How do I file a public records request in Colorado?

1. Statute. Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), C.R.S. §§ 24-72-200.1 to 24-72-205.5. Criminal justice records are governed separately by the CCJRA, § 24-72-301 et seq.

2. Who Can Request. Any person—no residency requirement (§ 24-72-203(1)(a)).

3. Form of Request. Oral or written; written recommended. Must reasonably describe records.

4. Agency Response Deadline. 3 business days from receipt (§ 24-72-203(3)(b)). Custodian may extend by 7 working days for "extenuating circumstances" (volume, off-site records, ongoing public hearing); must give written notice.

5. Fees. Research and retrieval after the first hour at no more than $33.58/hour (adjusted by CPI; § 24-72-205(6)). Copy fees: not more than $0.25 per page for standard paper. Electronic transmission at actual cost. Custodian must provide a written estimate exceeding $25.

6. Exemptions. § 24-72-204: confidential by law, work product (preliminary drafts), medical records, scholastic, library, sexual harassment investigation records (limited), trade secrets, personnel files (limited), letters of reference, real estate appraisals, security info.

7. Redaction. Custodian must redact exempt portions and produce remainder (§ 24-72-203(2)).

8. Denial & Appeal. Written explanation citing the specific statutory basis required (§ 24-72-204(4)). No administrative appeal; requester may file in district court.

9. Court Action. Application for show-cause order in district court (§ 24-72-204(5)). Expedited; de novo review.

10. Penalties. Court must award costs and attorney fees to substantially prevailing requester unless agency denial was on reasonable grounds (§ 24-72-204(5)(b)). No civil fines, but knowing destruction of records is a misdemeanor.

This is legal information, not legal advice.