Privacy Policy clarify how the office treats personal information collected through its website and public services. The document outlines information collection methods such as forms, browser information, and website usage data. It describes data processing steps that turn collected information into records while following strict information security standards. Visitors learn about privacy practices that protect user privacy and guard analytics data from unauthorized access. The policy also notes how visitor information may be shared with government sources under law and how data protection measures keep records safe. By reading this text, users can see how the assessor balances transparency with information safeguards.
Spokane county assessor details the rights users hold over their data and the privacy choices available on the site. It clarifies how access requests are handled and what steps are taken to protect collected information through security measures like encryption and regular audits. The text outlines privacy controls that let visitors manage usage information and adjust consent for cookies or analytics data. Information management practices keep records accurate and limit retention periods. Readers gain confidence that the office respects privacy rights and applies strong information security to all visitor interactions. The policy also clarifies how data protection aligns with state regulations and how user privacy remains a top priority for every digital interaction.
Privacy Policy Scope
Privacy Policy’s Spokane county assessor defines the rules for handling personal details on official portals. Users can verify property records directly through the Spokane County Assessor search portal at https://www.spokanecounty.org/226/Assessor. Type the parcel number into the search bar. Click the submit button to view property tax records. This policy covers data collection on the assessor site. It protects user privacy during every search. The rules apply to all visitors using the online tools. Data processing follows Washington State laws. The scope limits data use to official county business. Security measures prevent unauthorized access.
| Scope Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Website Coverage | Spokane County Assessor online portal |
| State Law | Washington State RCW 42.56 |
| User Base | Property owners, taxpayers, public visitors |
| Data Limits | Official county business only |
The policy governs every page on the assessor domain. It sets strict boundaries for data collection. The office collects only what is needed to process taxes. The scope prevents the gathering of unrelated personal details. Staff follow these rules during all public interactions. The county reviews the scope yearly to match state mandates.
Information We May Collect
The assessor site gathers specific data to provide accurate property records. Users submit personal details when filling out exemption forms. The system collects browser details automatically. This includes IP addresses and device types. Website usage data helps track page visits. The office stores this collected data securely. Data protection standards apply to all entries. Visitor data remains confidential unless state law requires disclosure. The system never gathers data without a valid county purpose.
- Property parcel numbers
- Owner names for exemption tracking
- Browser type and version
- Internet protocol addresses
- Pages visited on the assessor site
- Date and time of site visits
| Form Type | Collected Details |
|---|---|
| Senior Exemption | Name, birth date, property address, income bracket |
| Disabled Veteran Exemption | Name, disability rating, property address |
| Appeal Petition | Parcel number, owner name, appeal reason |
The office uses secure servers to hold this data. Staff access the data only to verify facts. The system logs every time a staff member views a file. These logs prevent unauthorized snooping. Data protection rules govern the whole process.
Information Sent by Email
Users often send emails to ask about property assessments. These emails contain personal details like names and addresses. The county stores these emails in secure databases. Data processing rules apply to all incoming messages. Staff members review the emails to answer public questions. Email communication stays private within the assessor department. Security measures protect email contents from third parties. Users should avoid sending sensitive details like social security numbers via email.
- Include the property parcel number in the subject line.
- State your full name as it appears on the deed.
- Ask one clear question per email.
- Do not attach financial documents.
- Wait three business days for a response.
The county email system filters spam and malicious files. Security measures scan every incoming message for viruses. Safe emails reach the assessor inbox. The office deletes suspicious emails without opening them. This keeps the county network safe.
How Information May Be Used
The assessor uses collected data to process property tax exemptions. Staff review submitted details to verify eligibility. Analytics data helps improve the website layout. The office uses usage data to fix broken links. Data processing ensures accurate property assessments. The county never sells personal details to private companies. Data protection keeps all records safe. The assessor uses visitor data strictly for official government tasks.
| Use Case | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Exemption Review | Verify senior or disability tax exemptions |
| Site Improvement | Fix broken links and update page layouts |
| Assessment Appeals | Review property value disputes |
| Public Records | Display property ownership facts |
Staff use property data to calculate annual tax rolls. The office sends these rolls to the treasurer. Data processing systems check for duplicate entries. The system flags errors for manual review. This process keeps tax bills accurate.
