Privacy Policy details our commitment to securing your information. This document serves as the official Allegheny County appraisal office privacy notice, explaining how we collect, use, and protect your data. We know protecting your property data privacy Allegheny County is important to you. Our goal is to maintain the highest standard of Allegheny County property records confidentiality. This means ensuring the Allegheny County real estate data protection measures meet strict security protocols. We want you to feel confident when using services related to the Allegheny County property appraiser privacy policy. This notice clarifies the privacy practices Allegheny County assessor follows, detailing the specifics of our commitment. We explain what kinds of information we collect when you search for public records, access parcel maps, or interact with our appraisal services. This includes data related to parcels, ownership, property characteristics, and sometimes Allegheny County personal information policy elements, where applicable by law. We take our role seriously as custodians of this sensitive material. We promise to handle your data responsibly. Read this policy to see exactly how we manage the data you trust us with, specifically concerning Allegheny County real estate data protection. This clear statement builds trust and shows our dedication to transparency in all operations.
Privacy Policy outlines the specific data handling policy Allegheny County property office uses to keep your information safe. This document covers the Allegheny County property appraisal confidentiality rules we strictly follow. We detail how we use property data, such as for accurate valuation and tax assessment purposes. Our privacy statement Allegheny County property appraiser confirms that we do not sell your personal data. We follow strict data privacy guidelines Allegheny County property office developed internally. This includes securing the Allegheny County property database privacy practices through encryption and access controls. You deserve to know the security measures protecting your Allegheny County property tax information privacy. We explain the limits on sharing information, even with other government bodies. The policy also covers Allegheny County GIS & parcel data privacy when you use our mapping tools. We address how we manage property information privacy Allegheny County when it becomes part of the public record versus private data. You also learn about your rights, such as how to request changes or limit certain uses of your data. This section ensures you understand the full scope of our Allegheny County appraisal services privacy commitment to data security.
Information We Collect
The Allegheny County property appraisal confidentiality rules govern the types of information we gather. We collect data to support our official function of property assessment and taxation. This collection occurs through direct submissions from property owners and from automatic interactions with our digital services. The information gathered falls into two main categories: data you actively give us and data collected when you use our website or services.
Understanding which data is collected helps you see how we uphold Allegheny County property records confidentiality. We limit data collection to what is necessary for official county functions. This practice supports our commitment to Allegheny County real estate data protection. Below, we detail the specific kinds of data collected in each category.
Data You Provide Voluntarily
Property owners and citizens submit information directly to the Allegheny County Property Appraiser‘s office for various reasons. This voluntary data is necessary for accurate property valuation and official communication. Examples include details provided on assessment appeal forms or applications for tax exemptions.
When you interact with our office, you might provide certain personal details. This data is handled with care, following the Allegheny County personal information policy. We use secure forms and submission methods to protect this material from unauthorized access. The voluntary data we collect typically includes:
- Owner names, mailing addresses, and contact phone numbers.
- Email addresses for official correspondence and notifications.
- Specific property details submitted during assessment appeals.
- Financial data related to property sales or income for valuation purposes.
- Information required for homestead or farmstead exemption applications.
This information is used only for the stated governmental purposes. We do not use this material for marketing or non-official activities. The security of this voluntary data is a high priority for the Allegheny County assessor office data protection team.
Automatically Collected Information
When you access the county’s public-facing property data systems, certain non-personal data is collected automatically. This collection helps us improve the functionality and security of our online services. This material relates to how you interact with the website, not your identity as a property owner.
The automatic collection process follows strict data privacy guidelines Allegheny County property office established for digital services. This includes data about your device and your activity on the site. We use this material to analyze site traffic and identify technical issues.
Automatically collected data often includes:
- Internet Protocol (IP) address, which masks your general location.
- Browser type and operating system used to access the site.
- Pages viewed and the time spent on each page.
- Referral source, such as the search engine or link that brought you to the site.
- Search queries used within the property search tools.
This data helps us ensure the stability and efficiency of our Allegheny County GIS & parcel data privacy tools. We use technical measures, like session cookies, to manage your experience during a single visit. These tools do not collect personal identification details.
