athens clarke county public records: how to find and request them

Overview

Athens-Clarke County, Georgia maintains a wide range of public records that document local government actions, property, courts, and public safety. Most materials are accessible under the Georgia Open Records Act, with limited exemptions for privacy and security.

What you can locate

Depending on your needs, different offices manage different files. Knowing the right custodian saves time and fees.

• Property and land: deeds, plats, liens from the Clerk of Superior Court.
• Court dockets: Superior, State, Magistrate, and Probate Court case records.
• Permits and zoning: planning, code enforcement, and building inspections.
• Public safety: police incident reports and accident reports.
• Vital records: birth and death certificates via the county health department or state DPH.

How to request

You may submit requests online, by email, mail, or in person; describe records with dates, names, and file types to narrow the search. Agencies generally acknowledge within three business days and may charge copying or research costs before release.

Practical tips

Check online portals first-many indexes are searchable at no cost. For certified copies, ask for certified in your request. Redactions are common for Social Security numbers, juvenile data, and active investigations.