“CORA” stands for “Colorado Open Records Act.” In the spirit of open government and pursuant to Section 24-72-201 to 206 C.R.S., CORA requires that most public records be available to the public. Anyone can request information that is in the possession of a government office. Please note, due to the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA) and other statutory limitations, some criminal justice, human services, and public health related documents are governed by laws other than CORA and may be withheld due to laws other than CORA.

You must submit your request to the custodian of the record: the state, county or city office that actually holds the record itself. There is no central repository for public records or single office that fulfills public records requests in Colorado. For most governmental agencies, you can submit your request directly to the Public Information Officer of that agency. For El Paso County, submit a request to the Communications Department through the form on this page or contact open records personnel listed below.

Some offices and departments have unique processes for obtaining open records because of the legal nuances regarding their records. For records pertaining to the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Human Services (DHS), or the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, visit the pages below before submitting a request.

4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office

Department of Human Services (DHS)

El Paso County Sheriff’s Office

A “public record” includes most writings made, maintained, or kept by our office. However, there are some exceptions concerning records made available under CORA.

You do not have to file a CORA request to receive information. It is the intent of the El Paso County Commissioners that the Communications Department provides documents and information to the public without requiring a CORA request. For media requests, please contact us at EPCPIO@elpasoco.com or view media contacts at https://admin.elpasoco.com/communications/.

Colorado Open Records Act Request Form

CLICK HERE

Colorado Open Records Act Payment Portal

CLICK HERE

El Paso County CORA Contacts

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I view the information in your office?

    If you just want to view the information, please state that in your written request. Once the documentation has been gathered, you will be notified by County staff. We will then set up an appointment with you to come into our office and view the documents. Any information that is confidential by law or is exempt from the Colorado Open Records Act will be removed from the documents that you view. However, unless you specifically request to view the documents in person, we will distribute copies of the documents to you electronically or by mail. Copying and printing charges apply to physical documents, whether mailed or viewed in office.

  • Is there a fee?

    Yes. The first two hours of work to provide the CORA request are free. It is $29.50 per hour beyond that. Copy and printing costs may also apply for requested physical documents. Generally, we are able to provide electronic copies that circumvent printing costs. All fees must be paid in advance. See the El Paso County CORA Policy for fee information.

  • I've sent in my CORA request. How long will it take?

    We have up to three working days to comply with your request. If extenuating circumstances exist, then we may extend up to seven working days (for a total of 10 days) to fill your request. You will be notified in writing when your request is complete or if the deadline is extended. County staff will contact you with any questions or updates as your request moves forward.

  • What happens if I request confidential information? Can any information be excluded from my request?

    Some information is considered confidential or is excluded from the Colorado Open Records Act. Some examples of excluded public records include:

    • Criminal justice records or documents prepared for a criminal investigation.

    • Work product prepared for an elected official.

    • Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and other personal identifying information as directed by the Colorado Open Records Act.

    • Trade secrets and proprietary software information, including programs and source code.