Open Records Frequently Asked Questions
Have Questions about Open Records Requests?
Search for any of the Colorado Revised Statutes cited here via LexisNexis.
Please provide a factual explanation of the information you are requesting, as appropriate, such as:
- Highway/Roadway name
- Mile markers
- Intersection, names of intersecting roadways
- City and county
- Time frame (i.e. from 3/20 thru 5/21)
- Direction (i.e. eastbound)
- Project Number (include the five-digit sub-account)
- Any other pertinent information necessary in order to locate area/documents you are requesting
C.R.S. §24-72-203 requires making the documents available within three working days, or additional working days if extenuating circumstances exist. The statute provides a reasonableness standard for the time necessary to prepare and gather the records in both instances. CDOT's three-day period to respond corresponds with the time the request was received if during normal business hours. Otherwise, the time begins at the beginning of the next business day.
View the Colorado Open Records Act webpage (CORA) C.R.S. 24-72-201 to 24-72-309 for more information.
If your request exceeds 25 pages, you will be charged 25 cents per page (8.5 x 11) C.R.S. §24-72-205(5)(a). There also is a charge of $30 an hour associated with staff time when the records request requires more than one hour locating, researching or retrieving records. See § 24-72-205(5)(a),C.R.S.
| Service | Fee |
| Copies and printouts up to 25 pages | Free |
| Per page after the first 25 pages § 24-72-205(5)(a), C.R.S. | 25 cents |
| Staff time if greater than one hour | $41.37 per hour |
| Specialized document production or specialized skills are required to locate, compile or produce records, including the use of third-party contractors. | $41.37 per hour maximum |
| Flash drive, CD | Included in $41.37 per hour maximum for retrieval; no additional charge |
| Postage | Actual cost based on weight and size |
Costs shall be paid in full either before the production of records unless alternative arrangements have been made through the CDOT CORA officer.
Yes. Under C.R.S. § 24-72-203(1)(a), the Colorado General Assembly provides the records custodian with the ability to interpose rules regarding inspection of public records that are reasonably necessary for the protection of the records and necessary to prevent undue interference with the regular discharge of duties.
In this manner, CORA provides a balance between the public's right to inspect and copy public records, and the administrative burdens placed upon state agencies in responding to such requests (Pruitt v. Rockwell, 886 P.2d 315 (Colo. App. 1994)) The CORA officer makes the determination of whether or not a CORA request is standard. Colorado case law provides for a nominal fee of $30 per hour for retrieval and production of the records being requested.
No. Questions regarding interpretation of records provided pursuant to an open records request are beyond the scope of the Open Records Act.
CORA does not guarantee access to documents in a specific format (24-72-203(1)(a), C.R.S.). The CORA officer shall determine the appropriate format for the records to be produced. Records maintained electronically may be produced electronically at CDOT's discretion.
CDOT may require that records are reviewed only when the CORA officer determines that allowing access to originals could interfere with the regular discharge of duties of the Department or its staff, or production of original records could jeopardize the condition of the records.
You will need to contact the city and/or county for information. CDOT has information for interstates, U.S. and state roadways, and bridges.
For traffic counts and other traffic-related statistics, visit CDOT's Online Transportation Information System (OITS).
Disclaimer: Traffic count data is provided as a public service. While every effort is made on the part of CDOT to provide valid and current information, CDOT makes no representation or warranties, express or implied, about the validity of this information, and it is not to be held responsible for errors in data.
Visit the Business section of our website.
If you are currently employed by CDOT, send an email to [email protected]
If you are a former CDOT employee, complete CDOT's Request to Inspect Public Records Form and attach a notarized Release of Records.
Complete CDOT's Request to Inspect Public Records Form. Please include:
- Description of information requested
- Location of structures by bridge number, and/or highway and mile point, and/or feature intersected and carried, and/or latitude and longitude.
If your request includes several structures, please include an Excel file, or a list with the above items. - A statement as to whether this information is to be used on a project to be advertised for construction. After the project is advertised, your request must be processed through the resident engineer or professional engineer office. Your request will then be sent per CDOT bid policy.
Note: Requests that include non-CDOT personnel in the return submission are considered a general open records request.
If you have not received your requested information within three days, please send the above individuals a reminder email.
