How to File a Public Records Request in Revere, Massachusetts

What Is the Massachusetts Public Records Law?

The Massachusetts Public Records Law, codified at M.G.L. Chapter 66, § 10 (with the definition of 'public record' at M.G.L. c. 4, § 7, cl. 26), guarantees every person the right to inspect and obtain copies of records made or received by state agencies and municipalities. The law applies to the City of Revere and all its departments.

A 'public record' is broadly defined to include all books, papers, maps, photographs, recorded tapes, financial statements, statistical tabulations, or other documentary materials, regardless of physical form, made or received by any city officer or employee. This encompasses meeting minutes, contracts, permits, budgets, emails, inspection reports, and more.

The law contains a list of exemptions at M.G.L. c. 4, § 7, cl. 26(a)–(v). Common exemptions include personnel records whose disclosure would invade personal privacy, certain law enforcement investigatory materials, attorney-client privileged communications, and records whose release would jeopardize public safety. However, exemptions are interpreted narrowly. If a Records Access Officer claims an exemption, the burden falls entirely on the city to prove, with specificity, why the exemption applies — not on you to justify your request.

Read the full text of the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, § 10 (procedures); M.G.L. Chapter 4, § 7, Clause 26 (definition of public records); M.G.L. Chapter 66, § 10A (enforcement and appeals))

How to File a Public Records Request with the City of Revere

How to Submit Your Request

Under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, no specific form is required to submit a public records request to the City of Revere. You may send a written request by email to [email protected], by mail to the City Clerk's Office at 281 Broadway, Revere, MA 02151, or in person at City Hall during regular office hours. Email is generally the fastest method and creates a time-stamped record useful for any potential appeal. Although oral requests are technically permitted under state law, a written request is strongly recommended — it ensures clarity about what you are seeking and is required if you later need to appeal a denial or non-response to the Supervisor of Public Records. Note that if you need records from the Revere Police Department, Building Department, Health Department, or Revere Public Schools, those departments have their own designated Records Access Officers and should be contacted separately.

What to Include in Your Request

• Your full name and mailing or email address for the response
• A clear, specific description of the records you are seeking (date ranges, document types, department)
• Your preferred format for receiving the records (electronic PDF, paper copies, inspection in person)
• A fee threshold — request notification if costs will exceed a specific dollar amount (e.g., $10)
• A citation to the Massachusetts Public Records Law: 'This is a request under M.G.L. Chapter 66, § 10'
• The subject line or Re: line should clearly read 'Massachusetts Public Records Request'
• Contact information (phone or email) so the RAO can reach you with clarifying questions

Response Deadlines and What to Expect

Under M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a), the City of Revere's Records Access Officer must respond to your public records request within 10 business days of receipt. Unlike some other states, Massachusetts does not distinguish between residents and non-residents — the same 10-business-day deadline applies to everyone.

A 'response' within that window may take one of three forms: providing the requested records, providing a written fee estimate with a reasonable timeline for production, or denying access with a written explanation citing the applicable statutory exemption(s). 'Business days' means Monday through Friday, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and Massachusetts legal holidays.

If the magnitude or complexity of the request prevents compliance within 10 business days, the RAO must still notify you in writing within that deadline explaining the delay and identifying a reasonable production timeline. For municipalities, the Supervisor of Public Records may grant a single extension of up to 30 additional business days upon a showing of good cause by the RAO under M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(b).

Importantly, if the City fails to respond within 10 business days, it loses the right to charge you any fees for that request, per M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(e). For paper copies, the City may charge $0.05 per page. For requests requiring more than two hours of staff time, it may charge up to $25 per hour for the lowest-paid qualified employee. Contact the City Clerk's Office directly for the current fee schedule.

What to Do If Your Request Is Denied or Delayed

Receiving a denial or no response at all can be frustrating, but Massachusetts law provides clear, accessible remedies. Here is what to know and what to do.

Common reasons for denial include: the records are claimed to fall under a statutory exemption (such as personnel privacy under M.G.L. c. 4, § 7, cl. 26(c), law enforcement investigatory materials, or attorney-client privilege); the records don't exist; or the request is deemed too vague. A valid denial must identify the specific exemption in writing and explain why it applies to each withheld record — a blanket refusal without legal grounding is not compliant.

If the City fails to respond within 10 business days, or if you receive a denial you believe is improper, you have two primary avenues for appeal. First, you may appeal to the Supervisor of Public Records within the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. To do so, submit a copy of your original written request, along with any correspondence from the city, within 90 days of the denial or non-response. The Supervisor will issue a determination within 10 business days and may order the city to comply.

Second, you may file a civil action in Massachusetts Superior Court under M.G.L. c. 66, § 10A(c). In court, the burden is on the City of Revere to prove with specificity that any exemption applies. If you prevail, the Superior Court may award you reasonable attorney fees and costs under M.G.L. c. 66, § 10A(d) — unless the city can show it relied in good faith on published appellate court decisions, among other specific exceptions.

Steps to Appeal

1. Contact the City Clerk's Office informally to inquire about the status of your request and clarify any ambiguities — sometimes a delay is administrative rather than intentional.
2. If you receive a written denial, review the specific exemption(s) cited. Research whether the exemption is applicable and whether any non-exempt portions of the record must still be provided (partial disclosure is required under Massachusetts law).
3. Submit a written appeal to the Supervisor of Public Records, Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108 (email: [email protected]). Include your original request and all correspondence from the city. This must be filed within 90 days of the denial or non-response.
4. The Supervisor will issue a written determination within 10 business days under M.G.L. c. 66, § 10A(a). If the Supervisor rules in your favor, the City of Revere is ordered to comply.
5. If the City refuses to comply with the Supervisor's order, the Supervisor may refer the matter to the Massachusetts Attorney General or the appropriate District Attorney for enforcement under M.G.L. c. 66, § 10A(b).
6. File a civil action in Massachusetts Superior Court under M.G.L. c. 66, § 10A(c). You may do this instead of or after the Supervisor appeal. In any court proceeding, records are presumed public and the burden is on the City to justify withholding.
7. If you prevail in Superior Court, seek an award of attorney fees and costs under M.G.L. c. 66, § 10A(d). The court may award fees unless the city relied on published appellate precedent, the request was frivolous or intended to harass, or the Supervisor found no violation of the law.

Types of Records You Can Request from Revere, Massachusetts

The City of Revere produces and maintains a wide range of public records through its various departments. The following are among the most commonly requested categories of municipal records.

• City Council meeting minutes, agendas, and voted ordinances
• Mayor's office correspondence and executive communications
• Building permits, inspection reports, and certificates of occupancy
• Zoning Board of Appeals decisions and variance applications
• Planning Board subdivision plans and site plan review documents
• City contracts, vendor agreements, and procurement records
• Municipal budget documents, financial statements, and audits
• Public Works project records, road maintenance contracts, and infrastructure plans
• City employee salary data and compensation records (generally public under Massachusetts law)
• Police Department incident reports and accident reports (via Revere Police Department RAO)
• Fire Department response records and fire inspection reports
• Health Department inspection records and enforcement actions
• Property assessment records and tax abatement applications
• Election records, campaign finance filings, and voter registration data
• Settlement agreements and litigation records involving the City of Revere

If you're unsure whether a specific document is a public record, file the request anyway. The burden is on the City of Revere to justify withholding — not on you to pre-determine what's available.

Tips for Effective Public Records Requests in Revere