FAQs

  • Please indicate if your request is commercial or being submitted by a representative of the media
  • The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a state law providing citizens with access to public records. Public records are documents produced by the Kane County and not requests for information that are not in the form of a record or document.
  • The information you are seeking may not require a FOIA request as it may already be accessible on Kane County's website, or by contacting the department directly. Access our Document Library to view records that are available without a FOIA request.
  • Remember, the Freedom of Information Act is designed to allow you to inspect or receive copies of public records. If you have a question for a representative of Kane County, a FOIA request is not required. Please submit your questions to the appropriate County department or Elected official's office.
  • All written requests shall be responded to within five (5) working days (5 ILCS/140/3) following the date the request is received, except in the instance when the request is for commercial purposes (within 21 working days). The five day count begins the day after receipt of the request. The requestor will be notified of a five day extension (working days) if the files are voluminous, at different locations, or if other reasons make it impossible to assemble and mail the request out within the normal five day period.
  • For black and white, letter or legal sized copies, the first 50 pages are free, unless a different fee is otherwise fixed by statute. Any additional pages beyond 50 will be charged at .15 cents per copy. Color and oversized copies will be charged the actual cost of copying.
  • You are permitted to request a waiver of copying fees associated with this request. Please include a specific explanation as to why your request for information is in the public interest (not simply your personal interest) and merits a fee waiver.
  • For more information regarding the Freedom of Information Act, please visit the Illinois Attorney General’s website.
  • Many offices for elected officials have their own unique FOIA process. Please contact the proper office for your request to minimize any delays in receiving the information in your request.