Privacy Policy – Cobb County Property Appraiser

Privacy Policy establishes the commitment of the Cobb County Property Appraiser’s office to safeguarding your personal information and maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive property data. This document addresses the core user pain point: knowing exactly what happens to the details you share and how we ensure Cobb County real estate data protection. We recognize the importance of property data privacy Cobb County residents expect when accessing property records. This Cobb County appraisal office privacy notice clearly defines the data handling policy Cobb County property office staff follows for all collected information. It clarifies the distinction between public Cobb County property records and confidential personal data, such as contact details or specific financial exemptions. Our privacy practices Cobb County assessor implements meet state and federal standards for secure data management. We seek to provide complete transparency regarding the Cobb County property appraiser privacy policy and the protection measures for all property tax data privacy concerns. Understanding our commitment to Cobb County property records confidentiality helps build trust and assures you that your information security is our top priority, detailing all procedures governing the collection, use, and sharing of data related to Cobb County GIS & parcel data privacy and appraisal services.

Privacy Policy serves as your comprehensive source for the Cobb County assessor office data protection measures in place to secure your property information. This privacy statement Cobb County property appraiser publishes outlines your rights and how you can exercise control over your personal details. We detail our strict Cobb County personal information policy, which covers everything from standard property tax data to specific data privacy guidelines Cobb County property office employees follow daily. The document explains our Cobb County property appraisal confidentiality rules and the internal access restrictions applied to sensitive real estate records confidentiality Cobb County maintains. We address the specifics of the Cobb County property database privacy practices, ensuring that system security aligns with the principles of property information privacy Cobb County citizens deserve. This information is valuable because it solves the common user problem of uncertainty about data usage and retention. By reviewing this Cobb County public records privacy policy, you gain clarity on how to request access or correction of your data and the procedures for opting out of certain communications, affirming our commitment to responsible data stewardship.

Information We Collect

The Cobb County Property Appraiser’s office collects certain details to perform its statutory duty of accurately assessing property values. The type of data collected depends on how you interact with our office, whether through the official website, through a formal appeal, or by applying for a tax exemption. We limit data collection to what is necessary for appraisal services and tax administration. This adherence supports our Cobb County property tax data privacy standards and ensures we respect the property information privacy Cobb County citizens expect.

Property appraisal requires gathering physical characteristics of real estate, which are public by law. However, personal identifiers submitted alongside those records receive strict protection. We separate public data, such as parcel identification numbers and assessed values, from private data, like a homeowner’s social security number or email address. This separation is a core element of our Cobb County appraisal office privacy notice. We maintain clear data privacy guidelines Cobb County property office staff must follow when handling any collected details.

Data You Provide Voluntarily

When you communicate with the Cobb County Property Appraiser’s office, you often provide personal details directly. This voluntary submission typically occurs when filing an appeal, applying for a homestead exemption, or submitting a change of address form. The collected details are critical for processing your request accurately and for maintaining fair property assessments across the county.

Examples of voluntarily provided data include:

• Owner names and mailing addresses for tax bill delivery.
• Phone numbers and email addresses for official correspondence.
• Social Security numbers, required for certain tax exemption applications (e.g., Senior or Disability exemptions).
• Financial details or medical certificates needed to verify eligibility for specific property tax relief programs.
• Specific sales data or comparable property information submitted during a formal assessment appeal.

We treat all data submitted for exemption purposes with the highest level of Cobb County property records confidentiality. The Cobb County personal information policy dictates that sensitive identifiers are not made available in public records searches. This practice safeguards your private financial and health data while still allowing the office to fulfill its legal obligations.

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit the Cobb County Property Appraiser’s public website, certain technical details are automatically recorded by our servers. This collection helps us improve website performance and secure our systems. This process aligns with responsible Cobb County property database privacy practices.

Automatically collected information includes:

1. IP Address: The network address of the device used to access the site. This helps identify unauthorized access attempts.
2. Browser Type and Operating System: Details about the software used to view the site, which assists in technical support and compatibility fixes.
3. Pages Visited and Time Spent: Metrics showing which Cobb County GIS & parcel data privacy sections of the site are most useful.
4. Date and Time of Access: A timestamp used for system logging and security audits.

