Public records & transparency

Freedom of Information Act

Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act provides public access to many records held by public bodies. Use this page to prepare and submit a records request to Pleasant View Township.

Making a request

How to request public records

A special form is not required. A clear written request helps the Township identify and respond to the records you are seeking.

1

Describe the records

Identify the subject, date range, department, address, parcel, meeting, or other details that will help locate the records.

2

Include your contact details

Provide your name and a reliable email or mailing address for the Township’s response, questions, fee estimate, or records.

3

Send it to the Township

Email, mail, or deliver the written request to the Township Office and address it to the FOIA Coordinator.

What happens next

Response timing, fees & appeals

Township response

Under Michigan law, a public body generally responds within 5 business days after receiving a written request by granting it, denying it, granting it in part, or issuing one notice extending the response period by no more than 10 business days.

A request sent electronically is treated as received under the timing rules in MCL 15.235.

Fees and deposits

Permitted charges may include certain labor, copying, media, and mailing costs. If an estimated fee exceeds $50, the Township may require a good-faith deposit as allowed by law. A detailed itemization should explain applicable charges.

Review Michigan’s FOIA fee provisions.

If a request is denied

A written denial should explain the basis for withholding records and the requester’s options. Michigan law permits a written appeal to the head of the public body or judicial review as described in the Act.

Review appeal provisions.

Records already online

Before submitting a request, check the Township’s meeting minutes, document library, budget, ordinances, and other public pages. Records already available online may be accessed without a FOIA processing charge.

Open the Document Library.

Township materials

FOIA policies & documents

The Township maintains materials governing its FOIA process. Contact the Township Office for a current accessible copy of any item below.

Official Township policy

Pleasant View Township FOIA Policy

The Township’s adopted FOIA policy, including coordinator designation, fees, deposits, and response provisions.

Open policy PDF
Sample template

FOIA Coordinator Sample Resolution

A blank sample resolution for designating a FOIA Coordinator. This document contains placeholders and is not presented as an adopted Township resolution.

Download sample resolution
MTA sample template

Sample FOIA Procedures and Guidelines

A Michigan Townships Association sample document containing blanks and customization instructions. Contact the Township for its current adopted procedures.

Download MTA sample
Available by request

Additional Township FOIA Materials

For a current public summary, cost-itemization form, adopted coordinator resolution, or response forms, contact the Township Office.

Request FOIA materials
Document note: the official Township policy has been restored to this website. The shared archive also contains sample templates and individual FOIA case files. Sample documents are labeled above; individual requester and case files are not published here.

Submit a request or ask for assistance

FOIA Coordinator · Pleasant View Township · 2982 S. Pleasantview Road, Harbor Springs, MI 49740

This page is a practical public guide, not legal advice. The current Michigan statute controls if any summary differs from the law. Read the official Michigan Freedom of Information Act.