Open Records & Requests
Public Health Madison & Dane County is the public health agency for the City of Madison and Dane County. We work with the community to enhance, protect, and promote the health of the environment and the well‑being of all people. We are committed to the principles of open government and accountability. Records created or received by our agency and employees in the course of public business may be subject to public inspection.
Unless a record, or information within a record, is legally exempt from disclosure—such as protected health information—we will release the record, in whole or in part, as required by law.
Requesting Public Health Madison & Dane County Open Records
Public Health Madison & Dane County maintains records related to our public health programs; however, our files may not include all information available about a specific property, business, or concern. We can only provide records that fall within our program areas and regulatory authority. Depending on the type of information you are seeking, additional records may be held by other State or local agencies.
Types of Records Commonly Requested
We may have records related to:
- Environmental Health (e.g., well, septic, water quality, housing complaints)
- Laboratory Services
- Animal Services (e.g., bite reports, rabies investigations)
- Licensed Establishments (e.g., restaurants, pools, body art, lodging): Before submitting a request for inspection reports, please check publicly available data first.
- Communicable Disease & Public Health Programs (limited and subject to confidentiality laws)
- Other public health program records, depending on the nature of the request
Additional Records
For home, property, land, or business information outside our scope, we recommend also requesting records from the appropriate State or local agencies, as they may hold information not available through us.
Submitting Requests
Requests may be presented orally or in writing to Records Custodians. You may submit a request by:
- Emailing: PHOpenRecords@publichealthmdc.com
- Mailing a written request to: PHMDC Open Records Support – Records Custodians 2300 S. Park St., Room 2010 Madison, WI 53713
- Calling: 608‑266‑4821
- Faxing: 608‑266‑4858
Archived Paper Records
Archived paper records are available for inspection and copying during business hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm, excluding holidays.
To schedule an inspection or submit a request, please contact the Records Custodians at 608‑266‑4821 or email PHOpenRecords@publichealthmdc.com.
Fees for copies of records
We may require prepayment of fees if the total amount exceeds $5.00.
Charges for Photocopies
All standard sizes (8.5x11, 8.5x14, or 11x17)
- Black & white: $0.25 per side
- Color: $0.30 per side
Charges for Media Storage Units
This charge is for the unit only. Additional charges may apply for staff time.
- CD or DVD: $1.00/unit
- 4 GB USB: $10.00/unit (This is the minimum charge. Additional charges may apply for larger capacity)
