Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Henrico County has made numerous records and data available on the web. Browse the following sites to see if the information you need is already available online:

Our Henrico Way – Transparency Portal

  • Access information such as projects, public meetings, and purchasing information

Public Data Portal

  • Access information such as permit reports, financial records, and Census data

About Freedom of Information Act

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) — located in § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia — guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth and representatives of the media access to public records held by public bodies, public officials, and public employees.

A public record is any writing or recording — regardless of whether it is a paper record, an electronic file, an audio or video recording, or any other format — that is prepared or owned by, or in the possession of a public body or its officers, employees or agents in the transaction of public business. All public records are presumed to be open, and may only be withheld if a specific, statutory exemption applies.

The policy of FOIA states the purpose of FOIA is to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities. In furthering this policy, FOIA requires the law be interpreted liberally, in favor of access, and that any exemption allowing public records to be withheld must be interpreted narrowly.

Your FOIA rights

  • You have the right to request to inspect or receive copies of public records, or both.
  • You have the right to request that any charges for the requested records be estimated in advance.
  • If you believe that your FOIA rights have been violated, you may file a petition in district or circuit court to compel compliance with FOIA.
 
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