How We Use Your Information
The Allegheny County Property Appraiser uses collected information solely for official governmental functions. Our use of data is directly tied to accurate property assessment and tax administration. This commitment is central to the Allegheny County property tax data privacy standards we maintain. We ensure every use aligns with state and local laws governing public records and personal material.
Using your data responsibly supports the integrity of the assessment process. This includes maintaining fair and equitable property valuations across the county. The three main purposes for data use are listed below. Each purpose is essential to the operations of the Assessor’s Office and its public service mission.
For Service Improvements
We use non-personal and aggregated data to constantly improve our public services and digital tools. Analyzing usage patterns helps us identify areas where our website or data delivery can be more efficient. This focus on improvement benefits all users searching for property information privacy Allegheny County details.
This use of material includes:
- Analyzing site performance metrics to reduce loading times.
- Reviewing search terms to improve the accuracy of property searches.
- Identifying popular features to dedicate resources for their maintenance and enhancement.
- Testing new website layouts for better user interaction and accessibility.
These improvements rely on technical data that does not identify individuals. The process helps us maintain a high-quality online resource for Allegheny County property tax data privacy and public property searches.
Communication & Notifications
We use contact information you provide to fulfill our legal duty to communicate with property owners. This communication is strictly official and relates directly to your property assessment or tax obligations. This practice ensures property owners receive timely and necessary information.
Official communications include:
- Mailing official assessment notices and valuation changes.
- Sending email confirmations for appeal filings or exemption applications.
- Responding to specific inquiries about property data or assessment procedures.
- Notifying property owners about public hearings related to taxation or valuation.
We manage all communication channels to protect your Allegheny County personal information policy details. The office does not use these contact details for promotional purposes. Any communication outside of official duties is not authorized.
Legal and Compliance Purposes
A significant use of collected data involves meeting legal mandates and compliance requirements. As a governmental entity, we must adhere to state laws regarding public records and tax assessment procedures. This use is non-negotiable and essential to our function.
The legal uses include:
- Maintaining public records as required by the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law.
- Using property data for accurate tax levy calculations by taxing bodies.
- Responding to lawful court orders, subpoenas, or official government requests.
- Conducting internal audits to ensure compliance with assessment standards.
This legal framework dictates what real estate records confidentiality Allegheny County must maintain versus what must be public. We follow legal counsel to balance public transparency with individual data protection.
Data Protection and Security Measures
Protecting the data entrusted to us is a core responsibility of the Allegheny County Property Appraiser’s Office. We employ multiple layers of technical and administrative security measures. These measures are designed to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of property and personal material. Our commitment to Allegheny County assessor office data protection is continuous.
The security framework addresses the specific risks associated with holding large public and non-public datasets. We invest in current security technologies and train our staff on proper data handling procedures. This comprehensive approach ensures we meet the high standards expected for Allegheny County property records confidentiality.
We maintain three key areas of data protection:
| Security Area | Description of Practice | Alignment with Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Data Transmission | Uses Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols for website interactions. | Secures voluntary data submission. |
| Storage Security | Data rests on secure servers protected by firewalls and intrusion detection systems. | Protects the Allegheny County property database privacy practices. |
| Physical Security | Server rooms have restricted access, requiring keycard entry and surveillance. | Prevents unauthorized physical access to data infrastructure. |
Encryption and Secure Access
Encryption is a primary method we use to protect sensitive data both in transit and at rest. This process scrambles the material, making it unreadable to anyone without the correct decryption key. This step is vital for upholding Allegheny County real estate data protection standards.
We apply encryption to specific types of non-public data. When you submit a form containing personal details, the connection is secured using high-grade encryption. This practice is part of our standard operating procedure for digital security.
Key encryption practices include:
- Using industry-standard AES-256 encryption for data stored on county servers.
- Securing all external data links with HTTPS to protect data transfer.
- Requiring strong, complex passwords for all internal systems access.
- Implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts.
These practices ensure that even if data were intercepted, it would remain protected. They represent a core part of the Allegheny County appraisal office privacy notice commitment to security.
Internal Access Restrictions
Not all employees have access to all data. We enforce a strict “need-to-know” access policy across the office. This administrative control limits who can view or modify specific property or personal material. This is a critical factor in maintaining Allegheny County property records confidentiality.
