Pursuant to §36-12-40, Code of Alabama, 1975, “Every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute.” This makes public records available to Alabama citizens, subject to exceptions specified by law. These exceptions generally prevent the disclosure of privileged or otherwise protected information and communications, including that which could potentially compromise the security of state facilities, systems or software. (https://www.sos.alabama.gov/public-records-request).  In January, 2023, Gov. Kay Ivey published Executive Order No. 734 which established a policy for state government entities to process public records.  Click here for a copy of Executive Order 734.

Ordinance Number 3179 (click for a copy), adopted and approved by the Vestavia Hills City Council, established a public record policy for the City of Vestavia Hills. Please review this Ordinance carefully to ascertain what is available as a public record and the cost, if any, of obtaining that record. If you have any questions, please contact the City Clerk at rleavings@vhal.org. Please be specific and as detailed as possible to identify the records you are requesting including, but not limited to, date, time, department and reason for each request. This information is vital in processing your request.

Submitting a Request: Those wishing to obtain copies of public records must complete a Public Record Request Form available online at https://vestaviahillsal.portal.opengov.com/categories/1085/record-types/6495.  Those who do not wish to utilize the online portal may completed this request for public records (please click for form) and return it to rleavings@vhal.org or mail/hand deliver to the Office of the City Clerk, City of Vestavia Hills, 1032 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL  35216.  Physical copies and/or a time intensive request may result in reasonable fees.  An estimate of these fees will be quoted prior to processing the request and must be approved by the requestor.  A deposit may be required and full payment is due prior to delivery of records.  The City will attempt to provide electronic records in the format desired, however, software platforms may limit the formatting so the desired formatting may not be available for certain records.  Further, the State of Alabama Records Disposition Schedule determines the retention of public records, so some older information may or may not be available.

Questions: If you have any questions, contact Vestavia Hills City Clerk Rebecca Leavings at rleavings@vhal.org. Please be specific and as detailed as possible in your inquiry including, but not limited to, date, time, department and reason for each request. This information is vital in processing your request.

NOTICE TO NEWS MEDIA: Media representatives, including those with a deadline, should contact City Clerk Rebecca Leavings at rleavings@vhal.org or call 205.978.0131 for assistance. Accommodation of a deadline schedule will be attempted to the extent that current workload will permit. Fees and requirements for public records related to a media inquiry are not waived.

EXCEPTIONS:  Accident, incident, police reports are not availble through this portal.  Please contact the VHPD for that information.  Information relative to the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest should be obtained from the Library itself.