This automatically collected data is aggregated and used for statistical purposes only. We do not use this data to personally identify individual users accessing public property records. The information helps us measure the effectiveness of our Cobb County appraisal services privacy protocols and website design.

How We Use Your Information

The Cobb County Property Appraiser’s office uses collected data strictly for its designated purposes, which center on property valuation, tax administration, and public service. Every use of data follows the data handling policy Cobb County property office established to maintain transparency and trust. We do not sell or rent personal information to outside parties. All uses are aimed at fulfilling our legal duty and enhancing the quality of service for Cobb County residents.

The use of personal data is carefully restricted, particularly details submitted for tax exemptions. The Cobb County property appraisal confidentiality rules dictate that such information remains separate from general public records. This protects the privacy of individuals while ensuring fair and accurate property assessments.

For Service Improvements

We use aggregated and anonymized data to analyze trends in website usage and public interaction with Cobb County property records. This analysis helps us make better decisions about system upgrades and service delivery. For example, knowing which search filters are used most often allows us to optimize the Cobb County property database for speed and ease of use.

Specific examples of service improvements include:

• Optimizing search functionality for quicker access to public property data.
• Identifying and correcting technical issues that affect the Cobb County GIS & parcel data privacy access portal.
• Improving the clarity of online application forms for homestead and other tax exemptions.
• Scheduling server maintenance based on low-traffic times to minimize disruption to users seeking property information privacy Cobb County data.

Using this data helps us allocate resources effectively, ensuring the public has reliable access to the Cobb County public records privacy policy and associated property information. This dedication to efficiency is part of our commitment to responsible governance.

Communication & Notifications

The office uses contact details you provide to send official correspondence related to your property. This includes notices of assessment, appeal hearing schedules, and exemption status updates. Such communications are necessary for due process in property tax administration.

Types of official communication include:

1. Annual Notice of Assessment (A.N.O.A.) mailings.
2. Written confirmation of homestead or other tax exemption application approval or denial.
3. Scheduled reminders for filing deadlines, such as the April 1st date for most exemption applications.
4. Responses to specific inquiries made through the Cobb County assessor office data protection contact form.

You may receive emails or physical mailings that fall outside the scope of legally mandated property notices. These might relate to system outages or important updates to the Cobb County property appraiser privacy policy. You retain the ability to opt out of non-statutory electronic communications, as detailed later in this document.

Legal and Compliance Purposes

The Cobb County Property Appraiser’s office operates under state law (O.C.G.A. Title 48) and local ordinances. We use collected data to ensure compliance with these legal mandates. This includes the legal requirement to maintain accurate property tax rolls and provide fair valuations.

Data use for legal compliance covers several key areas:

• Verifying residency and ownership against state requirements for property tax exemptions.
• Responding to valid subpoenas or court orders for specific property tax data privacy details.
• Conducting internal audits to confirm adherence to the Cobb County property appraisal confidentiality rules.
• Processing and documenting formal property assessment appeals filed with the Board of Equalization.

We only disclose information when legally compelled to do so, and we limit disclosure to the minimum required by law. This careful approach maintains the real estate records confidentiality Cobb County citizens expect while upholding the law.

Data Protection and Security Measures

Protecting the data entrusted to us is a primary commitment of the Cobb County Property Appraiser’s office. We employ a multi-layered approach to security that meets or exceeds state standards for protecting government data. These measures cover both digital and physical security to uphold the Cobb County real estate data protection promise.

Our security protocols are designed to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of personal details. This applies especially to sensitive data like Social Security numbers used for tax exemption applications. The privacy practices Cobb County assessor implements are regularly reviewed and updated to counter emerging threats.

Encryption and Secure Access

All sensitive information transmitted between your device and our website is secured using industry-standard encryption protocols. This protection ensures that data like exemption application details remain private during transmission. We use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology, identifiable by the padlock icon in your web browser.

Key security technology includes:

1. TLS/SSL Encryption: Secures the connection for all online forms and data submissions.
2. Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems: Monitor and block malicious network traffic attempting to breach the Cobb County property database.
3. Secure Server Environments: Physical and network access to the data storage servers is strictly controlled and monitored 24/7.

