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Summit County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Summit County?

Public records in Summit County, Ohio are defined according to the Ohio Public Records Act § 149.43, which states that public records include "any record that is kept by any public office" that documents the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the office. These records are maintained by various county departments and are generally accessible to the public upon request.

Summit County maintains a comprehensive collection of public records including:

  • Court Records: Civil, criminal, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile court cases are maintained by the Summit County Clerk of Courts. These include case filings, judgments, and court proceedings.
  • Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property transfers are recorded and maintained by the Summit County Fiscal Office.
  • Vital Records: Birth and death certificates from 1908 to present are available through the Summit County Public Health Department. Marriage licenses (1840-present) and divorce records are maintained by the Probate Court and Clerk of Courts, respectively.
  • Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and vendor registrations are available through various county departments including the Fiscal Office and Development Department.
  • Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax payment histories are maintained by the Summit County Fiscal Office.
  • Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results are available through the Summit County Board of Elections.
  • Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of County Council meetings, board proceedings, and commission hearings are maintained by the Clerk of Council.
  • Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements are available through the Summit County Executive's Office.
  • Law Enforcement Records: Certain police reports, arrest logs, and incident reports are maintained by the Summit County Sheriff's Office.
  • Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and land use plans are available through the Summit County Department of Building Standards.

Each record type is maintained by the corresponding county department, with the County Executive's Office providing oversight for the county's public records policy.

Is Summit County an Open Records County?

Summit County fully complies with the Ohio Public Records Act § 149.43, which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under this statute, all records kept by any public office are presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by law.

The Ohio Public Records Act states that "upon request and subject to division (B)(8) of this section, all public records responsive to the request shall be promptly prepared and made available for inspection to any person at all reasonable times during regular business hours." This provision ensures that Summit County residents and non-residents alike have legal access to public information.

Summit County has adopted a comprehensive public records policy in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(E)(1), which requires all public offices to adopt such a policy. The county's policy outlines procedures for requesting records, timeframes for responses, and fee structures for copies.

The county also adheres to Ohio's Open Meetings Law, codified in Ohio Revised Code § 121.22, often referred to as the "Sunshine Law." This statute requires public bodies to conduct their meetings in open session, with proper notice to the public, ensuring transparency in government operations.

Summit County's commitment to open records is further demonstrated through its online portals and digital access systems, which allow for remote access to many public records. The Summit County Executive's Office oversees compliance with these open records laws across all county departments.

How to Find Public Records in Summit County in 2026

Members of the public seeking access to Summit County records may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need. The county provides multiple avenues for record retrieval:

  1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's digital portals:

  2. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to inspect records:

    • Identify the department that maintains the desired records
    • Visit during public counter hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
    • Complete any required request forms at the counter
    • Present identification if required for specific record types

  3. Written Requests: Submit a formal public records request:

    • Address the request to the specific department holding the records
    • Clearly describe the records sought with sufficient detail
    • Provide contact information for response
    • Submit via mail, email, or fax to the appropriate department

  4. Public Records Request Form: The county provides a standardized public records request form available on the County Executive's website.

  5. Specialized Searches:

Pursuant to Ohio law, the county must respond to all public records requests within a reasonable period. While no specific timeframe is mandated, requests are typically processed within 3-10 business days, depending on the complexity and volume of records requested.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Summit County?

Summit County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), which permits public offices to charge "the actual cost of making copies." The current fee structure for public records in Summit County is as follows:

  • Standard Paper Copies: $0.05 per page for black and white copies (8.5" x 11")
  • Large Format Copies: $2.00-$5.00 per page for oversized documents, maps, and plats
  • Digital Copies:
    • $1.00 per CD/DVD if records are provided on physical media
    • No charge for records emailed or made available for download
  • Certified Copies:
    • Court documents: $1.00 per certification plus copy costs
    • Vital records: $25.00 for first certified copy, $10.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously
  • Specialized Records:
    • Recorded documents (deeds, mortgages): $2.00 per page
    • Marriage licenses: $2.00 per certified copy
    • Background checks: $25.00 per name search

Payment methods accepted by most Summit County offices include:

  • Cash (in-person only)
  • Personal checks
  • Money orders
  • Credit/debit cards (subject to processing fees at some departments)

It is important to note that pursuant to Ohio law, requestors cannot be charged for:

  • Staff time spent searching for records
  • Staff time spent reviewing records for exempt material
  • Redaction of exempt information
  • Inspection of records without receiving copies

The Summit County Fiscal Office, Clerk of Courts, and other departments may have specific fee schedules for specialized records. These fees are subject to change based on county policy updates and should be verified with the specific department prior to making a request.

Does Summit County Have Free Public Records?

