Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Request

Notice of Public Availability and Access to Records

Under 43 RCNY § 1-08 (a), which implements the New York State Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), you have the right to access records. Before you request a record, visit NYC Open Data at nyc.gov/opendata for a list of DCWP data sets that are publicly available without a FOIL request. Example data sets include Legally Operating Businesses, License Applications, Consumer Services Mediated Complaints, Inspections, and Charges.

All FOIL requests to the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP, formerly Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)) should be submitted via NYC OpenRecords at nyc.gov/openrecords. Select Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) from the agency dropdown menu.

Your request should include the following:

Name, title, or subject matter of the document;
Type of document;
File or document number;
The dates for which you are requesting documents; and
Any other relevant information to help identify the documents.

If you are unable to submit a request using OpenRecords, you can mail or fax your request.

Mail:
Freedom of Information Officer
NYC Department of Consumer Affairs
42 Broadway, 8th floor
New York, NY 10004

Fax: (646) 500-5968

Records are generally available within 20 business days. If it will take longer to respond, you will be notified in writing.

Fees

There may be a fee to reproduce the requested records. If there is a fee, you will be notified in writing and required to pay prior to release of the records.

The fees for copying records are as follows:

.25 cents per page for copying records, OR
Actual costs for preparation and reproduction

Note: Different procedures may apply to oversized documents.

Appeals

If your request is denied, either in whole or in part, you may appeal in writing within 30 days by email or mail.

Email: dcafoilappeals@dca.nyc.gov

Mail:
FOIL Appeals Officer
NYC Department of Consumer Affairs
42 Broadway, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10004

Questions about specific requests should also be made through NYC OpenRecords by using the Contact the Agency link available on every request page.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request.