Freedom of Information

FOIL – FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LAW

New York State’s Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law §87 et. seq.) allows members of the public to access records of governmental agencies. It’s the people’s right to know the process of government decision-making and the documents and statistics leading to determinations is basic to our society. FOIL provides a process for the review and copying of an agency’s records. (Example documents such as Certificate of Occupancy, Permits and other Property Records)

The agency must furnish an acknowledgement of receipt in writing of the request within 5 business days of the receiving either the electronic or written request for a record reasonably described, including an approximate date when the request will be granted or denied in whole or in part, which shall be reasonable under the circumstances of the request and shall not be more than 20 business days after the date of the acknowledgment, or if it is known that circumstances prevent disclosure within 20 business days from the date of such acknowledgment, providing a statement in writing indicating the reason for inability to grant the request within that time and a date certain, within a reasonable period under the circumstances of the request, when the request will be granted in whole or in part

To file a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request, you may either print and mail a hard copy form below or complete the online submission. Submissions are automatically sent to Veronica Owens, Gates Town Clerk and Records Access Officer. Please answer all of the questions provided completely, accurate, and specific as possible to expedite your request.

Request
You may complete the online submission form below or a by submitting a written request in writing (download form below) and emailing or mailing to address below. Online submissions are automatically sent to Veronica Owens, Gates Town Clerk and Records Access Officer. Please answer all of the questions provided completely, accurate, and specific as possible to expedite your request

Download FOIL Request Form
Mail or deliver request to:
Town Clerk
Town of Gates
1605 Buffalo Road
Rochester, New York 14624
Fees
Copies – $.25 per page
A fee for copy of other records may be charged based upon the actual cost of reproduction.

***Please do not submit FOIL request if you are requesting Zoning Compliance letter. Please direct Zoning Compliance request to our Building Department ***

Under the provisions of the New York State Freedom of Information Law, Article 6 of the Public Officers Law, I hereby request records or portions thereof pertaining to (or containing the following).

Name of Applicant *
First
Last

Address
Address Line 1
City
State
Zip Code

Phone *

Email *

Records Requested (please be very specific) *

Would you like to receive information electronically? *
Yes
No

Please Note: Upon review of the application, a notice of receipt will be sent within 5 business days as to the disclosure and availability of the requested document(s) to be provided. It shall not be more than 20 business days after the date of the acknowledgment that the record(s) are available or that access is denied in which notification will be given in writing stating the reasons for denial. Copies of requested documents are subject to $.25 per page, per side unless you choose to receive response via electronic mail.