All links go directly to official Burbank, California government websites.
About Burbank, California
Government TypeCity Council
The city government of Burbank, California operates under a municipal government structure serving residents of Santa Clara County. The city provides essential services including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, utilities, parks and recreation, and community development. City council meetings are open to the public and typically held at City Hall. Residents can contact the city clerk's office for meeting schedules, agendas, and public records. The Santa Clara County government provides additional services including property tax administration, voter registration, court services, and county-level law enforcement through the Sheriff's Office. For information about city services, permits, zoning, or to submit a public records request, contact the Burbank municipal offices directly.
The Burbank Police Department, known for its proactive approach to community safety, is key to maintaining law and order in the city. The department is responsible for the maintenance of arrest records and criminal records, which are essential for public safety and transparency. Inmates from Burbank are typically held at the Santa Clara County Jail, located nearby, where the detention facility provides resources for family members seeking information. Burbank's police force employs community policing strategies that have led to lower crime rates compared to surrounding areas. Public records and vital records in Burbank can be accessed through several channels, all adhering to the California Public Records Act (CPRA). Residents seeking vital records, such as birth, death, or marriage certificates, should contact the Santa Clara County Clerk's Office, which handles these requests both in-person and online. Property records, including assessments and tax information, can be obtained through the Santa Clara County Assessor's Office. For court records, residents can visit the Santa Clara County Superior Court’s website or respective courthouses. Many of these services offer online portals that enhance accessibility and streamline the process, ensuring that residents can easily obtain the information they need.
Burbank, California Public Records & Government Resources
ID & Warrants, (916) 445-6713 Inmate Check Line (Media), (916) 557-5933 California Department of Corrections and Rehabil
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement across Los Angeles County operates through a complicated network of agencies. The Los Angeles Police Department covers the City of Los Angeles itself with roughly 9,000 sworn officers working from 21 geographic divisions. Burbank maintains its own police department, as do Glendale, Pasadena, Long Beach, Santa Monica, and 41 other municipalities within the county.
The LA Metro Transit Authority runs its own transit police force, while the California Highway Patrol handles freeway corridors and unincorporated stretches. Crime data from LAPD is published at data.lacity.org. Following the passage of SB 2 in 2023, every law enforcement agency in California must now proactively disclose sustained misconduct records, use-of-force incidents, and investigations into officer-involved shootings.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department operates seven major detention facilities scattered across Los Angeles County. Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown LA holds the distinction of being the largest jail in the United States, while Men's Central Jail sits nearby. Century Regional Detention Center in Lynwood houses female inmates. The Pitchess Detention Center up in Castaic includes four separate camps. North County Correctional Facility, East Facility, and South Facility round out the system.
Cities with their own police departments, including Burbank, Long Beach, and Pasadena, may also maintain city jails for short-term holding. To locate someone currently in custody, the LASD Inmate Information Center at app5.lasd.org allows searches by name or booking number. Bail bond amounts, upcoming court dates, and housing location all appear in the online system. For inmates held in city jails, contact the individual police department directly.
Arrest Records
Arrest records across Los Angeles County are held by whichever agency made the arrest. That might be LAPD working from one of its 21 divisions, the Sheriff's Department operating from 23 patrol stations, or any of the 46 independent city police departments throughout Los Angeles County. The California Public Records Act makes arrest records publicly accessible unless a court has ordered them sealed or expunged. LAPD publishes its arrest data on the LA City open data portal at data.lacity.org. For records held by the Sheriff's Department, requests go through the LASD Records Bureau.
Recent legislative changes - California Proposition 57 in 2016 and AB 1950 in 2021 - have altered certain sentencing and probation rules that affect how records appear and what remains visible. Anyone with an eligible conviction can petition LA Superior Court to expunge, or dismiss, the record under Penal Code §1203.4.
Court Records
The California Courts website at https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-courtrecords.htm is the starting point for Burbank residents navigating the local court system. The site provides guidance on accessing case records, understanding filing procedures, and handling other judicial matters relevant to the community. For bankruptcy cases, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California serves the area and maintains information at https://www.cacb.uscourts.gov/.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Los Angeles County are maintained at multiple levels. Felony and misdemeanor convictions are held by the LA Superior Court District Clerk and searchable online at lacourt.org. State-level criminal history is maintained by the California DOJ and accessible via Live Scan fingerprint background checks through authorized providers (oag.ca.gov/fingerprints). Name-based checks ($25) are available for non-criminal-justice purposes. The FBI maintains a national criminal history database (NCIC) accessible to law enforcement.
Public Records Access
Property records for Burbank can be accessed through the California Board of Equalization's property tax website at https://www.boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/. The site provides details on property assessments, current tax rates, and other real estate data affecting homeowners and businesses in the city. For those researching deeper into local history or tracing family connections, the California State Archives at https://www.sos.ca.gov/archives/collections/ maintains historical records and genealogical resources.
