While filing a public records request in California is free, agencies are permitted to charge reasonable fees to cover the costs relating to processing and furnishing records. See California Government Code § 6253(b). So be aware that fee waivers are not automatic, and if an agency notifies you about the cost of producing the records you are requesting, you have the option of paying the fee, or asking the agency to waive the fee.
Asking for a fee waiver
It is helpful to include language requesting a fee waiver. It will also help down the line if your fee waiver request is denied. You can request that the agency contact you to provide a cost estimate or if the cost of generating and furnishing records will exceed a certain amount. For example, you can state “If no fee waiver is granted and the fees exceed $50.00, please contact me to obtain consent before processing records.”