.

The first hour of research and retrieval is free. After that, the county charges $41.37 per hour. This is the current state maximum rate adjusted for inflation. Paper copies cost $0.25 per page. Electronic records sent by email are usually free. Certified copies cost extra in Colorado.

If staff determines that your request will take more than an hour or cost more than $500, you'll receive a cost estimate before they start work. For requests over $500, a 25 percent deposit is required. You can then decide whether to proceed, narrow your request, or withdraw it. Payment is required before records are released.

Some records are exempt from disclosure under state law. These include personnel files, ongoing investigations, certain medical records, attorney work product, and trade secrets. If the county denies your request, they will cite the specific exemption that applies. You can appeal a denial or file a lawsuit if you believe the denial was improper under Colorado law.

Legal Resources

The Boulder County Attorney's office can answer questions about CORA and public records law. Call 303-441-3190 or fax 303-441-4794. The office is at P.O. Box 471, Boulder, CO 80306. They can help if you have questions about the CORA process or if your request is denied in Colorado.

Legal aid organizations in Boulder County can also help if you need assistance with public records. These groups provide free or low-cost legal services to people who qualify based on income. They can advise you on your rights under CORA and may be able to help you challenge a denial.

If you believe a records request was wrongly denied, you can file a lawsuit under state law. The court can order the agency to release the records. If you win, the court may also order the agency to pay your attorney fees. Consult with a lawyer before pursuing legal action. Many attorneys offer free consultations for CORA cases in Colorado.

Cities in Boulder County

Boulder County includes several cities and towns. Each city has its own municipal government and may maintain separate records. For city-specific records, contact the city clerk or city attorney's office. For county records that cover all areas, use the county offices listed above in Colorado.

Nearby Counties

If you need records from surrounding areas, check the pages for nearby counties. Each has its own offices and procedures for public records requests in Colorado.