The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), located at § 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.

For detailed info about public records maintained by the City of Staunton, FOIA exemptions, and how we process requests, view our FAQs.

• Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council's Best Practices for Making Requests of Public Records

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.  Alternatively, you may contact the FOIA Council for a nonbinding advisory opinion.

FOIA Officers

The City has designated FOIA officers and staff to process requests for public records. Please contact one of the following with your request:

Birth & Death Records

The City of Staunton's FOIA officers cannot provide birth and death records. The Division of Vital Records at the Virginia Department of Health maintains birth and death records from 1912 to present. Please contact a representative of the Division of Vital Records by calling 804.662.6200 or visit their website to obtain such records.

Building & Property Inspection Records

Building permits, building inspections, building and zoning code violations, certificates of occupancy and site plans.

Community Development Department
Jay Lancaster
P.O. Box 58
Staunton, VA 24402
540.332.3862
Email: lancasterjd@ci.staunton.va.us

Fire Department Records

Fire investigation reports, fire code violations, and hazardous substance storage.  

Staunton Fire & Rescue
Adam Dolan
P.O. Box 58
Staunton, VA 24402
540.332.3720
Email:  dolanja@ci.staunton.va.us

Marriage & Land Records

Marriage and divorce records, land recordings, deeds and estate information.

Clerk of the Circuit Court
Staci Falls
113 E. Beverley St.
Staunton, VA 24401
540.332.3874
Email: circuitcourtclerk@ci.staunton.va.us

Police Records

Please send requests to:

Staunton Police Department
Captain Chad Kauffman
P.O. Box 58
Staunton, VA 24402
540.332.3845
Email: SPDFOIA@ci.staunton.va.us

Tax & Business Records

Business license information and tax records.

Commissioner of Revenue's Office
Maggie Ragon, Commissioner of Revenue
P.O. Box 4
Staunton, VA 24402
540.332.3839
Email: ragonma@ci.staunton.va.us

Treasurer's Office
Rick Johnson, Treasurer
P.O. Box 474
Staunton, VA 24402
540.332.3833
Email: johnsonrr@ci.staunton.va.us

General Records Requests

All other requests for the City's public records can be sent to:

Robin Wallace, FOIA Officer
P.O. Box 58
Staunton, VA 24402
540.332.3915
Email: wallacers@ci.staunton.va.us

Other Records Requests

Commonwealth's Attorney
John Baber, Commonwealth's Attorney
21 N. New Street
Staunton, VA 24401
540.332.3976
Contact email: chapmankm@ci.staunton.va.us

City Sheriff
Chris Hartless, City Sheriff
113 E. Beverley Street
Staunton, VA 24401
540.332.3880
Email: hartlesscm@ci.staunton.va.us

Questions?

Virginia’s Freedom of Information Advisory Council is available to answer any questions you may have about FOIA.  The Council may be contacted by e-mail at foiacouncil@dls.virginia.gov, or at 804.225.3056 or 1.866.448.4100.

You may provide feedback to the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council regarding the quality of assistance provided to you related to your request for public records from the City using the Advisory Council’s Public Comment Form.