This commitment to secure access is a fundamental component of the Cobb County assessor office data protection strategy. We regularly audit these systems to ensure they maintain the highest level of security performance.

Internal Access Restrictions

Access to personal and confidential property data is strictly limited to Cobb County Property Appraiser’s office staff who need the information to perform their official duties. This internal restriction is a cornerstone of the Cobb County property appraisal confidentiality rules.

Our internal access policy includes:

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Staff can only view the specific data necessary for their job function (e.g., only exemption staff view Social Security numbers).
• Mandatory Security Training: All employees handling property or personal data must complete regular training on the Cobb County personal information policy.
• Audit Logs: Every access and modification of sensitive data is recorded and routinely reviewed to detect suspicious activity.

These restrictions ensure that while property values and characteristics remain public, the private details submitted by citizens are protected from unauthorized internal viewing. This reinforces the property data privacy Cobb County residents rely on.

Additional Security Practices

Beyond technical safeguards, the Cobb County Property Appraiser’s office employs physical and procedural security measures. Paper records containing sensitive data are stored in locked, secure areas with limited staff access. We dispose of obsolete paper and digital records securely, following state-mandated retention schedules.

Procedural security includes:

1. Regular, independent security assessments and penetration testing of our public-facing systems.
2. A formal incident response plan to quickly address and contain any potential data security breach.
3. Strict controls over the use of removable media (USB drives) to prevent unauthorized data transfer.
4. A clear policy requiring strong passwords and multi-factor authentication for all staff accessing the Cobb County property database.

These comprehensive measures represent our full commitment to the privacy statement Cobb County property appraiser publishes. We view data security as an ongoing responsibility, not a one-time setup.

Opt-Out Preferences

While much of the data handled by the Cobb County Property Appraiser’s office is public record under state law, you have choices regarding the use of your contact details for non-statutory communication. Our office respects your right to control how we use your information, particularly for optional outreach. This section clarifies your options concerning the data handling policy Cobb County property office uses for communication.

It is important to understand that opting out of non-statutory communication does not affect the office’s ability to send you legally required notices. These include the Annual Notice of Assessment or official appeal hearing dates, which must be delivered to the property owner’s address of record.

How to Limit the Use of Your Data

If you wish to limit how the office uses your contact information for purposes other than legally mandated notices, you can submit a formal request. This pertains primarily to email newsletters, non-essential informational updates, or optional surveys related to Cobb County appraisal services privacy.

Steps to limit non-essential communication:

1. Send a written request to the Cobb County Property Appraiser’s office, clearly stating your name, property address, and the specific types of communication you wish to stop receiving.
2. For electronic communications, use the “unsubscribe” link typically found at the bottom of non-statutory emails.
3. Allow up to 10 business days for your opt-out preference to take full effect across all mailing lists.

Note that your name and mailing address remain part of the public Cobb County property records, as required by law for tax administration. The opt-out preference applies only to the office’s direct, non-legal communications based on the Cobb County personal information policy.

Sharing & Third-Party Services

The Cobb County Property Appraiser’s office is careful about sharing data and works only with trusted partners and government entities. We do not sell personal data. Sharing is limited to situations where it is legally required or necessary to perform essential government functions, such as tax collection and public safety. This adherence is central to maintaining real estate records confidentiality Cobb County citizens trust.

Any data sharing follows strict data privacy guidelines Cobb County property office staff must enforce. Before sharing any data, we confirm that the receiving party has appropriate security measures in place to protect the information.

When and Why We Share Information

We share property and related personal data only under specific, controlled conditions. These conditions are defined by law and necessary for the effective operation of county government services. The purpose is never commercial gain.

Circumstances for data sharing:

• Other Government Agencies: We share data with the Cobb County Tax Commissioner for tax bill calculation and collection purposes. We also share data with the Georgia Department of Revenue for state-level tax administration oversight.
• Public Records Requests: Non-confidential property information (owner name, address, value, property characteristics) is provided to the public upon request, as mandated by the Georgia Open Records Act.
• Legal Process: We comply with valid court orders, subpoenas, or legal processes that require the disclosure of specific property tax data privacy details.
• Emergency Situations: In cases involving public safety or emergencies, we may share information with law enforcement or first responders, consistent with the Cobb County public records privacy policy.

