- City Government
- Public Information Request
Public Information Request
The City of Rockville provides access to public records in accordance with Maryland’s Public Information Act (MPIA). The City Manager is the city’s official custodian of records (“Custodian of Records”) for MPIA requests. Requests for information under the MPIA require production of existing public records under the control of the city. The MPIA does not require the city to compile information from existing records or create new records in response to requests.
Note that some public records are available upon request without a formal MPIA request. Click the button below to determine whether the record you are seeking can be requested directly from the appropriate department without submitting an MPIA request.
In the event the record is available on the website, department staff will direct the requester to the website for the information requested. Police records are available when the investigation is complete. Historical records may or may not be available for immediate inspection. If they are not immediately available, staff will provide the records as soon as possible. Please note that a reasonable time will be needed to provide the information.
Written Requests
If you prefer to make a written request, complete the Maryland Public Information Act Request Form. Your request should sufficiently identify the records that you are seeking including a clearly identified subject matter, specific dates or ranges of dates of documents requested, and names or titles of individuals who may have documents responsive to your request, if known, so that responsive documents can be more readily retrieved.
Send Requests To:
Mary Grace Sabol
MPIA Coordinator
240-314-8130 (Fax)
mpia@rockvillemd.gov
City Manager’s Office
111 Maryland Ave.
Rockville, MD 20850
Time Limits
The city will respond to your request within a reasonable period, but not more than 30 days after receipt of the application. City staff will contact you if additional information is required and provide the estimated charge for your request, if applicable. In the event the time to produce the public record is estimated to be more than 10 working days, the city will contact you in writing or by electronic mail with the amount of time the city anticipates it will take to produce the public record; an estimate of the range of fees that may be charged and the reason for the delay. A response may include copies of the records requested or notification that records are available for your review. If the city needs additional time due to the nature of the request, city staff will contact you to discuss an extension of time. If the city is not the appropriate custodian of records, staff will notify you within 10 calendar days of receipt of the request.
Fees
Processing Fee
The first two hours of staff time for search and review are free. After the first two hours, review costs for staff and attorney time shall be prorated based on each individual salary and the actual time attributable to the search and preparation of the public record.
Copying Fee
The first 40 pages of black and white, single-sided copies of documents requested are free. Additional copies will be charged a fee for materials.
| Material Description | Fee |
|---|---|
| Black and white print: 8.5 x 11 inch | $.20 per side |
| Black and white print: 8.5 x 14 inch | $.25 per side |
| Black and white print: 11 x 17 per side | $.30 per side |
| Color print: 8.5 x 11 per side | $1 per page |
| Color print: 8.5 x 14 per side | $1.50 per page |
| Color print: 11 x 17 per side | $2 per page |
| Black and white plats: 24 x 24 inch | $3 per page |
| Black and white plans: 24 x 36 inch | $4.50 per page |
| Black and white plans: 36 x 48 inch | $9 per page |
| Plans | $.75 per square foot |
| Aerial print: 24 x 36 or larger | $10 per page |
| Digital Files: CD | $5 per disc |
| Thumb drive | $10 |
Deposit
For requests with an estimated initial cost of $300 or more, the city will require a 50 percent deposit due five days after the estimate is provided. No records will be released until all required fees are paid.
Waiver of Fees
A waiver of fees may be requested in writing to the Custodian of Records. The Custodian of Records may waive a fee if, after the ability of the applicant to pay the fee and other relevant factors have been considered, the Custodian of Records makes the determination that the waiver would be in the public interest.