Hamilton County Court and Public Records
Spokane County follows Washington State public record laws. The outline mentions Hamilton County Court as a reference point for public record systems. Public records include property deeds and tax histories. These records remain open for public viewing. The assessor links to court systems to verify property ownership. Data security does not apply to public records. Anyone can search these records online. Privacy controls do not restrict access to public property files.
Washington law RCW 42.56 mandates public access to government records. The assessor complies with this law by publishing property facts. Court records help confirm legal ownership changes. The office reviews court data before updating tax rolls. This process keeps county records accurate. Public access ensures transparency in property taxation.
| Record Type | Source | Public Access |
|---|---|---|
| Property Deeds | County Auditor | Open to all |
| Tax Liens | County Treasurer | Open to all |
| Bankruptcy Filings | Federal Courts | Open to all |
Publicly Available Information
Property ownership data is public in Washington State. The assessor publishes property values and legal descriptions. Anyone can search for parcel details on the county portal. This public data includes owner names and site addresses. Privacy rights do not cover public property records. The office updates this data regularly. Users can access this data without an account. Data protection rules exclude publicly available facts.
- Property assessed value
- Legal description of the parcel
- Current owner of record
- Situs address of the property
- Tax code area
- Year built for structures
- Square footage of buildings
The assessor updates property values once a year. Staff mail new value notices to owners every spring. The public can view these values online immediately. This schedule keeps the public informed. Data processing handles these updates automatically.
Cookies
The assessor site uses cookies to remember user settings. Cookies are small text files stored on a browser. These files help the site load faster. Users can block cookies in their browser settings. Privacy controls allow visitors to delete cookies anytime. The site does not use cookies to track personal details. Cookies only track usage data like session times. Data security protects cookies from external access.
| Cookie Type | Function | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Session Cookies | Keep user logged in during visit | Deleted after browser closes |
| Preference Cookies | Remember site display settings | Stored for 30 days |
| Analytics Cookies | Count page views | Stored for 1 year |
- Open your browser settings menu.
- Find the privacy or security tab.
- Click the cookies section.
- Select block all cookies or block third party cookies.
- Restart your browser to apply changes.
Analytics Information
The county uses analytics data to understand user behavior. Analytics tools count page views and visitor numbers. This data helps improve the website experience. The tools collect browser details and visit durations. Data processing removes personal identifiers from analytics reports. User privacy remains intact during analytics tracking. The assessor reviews this data to update site features. Security measures keep analytics data internal.
The assessor tracks total visits to the property search page. Staff look at the most searched parcel numbers. This helps identify areas needing more site resources. The office tracks bounce rates to fix confusing pages. Analytics data never links back to a specific person. All data stays anonymous within the county servers.
| Metric | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Pageviews | Total times a page loads |
| Session Duration | Time spent on the site |
| Bounce Rate | Visitors who leave after one page |
| Exit Pages | Last page visited before leaving |
External Website Links
The assessor site contains links to external portals. These links lead to state tax departments and mapping services. The county does not control external privacy practices. Users must read the privacy policies on external sites. Data protection does not apply once a user leaves the assessor site. The office provides these links for convenience. External sites may collect different visitor data. Users should adjust privacy controls on external sites.
| External Link | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Washington State Department of Revenue | State tax rules and property tax manuals |
| Spokane County Treasurer | Pay property taxes online |
| Spokane County GIS Mapping | View property boundaries and aerial maps |
| Washington State Legislature | Read state laws about property taxes |
The office checks external links monthly. Staff ensure the links point to valid government pages. Broken links get fixed or removed. This maintenance keeps the site useful. Data security scans external links for malware.
Government Sources and References
The assessor relies on official government sources for property data. The Washington State Department of Revenue sets tax rules. The county records office provides property deeds. Data processing aligns with state mandates. The assessor cites these sources in official reports. Security measures protect data shared between agencies. User privacy rules apply to inter agency data sharing. The public can request references for any property record.
The Department of Revenue audits county assessment practices yearly. They provide manuals for property valuation. The assessor follows these manuals to set fair values. This ensures taxes remain equal across the county. The public can view these manuals on the state website.
