Public Records FAQs
In compliance with the California Public Records Act, the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) provides the community with the opportunity to review and copy public records generated and retained by SDHC.
Q. How do I make a Public Records Inquiry to SDHC?
A. The SDHC Public Records Request Portal is SDHC’s preferred method for the public to request records from SDHC. This portal allows users to track the progress of their request, receive responsive documents, and communicate with SDHC’s Public Records Requests staff.
Q. What constitutes a public record?
A. Pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), State of California Government Code Section 7920.530 (a), public records, “includes any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public’s business prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics.” California Government Code Section 7920.545 defines “writing” as “any handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostating, photographing, photocopying, transmitting by electronic mail or facsimile, and every other means of recording upon any tangible thing any form of communication or representation, including letters, words, pictures, sounds, or symbols, or combinations thereof, and any record thereby created, regardless of the manner in which the record has been stored.”
The CPRA does not require public agencies to create a new document if it does not already exist.
In addition, pursuant to federal and state laws, SDHC cannot disclose information about specific individuals without the prior written consent of the individual to whom the record pertains.
Q. Is the San Diego Housing Commission a department of the City of San Diego?
A. No, the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) is not a department of the City of San Diego, and SDHC employees are not City employees. SDHC is not the custodian of records for the City of San Diego. To request records from the City of San Diego, please visit https://sandiego.nextrequest.com/.
Q. Is the San Diego Housing Commission a department of the County of San Diego?
A. No, the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) is the public housing agency for the City of San Diego. The County of San Diego Housing and Community Development Services Department administers housing assistance programs for the County of San Diego. For more information, visit https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/sdhcd/.
Q. When can I expect a response to my public records request?
A. SDHC responds to all requests in accordance with the California Public Records Act, which requires an initial response within 10 calendar days and allows for extensions in certain circumstances for an additional 14 calendar days.
When a public records request is submitted after hours, or on a weekend or holiday, it is considered received on the next business day. This includes requests that are made when SDHC’s offices are closed on alternating Fridays, according to the agency’s posted schedule.
In addition, when the 10th day to respond to a request pursuant to the California Public Records Act falls on a day when SDHC’s offices are closed, based on the agency’s posted schedule, SDHC will respond to the inquiry on the next business day.
Q. Can I request my personal records from SDHC?
A. Yes. However, pursuant to federal law, 5 USC 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 record pertains.
To verify the identity of individuals who request personal records, SDHC asks for a notarized, signed authorization from the persons whose records are being requested before releasing documents.
Q. What are SDHC’s fees for postage and reproduction of records?
A. There is no charge for production of records that are provided electronically through SDHC’s Public Records Request Portal. If printed copies are requested, single-sided pages are 15 cents per page; double-sided are 25 cents per page.
Q. What are the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for using Next Request?
A. You can review the NextRequest Privacy Policy by clicking here, or by clicking the “Privacy” link in the bottom footer menu. The Terms of Service can be found by clicking here or on the “Terms” link in the
Q. Who can I contact for more information?
A. Please contact SDHC’s Communications and Government Relations Division by email at PublicRecordsRequest@sdhc.org or by phone at (619) 578-7550.