How to File a Public Records Request in Dover, New Hampshire

What Is the New Hampshire Right to Know Law?

The New Hampshire Right to Know Law, codified at RSA Chapter 91-A, is the state statute guaranteeing public access to governmental records and meetings. Enacted in 1967 and rooted in Part I, Article 8 of the New Hampshire Constitution, the law declares that “openness in the conduct of public business is essential to a democratic society.” It applies to virtually every elected official, board, committee, and agency affiliated with state or local government.

Under RSA 91-A, a “governmental record” means any information created, accepted, or obtained by, or on behalf of, any public body in furtherance of its official function — regardless of physical form. This includes emails, text messages, meeting minutes, contracts, permits, financial reports, and audio or video recordings. Citizens have the right to inspect these records during business hours at no charge, or to request copies.

Key exemptions under RSA 91-A:5 include grand and petit jury records, law enforcement investigative files, personal school records of pupils, records protected by attorney-client privilege, and confidential commercial or financial information whose disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. The burden of proving an exemption applies rests on the government agency, not the requester.

Read the full text of the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (New Hampshire RSA Chapter 91-A (RSA 91-A:1 through 91-A:9))

How to File a Public Records Request with the City of Dover

How to Submit Your Request

The City of Dover routes Right to Know requests through the Office of the City Attorney, which assists city departments in complying with RSA 91-A. Citizens are encouraged to download and complete the City’s Public Information Request Form, available on the city’s Right-to-Know Law page. Completed forms can be delivered in person to City Hall at 288 Central Ave. during business hours, or mailed to the same address. While there is no dedicated email address published for records requests, the City Clerk’s office can be reached at (603) 516-6018 or Dover-TaxClerk@dover.nh.gov for questions about specific records, such as vital records, election documents, or tax records. For all other municipal records, direct your inquiry to the City Attorney’s Office by phone at (603) 516-6000.

Download Required Form

What to Include in Your Request

• Your full name and mailing address
• A clear and specific description of the records you are seeking (include dates, departments, or topics where possible)
• The format in which you would like to receive the records (electronic or paper copy, or inspection only)
• A preferred contact method (phone number or email address) for follow-up
• A statement citing your request under RSA 91-A
• A fee threshold or advance notice request if you want to be informed before charges exceed a set amount
• The date of your request

Response Deadlines and What to Expect

Under RSA 91-A:4, if the requested governmental records are immediately available, the City of Dover must provide access on the spot. If records are not immediately available — for example, if they require retrieval from another location, review by legal counsel, or redaction of exempt information — the City must respond in writing within five (5) business days of receiving the request. That written response must either grant access, deny the request with a cited legal basis, or acknowledge receipt and state a reasonable timeframe for fulfilling the request.

The five-business-day window is a response deadline, not necessarily a fulfillment deadline. Complex requests involving large volumes of documents or significant redaction may take longer. However, the City is obligated to communicate proactively about timelines; silence is not an acceptable response under the law.

The Right to Know Law does not restrict access based on residency, but the law's applicability to non-citizens of New Hampshire versus non-citizens of the United States has not been definitively resolved by the courts. In practice, Dover processes requests from anyone.

Copying fees may be charged to cover actual reproduction costs. Inspection of records in person is free of charge. Under RSA 91-A:4, IV(d), agencies may not bill for employee time spent retrieving or responding to a request.

What to Do If Your Request Is Denied or Delayed

If the City of Dover denies your request or fails to respond within five business days, you have meaningful options under RSA 91-A.

First, check the denial notice. Under RSA 91-A:4, IV(c), any denial must cite the specific statutory exemption that justifies withholding the records and briefly explain how it applies. If Dover’s denial does not meet this standard, that itself may constitute a violation of the law.

Common denial reasons include claims that records are protected by attorney-client privilege, that disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy, or that records relate to active law enforcement investigations. Some denials are legitimate; others are overly broad. Knowing which exemption is being invoked helps you decide whether to challenge it.

If you believe your request was improperly denied or ignored, you have two formal routes. First, you may file a complaint with the Office of the Right to Know Ombudsman (RSA 91-A:7-a through 7-d), a quasi-judicial state agency established in 2022 as a faster, lower-cost alternative to court. The filing fee is $25, and fee waivers are available. However, as of March 2026, the Ombudsman position is vacant; no action can be taken on ombudsman complaints until the position is filled. Second, you may petition the Strafford County Superior Court for injunctive relief under RSA 91-A:7. Courts give right-to-know proceedings high priority on their dockets. If you prevail in court and the court finds that the City “knew or should have known” it was violating the law, you may be awarded reasonable attorney fees under RSA 91-A:8. Requesters and agencies alike may be required to pay fees in egregious cases.

Steps to Appeal

1. Contact the City Attorney’s Office directly at (603) 516-6000 to ask about the status of your request or request reconsideration of a denial.
2. Review the denial letter carefully — it must cite a specific exemption under RSA 91-A:5 and explain how it applies. If it does not, note this deficiency in any follow-up.
3. Send a written appeal to the City Attorney, specifying why you believe the denial does not comply with RSA 91-A, and request reconsideration.
4. File a complaint with the Office of the Right to Know Ombudsman (RSA 91-A:7-b), now housed at the Office of State and Public Sector Labor Relations. Note: as of March 2026, the position is vacant — check sos.nh.gov for current status before filing.
5. Petition the Strafford County Superior Court for injunctive relief under RSA 91-A:7. This route is available regardless of ombudsman status. Courts prioritize these cases.
6. If you prevail in court and the agency knew or should have known it was violating the law, you may seek attorney fees and costs under RSA 91-A:8.
7. Contact the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office or nonprofit groups such as Right to Know NH (righttoknownh.wordpress.com) for guidance on your options.

Types of Records You Can Request from Dover, New Hampshire

The City of Dover generates a wide range of governmental records across its departments. The following categories of records are generally available to the public under RSA 91-A, subject to applicable exemptions.

• City Council meeting minutes, agendas, and voting records
• City Manager correspondence and official communications
• Building permits, zoning approvals, and code enforcement records
• Planning and development applications and decisions
• Police incident reports and arrest records (subject to law enforcement exemptions)
• City contracts, vendor agreements, and procurement records
• Annual budgets, financial reports, and audits
• Tax assessment records and property cards
• Public works project records, including roads, utilities, and infrastructure
• Employment records for city positions (non-personnel/disciplinary portions)
• Environmental permits and inspection reports
• City settlement agreements and litigation records
• Emergency management and public safety plans
• Election records, voter registration data, and campaign finance filings
• City ordinances, resolutions, and charter amendments

If you’re unsure whether a specific document is a public record, file the request anyway. The burden is on the City of Dover to justify withholding — not on you to pre-determine what’s available.

Tips for Effective Public Records Requests in Dover