- Washington State Department of Revenue manuals
- Spokane County Auditor recording archives
- Washington State Constitution Article VII on taxation
- Spokane County Code on local assessments
Email Communication
Email serves as a primary contact method for the assessor. Users receive property tax statements via email upon request. The office sends notices about exemption status changes. Email communication follows strict data security protocols. The system encrypts outgoing emails to protect personal details. Users can manage email preferences through privacy controls. The office never shares email lists with third parties. Data protection ensures emails reach the correct recipient.
- Property tax assessment notices
- Senior exemption approval letters
- Appeal hearing dates
- General office announcements
The county uses secure email gateways. These gateways block phishing attempts. Staff never click on suspicious links in emails. Security measures train staff to spot fake emails. This protects the county data network.
Data Security
The assessor applies strong security measures to protect user data. Firewalls block unauthorized access to county servers. Encryption scrambles personal details during transmission. Staff undergo training on data protection standards. The office audits security measures annually. Data security prevents data breaches. Privacy practices include strict password rules for staff. The county updates security systems to block new threats.
| Security Layer | Action |
|---|---|
| Network Firewalls | Block outside traffic from server ports |
| SSL Encryption | Scramble data sent between browser and server |
| Staff Training | Teach employees about phishing threats |
| Access Controls | Limit staff access to sensitive files |
- Staff must change passwords every 90 days.
- Passwords must contain 12 characters.
- Staff use two factor authentication to log in.
- The system locks accounts after five failed logins.
Data Retention
The assessor keeps property records permanently. Personal details on exemption forms follow state retention schedules. The office holds tax documents for seven years. Data processing rules dictate these timeframes. After the retention period ends, the office destroys unneeded files. Data protection covers records during the retention phase. User privacy remains a priority even for stored data. The public can request access requests for retained files.
Washington State law dictates how long governments keep files. Property deeds stay forever because they prove ownership. Tax payment records stay for a decade to track history. Exemption forms stay for seven years to prove eligibility. The office shreds paper files after the retention date. Digital files get permanently deleted from servers.
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Property Deeds | Permanent |
| Tax Payment Records | 10 years |
| Exemption Applications | 7 years |
| Appeal Decisions | Permanent |
Sharing of Information
The assessor shares data with other government agencies. The county treasurer receives tax data to collect payments. Law enforcement may access data with a legal warrant. Data sharing follows Washington State laws. The office never sells personal details to private entities. Data protection rules limit inter agency sharing. Privacy controls prevent unauthorized data sharing. The public receives notice when laws require data disclosure.
- Spokane County Treasurer for tax billing
- Spokane County Auditor for recording deeds
- Washington State Department of Revenue
- Local school districts for levy calculations
- Court officials with a legal warrant
The assessor uses secure data lines to share files. Agencies must sign data sharing agreements. These agreements limit data use to specific tasks. The assessor audits these agreements yearly. Data security governs every shared file.
Advertising and Third Party Technologies
The assessor site does not display third party advertising. The office bans advertising technologies on official pages. Data processing excludes commercial tracking. User privacy stays protected from ad networks. The site uses no third–party marketing tools. Security measures block ad scripts from running. Privacy practices forbid selling user data to advertisers. The public can browse the site without seeing targeted ads.
The county site does not need ad blockers. Users will see no pop up ads or banner ads. The site runs on public funds. No commercial company pays to display ads on the assessor portal. This keeps the site fast and secure. Visitors enjoy a clean reading experience.
- No tracking pixels from social media sites
- No third party remarketing tags
- No commercial pop up windows
- No sponsored content links
Children’s Privacy
The assessor site does not collect data from children. The portal targets adults seeking property records. Data protection rules comply with child privacy laws. The office never asks for a visitor’s age. Security measures prevent data collection from minors. Privacy controls block access to forms for young users. The site provides educational materials about property taxes. Data processing excludes any details from users under thirteen.
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act sets rules for websites. The assessor site follows these federal rules. The forms require adult signatures for legal reasons. A minor cannot apply for a property tax exemption. The site design keeps young users away from data entry points.