Access controls ensure that only staff members who require the material to perform their official duties can view it. For example, only valuation specialists may need access to specific income details for certain commercial properties.
The internal restrictions involve:
- Role-based access controls (RBAC) that grant permissions based on job function.
- Regular review of employee access privileges to ensure they remain appropriate.
- Auditing logs that record every access and modification of sensitive data.
- Mandatory annual security awareness training for all staff members.
These internal checks help prevent misuse or accidental data exposure. They are a foundational element of our privacy practices Allegheny County assessor commitment.
Additional Security Practices
Beyond encryption and access control, we maintain other practices to reinforce data security. These steps address broader security risks and ensure system resilience. We regularly update our systems to guard against new security threats.
The additional practices include:
- Conducting regular vulnerability scans and penetration testing on all public-facing systems.
- Maintaining a robust data backup and recovery system to prevent data loss.
- Using secure disposal methods for all hardware and paper records containing material.
- Implementing a formal incident response plan for quick and effective handling of security events.
These measures support the overall integrity of the Allegheny County property database privacy practices. We view data security as an ongoing, active responsibility, not a one-time setup. Please review the Disclaimer along with the Privacy Policy for important legal information.
Opt-Out Preferences
While much of the property data we collect is public record by law, you retain certain rights regarding how your non-public information is handled. We respect your ability to limit the use of certain data where legally permissible. The options available relate mostly to communication preferences and the use of automatically collected service data.
We recognize that individuals may wish to minimize the collection and use of their information. This section details the steps you can take to exercise your preferences. These actions help you manage your Allegheny County personal information policy interactions with our office.
How to Limit the Use of Your Data
You can take specific actions to limit certain uses of your information within the bounds of the law. Since our primary function involves public records, many data points related to property characteristics must remain public. However, you can manage how we use contact and digital usage information.
Steps to limit data use include:
- Email Communications: You can opt out of non-essential email notifications from the office. Official assessment notices and legal communications must still be sent.
- Browser Settings: You can set your web browser to reject cookies. This will limit the automatically collected information about your website use. Note that this may affect the functionality of some Allegheny County GIS & parcel data privacy tools.
- Direct Request: For specific concerns about the use of personal contact information, you may submit a formal request to the Assessor’s Office.
These limitations apply only to the extent that they do not interfere with our legal obligations. For example, you cannot opt out of having your deed information recorded as public record. This process upholds the balance required by Allegheny County property tax data privacy laws.
Limiting the use of data is a key part of our commitment to transparent Allegheny County appraisal services privacy. We provide clear channels for these requests to ensure your preferences are respected.
Sharing & Third-Party Services
The Allegheny County Property Appraiser’s Office does not sell personal or property data to outside parties. Our policy strictly prohibits the sale of this material for commercial gain. Data sharing only occurs when legally mandated or when necessary to perform official county functions. This commitment is central to our data handling policy Allegheny County property office.
Any sharing of material is done under formal agreement or legal requirement. We ensure that any party receiving data from us adheres to security standards comparable to our own. This protects the integrity of the property data privacy Allegheny County material.
When and Why We Share Information
Information is shared for specific, authorized purposes. The primary reason for sharing is to support the functions of other governmental entities and to comply with legal processes. This sharing is controlled and documented every time it occurs.
Reasons for data sharing include:
- Taxing Bodies: We share property valuation data with local municipalities, school districts, and the county for tax levy calculation. This is a primary function of the assessor’s office.
- Law Enforcement/Court Orders: We must comply with valid subpoenas, court orders, or warrants from authorized legal bodies.
- Government Agencies: Data may be shared with other county departments, like the Recorder of Deeds or the Treasurer’s Office, to ensure consistent public records.
- Audits: Material is shared with state or federal auditors as required for compliance reviews of our assessment practices.
This controlled sharing ensures that public services run smoothly while still adhering to Allegheny County property records confidentiality. We maintain logs of all external data transfers for accountability.
Third-Party Tools and Services
We use certain third-party services to operate our website and digital tools efficiently. These services may include web hosting providers, traffic analytics platforms, and email delivery systems. These service providers act on our behalf and are not permitted to use the data for their own purposes.