Vital Records
For access to vital records such as birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses in Burbank, residents can visit the California Department of Public Health's Vital Records website at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Vital Records.aspx. This state-level resource provides guidance on obtaining copies of these important documents, which are essential for a variety of personal, legal, and administrative purposes within the city.
Business & Licensing Records
The City of Burbank's official website at https://www.burbankca.gov/ is the main portal for business owners and entrepreneurs operating in the area. The site walks users through obtaining business licenses, understanding local zoning regulations, and securing permits for commercial activities. Economic development resources showcase the industries thriving here and highlight opportunities for companies considering a move to the city.
Economy & Demographics
Burbank's economy is heavily influenced by its status as the 'Media Capital of the World,' with a significant portion of its workforce employed in the entertainment and creative industries. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's QuickFacts data at https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/burbankcitycalifornia, the city has a median household income of $67,813 and a poverty rate of 12.5%. Major employers in Burbank include Warner Bros. Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company, and Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, reflecting the city's diverse economy.
Elections & Voter Records
Every election in Burbank runs through the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, headquartered at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650. Residents can reach the office at 800-815-2761 or online at https://lavote.gov. Voter registration happens through the California Secretary of State's website at https://registertovote.ca.gov, with a standard deadline of 15 days before any election. California also allows conditional voter registration right through Election Day at vote centers and county elections offices.
Online registration requires a valid California driver's license or ID number. Because Burbank operates as a charter city, it holds its own municipal elections for Mayor and City Council on a Tuesday following the first Monday in April during odd-numbered years, completely separate from state and federal contests. The next municipal election arrives in April 2025, when voters will choose a Mayor and fill two City Council seats. Candidate information, local ballot measures, and campaign finance filings for these races are available through the City Clerk's office at 275 East Olive Avenue and at https://www.burbankca.gov/city-clerk. Los Angeles County has shifted to a Vote Center model, meaning any registered voter can cast a ballot at any vote center countywide during the 11-day period leading up to and including Election Day. Residents can find their nearest location using the lookup tool at https://lavote.gov/locator or by calling the Los Angeles County Registrar. In the November 2024 presidential election, Los Angeles County saw roughly 4.3 million registered voters with turnout hitting approximately 68 percent, about 2.9 million ballots cast. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, voters throughout Los Angeles County will decide California's gubernatorial race since Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited. Also on the ballot: all 80 California State Assembly seats, 20 even-numbered State Senate seats, multiple statewide propositions, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors races in specific districts, county measures, and various judicial seats. No U.S. Senate seat is regularly scheduled for California in 2026, though special circumstances could change that. Under current state law, mail-in ballots automatically go to all registered California voters, who can track their ballot's status at https://california.ballottrax.net. Campaign finance records, voter registration statistics (individual voter records remain restricted), precinct-level results, and candidate filings are all public and accessible through the County Registrar and Secretary of State websites.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10, Los Angeles County and Burbank provide exceptional online access to nearly all public record categories with search tools, free databases, and digitized historical documents, though some vital records and court certified copies require fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
1How do I register to vote in Burbank, California?
To register to vote in Burbank, California, residents can register online through the California Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Santa Clara County elections office. California requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the California Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Burbank, contact the Santa Clara County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
2How do I look up property records in Burbank, California?
Property records for Burbank, California are maintained by the Los Angeles County Assessor's Office and the Los Angeles County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Los Angeles County, including parcels in Burbank. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Los Angeles County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many California counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Los Angeles County offices at the county courthouse. The Los Angeles County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
3How do I get a birth or death certificate in Burbank, California?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Burbank, California residents are available through both county and state offices. The California Department of Public Health, Vital Records, located in Sacramento, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in California. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Los Angeles County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Los Angeles County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
4How do I find business license records in Burbank, California?
Business licensing for Burbank, California operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Burbank town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Burbank limits. Los Angeles County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all California businesses must register with the California Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the California Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant California licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Burbank, contact the Burbank clerk's office and the Los Angeles County economic development office.
5Vital Records Procedures
Vital records for Burbank, Santa Clara County, California are managed by the California Department of Public Health. Birth, death, and marriage certificates can be requested online, by mail, or in person. The Santa Clara County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of relationship to the registrant are typically required.
6School District & Education Data
Schools in Burbank, Santa Clara County, California are overseen by the local school district and the California Department of Education. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the state education department's website and the National Center for Education Statistics.
7Crime Statistics
Crime statistics are reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program and can be accessed through the FBI Crime Data Explorer. For local crime reports, contact the Burbank police department.
8Library Public Records Access
Public records resources are available at the Burbank library and through the Santa Clara County library system. Patrons can access government documents, historical records, and online databases. The library staff can assist with locating specific public records and research materials.
9Public Library Location
The Burbank Public Library is part of the Santa Clara County library system in California. Contact the library directly or visit the county library website for current hours, location, and available services.
10Fingerprinting Services
Services are provided for background checks, professional licensing, and other official purposes. Contact local law enforcement for scheduling and fees.
Nearby Cities in Los Angeles County, California
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: