Regulations, Policies and Procedures
The management of public records and information in King County is governed by various laws, regulations and policies at all levels of government. This page describes some of the most relevant regulations that affect King County agencies.
County Code
Maintenance of Permanent Records (Chapter 2.12)
Public Access to Electronic Records and Information (Chapter 2.14)
County Policies
Records Management Policies
Management of King County Public Records INF-15-4-1-EP
Records Management Compliance for Onboarding, Transferring, and Exiting Employees INF-15-5-1-EP
Annexation Records Management INF-15-7-EP
Related Policies
Using Electronic Signatures INF-14-3-EP
Public Records Act Compliance INF-17-4-1-EP
Legal Hold Procedures for Records and Other Documents LGL 15-1-1-EP
State Law
Preservation of Electronic Public Records - Digital WAC Ch. 434-662 WAC (external link)
Imaging Systems, Standards for Accuracy and Durability (external link) Ch. 434-663 WAC
Security Microfilm - (external link) Ch. 434-677 WAC
Preservation and Destruction of Public Records (external link) RCW 40.14
Definition and Classification of Public Records (external link) RCW 40.14.010
Destruction, Disposition of Official Public Records or Office Files and Memoranda - Records Retention Schedules (external link) RCW 40.14.060
Public Records Act (external link) RCW 42.56
Public Records Act for Washington Cities and Counties (external link - PDF)
Federal Law
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (external link)
Code of Federal Regulations (external link)
Looking for Records?
King County Archives - historical county records
Recorder's Office - recorded documents
Vital Statistics - birth and death records
Find Public Records - various county records
Public Records Program - submit a public disclosure request