Public Records

We're committed to transparency and making sure community members, news media, and other organizations can access public records. The Clerk’s Office coordinates requests for public records in accordance with North Carolina public records laws (NCGS § 132). If you have questions, contact us at 919-968-2743 or email allclerk@townofchapelhill.org.

Requesting Public Records

Please complete our form to request public records. You can also search previous public records requests.

Public Records Available Online

Many public records are already available online. Before you submit a request, check to see if the record you're looking for is available here:

Mayor & Council Records

Town Council and advisory board meeting agendas, minutes, and videos are available here. Emails sent to mayorandcouncil@townofchapelhill.org are available here.

Police Crash, Incident, and Arrest Reports

Many Police Department records are available here. If you have questions, please contact the Police Department's Records Unit at 919-968-2760.

Note: In North Carolina, body and dash camera videos aren't public record per N.C. G.S. 132-1.4. A court order signed by a judge is required for their release. Anyone who is seen in footage can view that portion(s) of the footage in person at the Police Department - or assign a representative to do so.

 

Residential Permits

All residential permits are available here. These include: sub-permits for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work. 

Open Data Portal

Our open data portal is available here. This includes data related to housing, safety, public finance, and more.

 

Fees for Records

Most records requests will be filled via email at no cost. Additional fees related to staff time and material may apply depending on the scope of the request. If this is the case, you will be notified ahead of time. You can request personal copies of records at a cost of  $0.18 per page (black & white) and $0.24 per page (color).

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a copy of a divorce decree?

If your divorce was processed in Orange County, you may obtain a copy from the Orange County Clerk of Court's Office, located in the Orange County Courthouse. Please contact them at (919) 644-4500 with any questions.

How can I get a copy of a birth certificate?

The Register of Deeds office is the official steward of birth records for Orange County. For more information, please visit Orange County's Birth and Death Certificates page or contact the Register of Deeds at (919) 245-2675.

How do I find a copy of a Certificate of Occupancy?

You may obtain a copy of a certificate of occupancy by contacting our Building Inspections Division at 919-968-2718.

How do I obtain a copy of a permit?

The Town of Chapel Hill Online Permitting Services allows you to search permit and planning project data online.

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