We take every reasonable step to ensure that when data is shared, it is the minimum necessary to meet the legal or operational requirement. This process helps safeguard the Cobb County property records confidentiality.

Third-Party Tools and Services

Our office uses certain third-party services to enhance the functionality of our website and systems, particularly for the Cobb County GIS & parcel data privacy tools. These external tools help us display property maps, process online payments, or manage email distribution lists.

When using third-party services:

1. We conduct due diligence to ensure the third party’s privacy and security practices meet our standards.
2. We limit the data shared with these services to only what is necessary for them to perform their contracted function.
3. We do not share sensitive personal information (like Social Security numbers) with general website service providers.
4. Any payment processing is handled by certified secure vendors, ensuring adherence to the highest data protection standards.

This careful selection and management of external tools ensures that the Cobb County property database privacy practices remain robust, even when external services are integrated.

Your Rights & Data Control Options

As a property owner or user interacting with our office, you have specific rights concerning your personal information held by the Cobb County Property Appraiser’s office. We respect your ability to access and correct the personal details we maintain. These rights are protected under the Cobb County assessor office data protection protocols and state law.

We aim to make the process for exercising these rights simple and clear. Understanding these options provides you with control over your property information privacy Cobb County data.

Requesting Data Access or Deletion

You have the right to request access to the personal information the office holds about you that is not already publicly available. This allows you to verify its accuracy and understand what details are on file. However, the right to deletion is limited, as the office must maintain official property records as mandated by state law.

How to make a request:

• Submit a written request, signed and dated, to the Cobb County Property Appraiser’s office.
• Clearly state whether you are requesting access to your non-public personal data or seeking the deletion of non-essential contact data.
• Include a copy of a valid photo ID to verify your identity and ensure the protection of your details.

We will review your request against the legal requirements for property record retention. We can delete non-statutory contact information, but we must retain property ownership and valuation data permanently.

Updating Your Personal Information

Maintaining accurate records is critical for fair property taxation. You have the right to request corrections or updates to your personal information, such as a change of mailing address or a correction to your name. Updating your details ensures you receive important legal notices on time.

Common information updates include:

1. Changing the mailing address for tax bills and assessment notices.
2. Correcting a misspelling in an owner’s name on the property record.
3. Updating contact phone numbers or email addresses used for official communication.
4. Submitting new documentation to update the status of an existing tax exemption.

You can typically update your mailing address by submitting a form available on the official website or by visiting the office in person. All changes are processed according to the data privacy guidelines Cobb County property office staff follows to ensure accuracy and security.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

The Cobb County Property Appraiser’s office commits to keeping this privacy statement Cobb County property appraiser policy current and accurate. Changes in technology, state law, or office operations may require us to update this document. We reserve the right to modify this Cobb County property appraiser privacy policy at any time to reflect these changes.

Any revisions will be made with the goal of strengthening your Cobb County real estate data protection. We encourage users to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect their information.

Notification of Updates

When significant changes are made to the Cobb County property appraiser privacy policy, we will take steps to inform the public. This ensures that citizens are aware of any modifications to the data handling policy Cobb County property office uses.

Methods for notifying the public:

• Posting a prominent notice on the official website’s homepage for a period of at least 30 days.
• Sending an electronic notification to users subscribed to the office’s general email list.
• Updating the “Date of Last Revision” section within the policy document itself.

We consider a change significant if it affects the type of personal data we collect or alters how we share non-public information. Minor changes, such as correcting typographical errors, may not receive formal notification.

Date of Last Revision

This section documents when the Cobb County property appraiser privacy policy was last reviewed and potentially updated. This date provides transparency and helps users quickly determine if the document has changed since their last review.

The latest revision date is:

We recommend checking this date whenever you interact with the office’s online services to ensure you are familiar with the current Cobb County appraisal office privacy notice.

Contact Us for Privacy Concerns

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, the Cobb County property appraiser privacy policy, or the Cobb County assessor office data protection measures, please contact us directly. We welcome your feedback and are committed to addressing any issues related to the property data privacy Cobb County residents expect.