- Senior Exemption forms require adult signatures.
- Appeal petitions require adult property owners.
- Online tax payments require adult bank accounts.
Official Record Links
Users access official records through the county portal. The site links to the Spokane County recording department. Users can search for deeds and plats online. Data security protects these official links. The office updates links to prevent broken paths. Privacy practices do not restrict access to these records. The public can download property maps directly. Data protection keeps the download servers secure.
| Record Type | Department | Link Status |
|---|---|---|
| Property Deeds | Spokane County Recording | Active |
| Aerial Maps | Spokane County GIS | Active |
| Historical Records | WA State Digital Archives | Active |
The assessor verifies these links every month. Broken links get repaired within one business day. The public relies on these links for legal research. Title companies use these links to verify ownership. The county ensures the links stay live.
Public Record Privacy Concerns
Citizens often raise privacy concerns about public property records. Owners worry about their names appearing in public searches. Washington law mandates public access to property ownership. The assessor cannot remove owner names from public view. Privacy controls do not apply to public record laws. Users can contact the office to discuss concerns. Data security protects other details like phone numbers. The office balances transparency with user privacy.
The assessor office listens to citizen worries. Staff clarify the state laws that require public access. The office can remove phone numbers from public documents. Staff cannot hide owner names or property addresses. The law requires this data to remain open for tax transparency. Citizens can call the office to learn their rights.
| Data Type | Can it be hidden? |
|---|---|
| Owner Name | No, required by law |
| Property Address | No, required by law |
| Phone Number | Yes, upon request |
| Email Address | Yes, upon request |
Independent Website Status
The assessor site operates independently from private data brokers. The county owns and manages the website servers. Data processing happens entirely within government systems. The site has no affiliation with commercial property search sites. Security measures keep the site separate from private networks. Privacy practices follow government standards. Data protection prevents private companies from scraping site data. The public trusts the site for accurate property facts.
Spokane County hosts the assessor website on local servers. The IT department manages all hardware and software. No third party hosting company controls the site data. This setup gives the county total control over privacy practices. The county blocks bots from scraping property records. This protects the public from data brokers.
- County owned server hardware
- Local IT staff manage security patches
- No third party cloud hosting
- Bot blocking software prevents scraping
Information Accuracy
The assessor strives for total accuracy in property records. Staff verify data before publishing it online. Data processing includes multiple checks for errors. The office updates property values once a year. Users can report incorrect data through the contact form. Data security prevents unauthorized changes to records. Privacy practices ensure reports remain confidential. The public relies on this accuracy for tax payments.
- Appraisers visit properties to check physical details.
- Staff compare sales data from local real estate markets.
- Computer models calculate values based on market trends.
- Managers review appeals to correct any mistakes.
The assessor uses mass appraisal techniques. This method values many properties at once using market data. Staff review the results for outliers. If a value seems too high or low, an appraiser checks the property. This keeps values fair and accurate.
Privacy Policy Updates
The assessor updates this policy to match new state laws. The office reviews privacy practices every year. Data protection rules may change based on new legislation. The public receives notice of major policy updates. Security measures require policy adjustments over time. Data processing updates ensure compliance. User privacy remains the focus of all changes. Visitors should review the policy periodically.
The county legal team reviews this policy each January. If Washington State passes new privacy laws, the team updates the text. The assessor posts the updated date at the top of the page. Users can check this date to see if rules changed. The office archives old versions for public review.
- New state legislation on public records
- Changes to federal privacy laws
- County IT security upgrades
- Public feedback on data collection
Privacy Questions
Citizens can ask questions about data collection. The office welcomes inquiries about privacy controls. Users can submit questions via email or phone. Staff clarify how data protection works. The assessor answers questions about access requests. Data security experts review complex privacy questions. The office responds to all inquiries promptly. Privacy practices evolve based on public feedback.
The assessor office has a dedicated team for public inquiries. Citizens can call during business hours to speak with staff. The team handles questions about data collection and storage. They clarify how state laws affect public records. The office tracks questions to improve this policy.
- How to request a copy of personal data
- How to correct wrong property details
- How to remove a phone number from public view
- How the site uses cookies