Washington law requires state and local agencies to make public records available to the public, the Washington State Public Records Act (“PRA”) RCW 42.56.  The City of Yakima is committed to providing full access to public records in accordance with the PRA.

The Public Records Act requires that the public records requested are for “identifiable records.” Requests for records must include a reasonable description that would allow City of Yakima employees to locate responsive records. A general question is not a public records request.

Ways To Request Public Records From the City of Yakima:

• Records request portal: https://records.yakimawa.gov/
  • choose the “Make Request” option near the right side of the page.
• Mail to: City Clerk’s Office, 129 N. 2nd Street, Yakima, WA 98901 Request Form
• In-Person: City Clerk’s Office, 129 N. 2nd Street, Yakima, WA 98901
  • Business hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. YMC 1.09.010.
  • Excluding City of Yakima recognized holidays. YMC 2.40.080.
• Phone: (509) 575-6037
  • 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. YMC 1.09.010. Excluding City of Yakima recognized holidays. YMC 2.40.080.

All records requests received, regardless of format, will be entered into the records request portal for response.

Other Information:

• City of Yakima Public Records Act Procedures

Washington State Office of the Attorney General

• Information guide on Obtaining Public Records

Additional Links:

• City Council meeting minutes
• City of Yakima Municipal Code
• Records Retention Schedules
• Birth & Death Records (Yakima County)
• Marriage Licenses (Yakima County)

Additional Public Disclosure Resources:

• Washington Coalition for Open Government
• Open Meetings Act Information and Resources
• Washington State Auditor’s Office
• Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington