Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

It is vital in a democratic society that public business be performed in an open and public manner so that our citizens shall have the opportunity to observe the performance of public officials and to monitor the decisions that are made by such officials in formulating and executing public policy; and further, it is vital that citizens have easy access to public records in order that the society remain free and democratic.

TITLE 29, CHAPTER 100. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, § 10001 Declaration of policy (Delaware Code)

General FOIA Information

City of Dover FOIA Policy

FOIA Request Form - To submit a FOIA request, check the status of a submitted request, or to search the City of Dover public FOIA archives please click here.

For assistance, please call the City Clerk's Office at (302) 736-7008 or send e-mail to  cityclerk@dover.de.us

FOIA Coordinator - Crystal Wheeler

Records Manager - Crystal Wheeler
 

Crime Reports
The Dover Police Department will release a “Victim’s Copy” of a crime report to any victim listed on the report. You must appear in person at the City of Dover Police Department with photo ID to obtain your copy, however, you should contact the Records Unit at (302) 736-7105 (Mon-Fri, 8:00AM-4:00PM) in advance to verify that the report has been processed and is ready to release.

In the case of a minor child, a custodial parent/legal guardian may obtain the Victim’s Copy; in the case of a deceased victim, the next of kin may obtain the Victim’s Copy (Proof of relationship required). There is no fee for a Victim’s Copy of a crime report. Copies of crime reports are not released to anyone other than the stated victim unless directed via a court-issued subpoena.

Insurance companies may request copies of crime reports relating to their insured’s property only; no suspect information is released. Requests must be made in writing to the City of Dover Police Department, fees apply. The current fee is $25.00 (subject to change without notice) For more information, visit the City of Dover Police Department at the following link: https://doverpolice.org/policereport/
 

Fire Investigative Reports
Fire Investigative Reports are not released unless directed via a court-issued subpoena. A Statement of Verification can be obtained through the City of Dover Fire Marshal’s Office. For further information, please contact:

Mr. Jason Osika, Fire Marshal
City of Dover
P.O. Box 475
Dover, DE 19903
Phone: (302) 736-7099
Email: Josika@dover.de.us
 

Liens, Outstanding Taxes, and Assessments
Liens, outstanding taxes, and assessments for a property can be obtained through the City of Dover Customer Service Department free of charge. For this information please contact the Customer Service Department by email to ebilling@dover.de.us, by FAX to (302) 736-7193, or by phone at (302) 736-7035.
 

Zoning Verification Letter
Requests for current zoning, zoning overlays, permitted uses under current zoning of a property, active zoning code enforcement violations, and other zoning related information are under the scope of a Zoning Verification Letter that can be provided by the City of Dover Department of Planning and Inspections. A Request for Zoning Verification Form, which includes instructions for submission and payment, is available on the City of Dover website at the following link: https://www.cityofdover.com/planning-and-inspections-forms. For copies of code violations on a property, please submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.

Please note that there is a $50.00 fee for this service. Please contact the City of Dover Department of Planning and Inspections at (302) 736-7196 or by email to permitsandlicenses@dover.de.us for further information.