Reaching out to the office ensures your questions about Cobb County property records confidentiality are handled by the appropriate staff. We take all inquiries seriously and respond promptly to ensure full transparency and trust in our Cobb County real estate data protection practices.

How to Reach the Cobb County Property Appraiser’s Office

The Cobb County Property Appraiser’s office is located in Marietta, Georgia. You may contact us via mail, phone, or by visiting the office during regular business hours. Please use the contact details below for all privacy-related correspondence.

Cobb County Board of Assessors Official Contact Information:

• Official Website (for reference only, not clickable): www.cobbassessor.org
• Main Office Phone Number: (770) 528-3900
• Mailing Address: Cobb County Board of Assessors, P.O. Box 649, Marietta, GA 30061-0649
• Physical Location: 736 Whitlock Avenue NW, Suite 200, Marietta, GA 30064
• Email for Privacy Inquiries: assessor.privacy@cobbcounty.org

Office Visiting Hours:

The office is open to the public for in-person assistance with property records, tax exemptions, and appraisal questions.

Please call ahead if you plan to visit to discuss a complex matter to ensure the right staff member is available to assist you with your Cobb County property tax information privacy concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Cobb County Property Appraiser office takes keeping your details safe very seriously. This Privacy Policy shows the office’s promise to protect your personal Cobb County property records confidentiality. Since property data privacy Cobb County residents care about is important, this section helps explain how the office handles sensitive real estate data protection. We want you to feel confident about sharing details needed for property assessment. So, you can see exactly how the Cobb County property appraiser privacy policy works every day.

What does the Cobb County Property Appraiser Privacy Policy cover?

The Privacy Policy explains how the office collects, uses, and shares property details. It covers the Cobb County real estate data protection measures for ownership and valuation information. For instance, the policy describes what parts of a property record are public and what parts stay private. Since the office collects details for tax fairness, the policy makes clear that the office does not sell your personal information. Instead, it keeps your data safe while making sure the property appraisal process is open to everyone.

What property data privacy Cobb County rules apply to public records?

The property data privacy Cobb County rules follow state law regarding public records. Therefore, details like the owner’s name, property address, parcel number, and appraised value are considered public. Yet, the law protects some personal information policy data from public view. For example, your bank account details or social security number are strictly confidential. Next, the office makes sure that public access does not expose sensitive financial information. This system balances the need for government transparency with the need for Cobb County property records confidentiality.

What personal information policy does the Cobb County assessor follow for real estate data protection?

The Cobb County assessor follows a strict personal information policy to ensure real estate data protection. The office only collects the minimum details needed to value a property correctly. Then, staff members use secure computer systems to store this sensitive data. Furthermore, the office trains all staff on the proper data privacy guidelines Cobb County property office must use. Since the goal is fair taxation, the office never asks for unnecessary private details. Thus, the policy makes sure your contact and financial details remain secure and are not easily accessible to the public.

How can I check the Cobb County property appraisal confidentiality rules?

You can check the Cobb County property appraisal confidentiality rules by visiting the official Property Appraiser website. Look for the link labeled Privacy Policy or Privacy Notice on the homepage. Then, you can read the full text which lays out the office’s commitments. Also, you can call the Cobb County appraisal office directly if you have specific questions about your property information privacy Cobb County. The staff can help explain which parts of your property file are public and which parts are kept private.

Does the Cobb County GIS & parcel data privacy statement make my map location public?

The Cobb County GIS & parcel data privacy statement confirms that property map locations are public. GIS stands for Geographic Information System. Since property location is essential for fair assessment, the parcel data showing property boundaries is available to everyone. Yet, this public map data does not show your private details like phone number or social security number. Instead, the system only shows the legal location and shape of the land. So, the public can see where the property is, but your personal information stays private within the Cobb County property database privacy practices.

What steps protect my Cobb County property tax data privacy from misuse?

The Cobb County property tax data privacy is protected by both state law and office policy. First, the office limits who can access the full database internally. Next, secure firewalls and encryption protect the computer systems from outside threats. Since the public can only view limited data online, misuse of sensitive tax information is less likely. For example, the website shows the property value, but it never shows how much you owe on your mortgage. This layered approach helps maintain Cobb County assessor office data protection standards for all citizens.