Town of Hilton Head Island Municipal Government Website

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Freedom of Information Act

South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) makes records and meetings of public bodies open and available to citizens, with some exceptions. View SC Code of Laws §30-4-10

Records Available Online


How do I make a FOIA Request?

To submit, track and/or search public records requests use the Town's online Public Records Request Portal.

You have three options when submitting an online request:

  1. Public Information Request
    General requests for public records, not including building records requests.

  2. Building Records Request
    Requests for building permits, building and site plans, and flood elevation certificates.

  3. Fire Rescue Public Information Request
    Requests for fire incident reports and EMS-related information.

How long will it take to get a response?

The Town has 10 business days, excluding weekends and observed holidays, to determine and respond if the information requested is publicly available under FOIA, unless the requested record is more than 24 months old, in which case the deadline is 20 business days.

How long will it take to get the records?

  • The Town has 30 calendar days from the date we respond that the request will be fullfilled to produce the requested records.
  • When a deposit is required per the fee schedule below, the town must produce the records within 30 days of receiving the deposit.
  • The deadline is 35 days for records that are more than two years old.

Fees

Per SC law, a public body may charge for searching, retrieving, redacting and copying records.

  • Research/copy time 15 minutes or less - no charge.
  • The hourly rate for research time is based on the salary grade of the employee performing the research:
    • Salary Grades 13-18 = $22 per hour
    • Salary Grades 19-23 = $35 per hour
    • Salary Grades 24 and above = $51 per hour
  • Copies: 10 cents per page
    *Note: If no fee is required for research/copy time (15 minutes or less), copy costs may still apply.
  • If costs for searching, retrieving, redacting and copying records exceed $50, a 25% deposit will be required before staff begins research.

Questions?

Contact our Administration Manager, Faidra Smith at FaidraS@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or 843-341-4640.