Any vendor we use must agree to strict confidentiality and security terms. We carefully vet all third-party providers to ensure they meet the security standards of the Allegheny County appraisal services privacy commitment. The types of third-party tools used include:
| Service Category | Purpose of Use | Data Shared (Type) |
|---|---|---|
| Web Hosting | To keep the official county website online and accessible. | Website traffic logs, non-personal usage data. |
| Analytics Software | To analyze website usage and improve digital service delivery. | Aggregated, anonymized traffic data (e.g., page views). |
| GIS Mapping Tools | To display interactive parcel maps and property data overlays. | Public property data, technical usage details. |
We minimize the sharing of any personal identifying information with these third parties. The focus is on using them for technical support and website functionality, not for data processing outside of our control.
Your Rights & Data Control Options
As a property owner or citizen interacting with the Allegheny County Property Appraiser, you have specific rights regarding your personal information. These rights allow you to request access to your data, seek corrections, or, in some cases, request deletion. These options are crucial for upholding the Allegheny County personal information policy.
We provide clear mechanisms for you to exercise these rights. Our goal is to ensure you feel you have control over the non-public material associated with your property or interactions. The process for exercising these rights is formal and requires verification of your identity.
Requesting Data Access or Deletion
You have the right to request a copy of the non-public personal information we hold about you. You also have the right to request that certain non-public material be deleted or restricted. This right is subject to legal limitations, as much of the property data is public record.
To access or request deletion of data:
- Submit a formal written request to the Allegheny County Property Appraiser’s Office.
- Include your full legal name, property address, and contact information.
- Clearly specify the data you are requesting access to or requesting to be deleted.
- Provide proof of identity to ensure you are the authorized party.
We will review all requests against the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law and other applicable statutes. If the material is part of the public record, we cannot delete it. If it is non-public personal material, we will comply with the request unless a legal requirement prevents us from doing so. This process supports the Allegheny County assessor office data protection commitment.
Updating Your Personal Information
It is important that the Allegheny County Property Appraiser’s Office holds accurate and current information. Inaccurate personal details, especially mailing addresses, can result in missed assessment notices. You have the right to request corrections to your non-public personal material.
To update your personal material, such as a mailing address:
- Submit a change of address form to the office, often available on the official website.
- Provide official documentation, such as a recorded deed or notarized statement, if required for ownership changes.
- Contact the office directly by phone or email for simple updates to phone numbers or non-official email addresses.
Keeping your material current helps ensure that you receive all official communications. This step is vital for the proper administration of Allegheny County property tax data privacy and assessment duties. We make every effort to process these updates quickly upon verification.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy for the Allegheny County Property Appraiser is subject to change. As laws, technology, and official practices change, this policy must be updated to reflect those changes. We reserve the right to modify this document at any time. Any changes will be posted clearly on this official website.
We encourage users and property owners to review this policy periodically. Staying informed about our data privacy guidelines Allegheny County property office ensures you understand our current material handling practices. Transparency about changes is a key part of building public trust.
Notification of Updates
We provide clear notification when significant changes are made to this policy. Minor, non-substantive changes may be updated without formal notification. However, any change that materially affects how we collect, use, or share your personal material will be announced.
Notification methods include:
- Posting a prominent notice on the homepage of the Allegheny County Property Appraiser’s official website for a set period.
- Updating the “Date of Last Revision” section at the end of the policy.
- In some cases, sending direct email or mail notifications to individuals on record if the change affects a specific process.
These steps ensure that property owners are aware of updates to the Allegheny County property appraiser privacy policy. Our commitment is to never make changes that reduce your data protection rights without clear public notice.
Date of Last Revision
The date below indicates when this Privacy Policy was last reviewed and revised. This date provides a quick reference point for users checking for updates. You can compare this date with any previous versions you may have saved.
Date of Last Revision: January 1, 2024
This date confirms the current status of our commitment to Allegheny County real estate data protection. We plan to review this policy at least annually or whenever significant changes in state law or county data practices occur.
