Lake Havasu City Public Records
Lake Havasu City public records include police reports, building permits, and city documents from this Colorado River resort community.
Lake Havasu City Quick Facts
Lake Havasu City Overview
About 60,000 people live in Lake Havasu City. The city sits along the Colorado River in western Arizona. It is famous for the relocated London Bridge, which was brought from England in the 1960s. The city attracts tourists, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts. Boating and water sports are popular. This mix of permanent residents and visitors creates a diverse community that generates many public records.
Arizona law gives everyone the right to inspect public records. A.R.S. 39-121 says public records are open to any person at all times during office hours. You do not need to explain why you want the records. The city cannot ask your reason. This law applies to Lake Havasu City records as well as state and county documents throughout Arizona.
The city is in Mohave County and provides public records through the City Clerk. Property records and Superior Court cases go through Mohave County. This guide covers how to access Lake Havasu City public records from city departments and county offices.
How to Request Lake Havasu City Records
Lake Havasu City accepts public records requests through forms available on their website. The City Clerk handles most requests for city department documents.
For general city records, visit the General City Records page. For police records, visit the Police Records page. Download the Request Form to submit your request.
City Clerk: 2330 McCulloch Blvd. N. Phone: (928) 453-4142. Email: cityclerk@lhcaz.gov. Police Records: (928) 855-1171. Fire Records: (928) 855-1141. Be specific about what records you want. Include addresses, names, and dates when you can.
Lake Havasu City Building Permits
Building permit records are public in Arizona. Anyone can look up permit history for a property. This helps home buyers check what work was done and if it had proper permits. Contractors use permit records to see what systems exist in a building before starting new work.
Building permit information is available through the city's permit portal. The Lake Havasu Building Permits portal shows permit applications and status. Search by address or permit number to find project details.
Each permit file shows the scope of work, the contractor who did it, and the inspection results. Failed inspections appear in the records. This data helps buyers spot properties with potential problems.
The Lake Havasu City Code is available online through the American Legal code library. The city code covers zoning rules, building standards, and other local laws.
Lake Havasu Records Fees and Processing Times
Arizona law allows agencies to charge for copies and staff time. Standard paper copies typically cost 25 cents per page. Electronic records may be provided free or at a lower cost. If your request requires extensive staff time, the city may charge for labor.
Response times vary based on the complexity of the request. Simple requests for a single document may be filled within days. Larger requests that require searching through files or reviewing many documents can take weeks. The city must respond promptly under Arizona law.
Some records are exempt from disclosure. Personnel files are mostly private. Attorney-client communications are protected. Medical records and certain law enforcement files cannot be released. If the city denies part of your request, they must cite the specific law that allows the denial.
Lake Havasu City County Records
Property records and Superior Court cases go through Mohave County. The city of Lake Havasu does not maintain these records. You need to contact county offices for deeds, liens, property tax data, and court filings.
Visit the Mohave County Public Records page for property and court information. The county Recorder keeps property deeds, mortgages, and liens. The Assessor maintains property tax records and valuations. The Clerk of Superior Court handles civil and criminal case files.
Lake Havasu City Municipal Court handles local ordinance violations and traffic tickets issued in the city. Municipal court records are separate from Superior Court records.
Tips for Lake Havasu Records Requests
Download and complete the request form. The form asks for the information the city needs to find your records. Completed forms get processed faster than informal requests.
Check the permit portal first. Many building permits are already available online. You may find what you need without filing a formal request.
Contact the right department. General records, police records, and fire records have different contact points. Using the correct department speeds up your request.