Summit County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with Ohio law. Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, all public records must be available for inspection at no cost during regular business hours. The following free options are available to the public:

  • In-Person Inspection: Any member of the public may inspect public records at no charge by visiting the appropriate county office during regular business hours. No appointment is necessary for general record inspection, though some specialized records may require scheduling.

  • Online Access: Summit County offers free online access to numerous public records through various department websites:

  • Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at various county offices for public use in searching electronic records at no charge, including:

    • Summit County Law Library
    • Summit County Clerk of Courts Office
    • Summit County Public Libraries

  • Emailed Records: When records exist in electronic format and are not voluminous, many departments will email requested records at no charge.

While inspection and certain online searches are free, fees may still apply for copies, certified documents, or specialized searches as detailed in the previous section. Additionally, some enhanced online search features or bulk data downloads may require subscription fees or special arrangements with the relevant department.

Who Can Request Public Records in Summit County?

Under Ohio's Public Records Act § 149.43(B)(1), "any person" may request public records from Summit County offices. This broad eligibility extends to:

  • Ohio residents
  • Non-Ohio residents
  • Foreign nationals
  • Corporations, associations, and organizations
  • Media representatives
  • Attorneys and legal representatives
  • Incarcerated individuals (with certain limitations)

The following provisions apply to public records requests in Summit County:

  • Identification Requirements: For most general public records, requestors are not required to:
    • Provide identification
    • Disclose their identity
    • State the purpose of their request
    • Put their request in writing

However, certain record types do require identification and verification of eligibility:

  • Vital Records: Birth and death certificates require identification of the requestor and proof of eligibility (immediate family relationship or legal interest)
  • Law Enforcement Records: Some police reports may require identification if they contain sensitive information
  • Juvenile Records: Access is restricted to parties to the case, parents/guardians, and authorized representatives
  • Medical Records: Protected by HIPAA and require proper authorization

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(5), public offices may ask for the requestor's identity, the intended use of the information, or require that the request be in writing, but only after disclosing that:

  • The requestor may decline to provide the information
  • Providing such information is not mandatory
  • The office may tailor the response based on information provided

Incarcerated persons face additional restrictions under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(8), which limits their right to public records if the sentencing court finds that the request was made for an improper purpose.

What Records Are Confidential in Summit County?

Summit County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), which defines specific categories of records exempt from public disclosure. These exemptions include:

  • Personal Identifying Information:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Driver's license numbers
    • Financial account information
    • Personal telephone numbers of peace officers, firefighters, and EMTs

  • Juvenile Records: Court proceedings involving minors are generally confidential under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.14, with limited exceptions for serious offenses.

  • Medical Records: Health information protected under HIPAA and Ohio law, including:

    • Patient treatment records
    • Mental health evaluations
    • Substance abuse treatment records
    • Public employee medical records

  • Law Enforcement Investigatory Records:

    • Ongoing investigation materials
    • Confidential law enforcement techniques
    • Information that would endanger witnesses
    • Uncharged suspect information

  • Attorney-Client Privileged Communications: Legal advice and communications between county officials and their attorneys.

  • Trial Preparation Records: Materials prepared in anticipation of litigation.

  • Infrastructure and Security Records:

    • Building security systems
    • Emergency response protocols
    • Computer network security information
    • Critical infrastructure details

  • Economic Development Records: Certain information related to ongoing economic development negotiations.

  • Sealed and Expunged Records: Court records that have been officially sealed or expunged by judicial order.

  • Adoption Records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are confidential under Ohio Revised Code § 3107.17.

  • Child Welfare Records: Information regarding child abuse investigations and children in protective custody.

  • Grand Jury Proceedings: Testimony and evidence presented to grand juries remains confidential.

  • Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information submitted to county agencies.

When a record contains both public and exempt information, Summit County will redact the exempt information and provide the remainder of the record, as required by Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1). The county must cite the specific legal authority for any denial or redaction of records.

Summit County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Summit County Fiscal Office - Recording Division
175 S. Main Street, 4th Floor
Akron, OH 44308
(330) 643-2718
Summit County Fiscal Office

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Services Provided:

  • Recording of deeds, mortgages, and liens
  • Property transfer documentation
  • Veteran discharge recording
  • Notary public commissions
  • Commercial Code (UCC) filings
  • Plat map recording and copies
  • Historical property records research

Additional Contact Information:

Summit County Clerk of Courts
Summit County Courthouse
209 S. High Street
Akron, OH 44308
(330) 643-2212
Summit County Clerk of Courts

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Summit County Probate Court
Summit County Courthouse
209 S. High Street, Room 215
Akron, OH 44308
(330) 643-2350
Summit County Probate Court

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Lookup Public Records in Summit County

Summit County Clerk of Courts

County of Summit, Ohio Executive Office

Summit County Court Records Search

Summit County Fiscal Office Recorded Documents

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