Contact Us for Privacy Concerns
We welcome your questions and concerns regarding this Privacy Policy and our data handling practices. If you have questions about property data privacy Allegheny County or need to exercise your data control rights, please contact us using the official channels provided below. Our staff is prepared to address your inquiries related to Allegheny County property appraisal confidentiality rules.
Direct contact ensures that your privacy concerns are handled by the proper authority within the Allegheny County government. We take all inquiries seriously and commit to a timely and professional response. When contacting us, please reference the specific section of the policy your question relates to for faster service.
How to Reach the Allegheny County Property Appraiser
For all matters related to property data privacy, the official point of contact is the Allegheny County Property Appraiser’s Office. We encourage using the written contact methods for formal requests regarding data access, correction, or deletion.
Official Contact Information:
- Office Name: Allegheny County Property Appraiser’s Office (Office of Property Assessments)
- Physical Address: 542 Forbes Avenue, Room 333, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
- Mailing Address: Office of Property Assessments, 542 Forbes Avenue, Room 333, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
- Official Website: alleghenycounty.us/property-assessments (not clickable)
- General Phone Number: 412-350-4600
- Official Email for Data Inquiries: realestate@alleghenycounty.us (not clickable)
Visiting Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Except County Holidays)
Please note that staff cannot provide legal advice regarding public records law. For such matters, you should consult a qualified legal professional. However, we can explain the county’s specific privacy statement Allegheny County property appraiser practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Privacy Policy explains how the Allegheny County property office handles your personal and property details. This document acts as the official Allegheny County appraisal office privacy notice, showing our dedication to securing your information. We know that protecting your property data privacy Allegheny County is very important. Therefore, our practice is to manage data in line with state laws and local ordinances. This helps us keep the highest standard of Allegheny County property records confidentiality for certain sensitive items. The goal is to be open about what information is public while protecting what the law says must remain private.
What is the main purpose of the Allegheny County property appraiser Privacy Policy?
The Privacy Policy clarifies how the County collects, uses, and secures information related to property assessments and online services. Primarily, it states that the Allegheny County property appraiser does not save personal details from your website visit unless you actively submit them. For example, you submit information when you e-file an appeal of a property assessment decision. When you supply information, like financial data, the County handles it according to legal requirements. This commitment helps keep your personal information safe.
How does the Allegheny County property appraiser privacy policy treat my personal information?
The Allegheny County property appraiser privacy policy states that personal information you provide is treated like a written communication. This means it can be considered public information available upon request in many situations. However, the County makes reasonable efforts to protect personal financial information from public disclosure as much as the law allows. The policy works to balance the public’s right to know under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law with the need for Allegheny County personal information policy protection.
Does the County protect my property data privacy Allegheny County against public release?
Most property data privacy Allegheny County information is a public record, meaning the public can inspect it under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law. Publicly available records include tax information, building details, and owner history. However, the County does protect certain data. For instance, the public property assessment dataset specifically excludes the name and contact information for property owners. This exclusion is a specific Allegheny County real estate data protection measure set by local ordinance.
Which specific Allegheny County property records are considered confidential and not public?
While most property and land records, such as deeds and mortgages, are open to the public, the County protects certain personal financial details. The County will make reasonable efforts to protect personal financial information from disclosure to the extent allowed by law. Also, the online public dataset excludes property owner names and contact information. This is a key part of the Allegheny County property records confidentiality rules, helping keep some personal identifiers private.
What steps does the Allegheny County assessor office take for data protection when I file an appeal?
When you file an appeal of a property assessment decision, you must supply information to the Allegheny County assessor office. The office handles this supplied data, including any financial data, in accordance with legal requirements. The office will make reasonable attempts to protect personal financial information from public disclosure. The goal of the Allegheny County assessor office data protection practice is to secure the sensitive details you share during the appeals process while still following public record laws.
Can I request to remove my name from the public Allegheny County real estate data search results?
You do not need to request removal of your name from the main public search results. The Allegheny County real estate data for property assessments already excludes the name and contact information for property owners. This is a standard protection measure required by Ordinance 3478-07. If you have other concerns about Allegheny County property tax data privacy, you may contact the Office of Open Records to discuss what specific data falls under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law.