Privacy Policy – Gwinnett County Property Appraiser

Privacy Policy details how the Gwinnett County property appraiser office manages and safeguards your personal and property information. This document serves as the formal Gwinnett County appraisal office privacy notice, outlining our firm commitment to data protection and transparency. We understand the serious nature of property data privacy Gwinnett County residents expect when interacting with government services.

This policy clearly explains the privacy practices Gwinnett County assessor office follows when handling real estate data and sensitive personal details. Our primary goal is maintaining Gwinnett County property records confidentiality while still adhering strictly to applicable state and federal public records laws. We address the collection, secure storage, and ethical transmission of all property information privacy Gwinnett County citizens submit or access through our systems.

The Gwinnett County real estate data protection measures implemented meet high security standards to prevent unauthorized access. We want you to feel completely confident about the data handling policy Gwinnett County property office uses daily. This statement ensures clarity regarding your Gwinnett County property appraisal confidentiality rules. We manage sensitive property tax data privacy according to strict state and local mandates.

The Gwinnett County personal information policy is designed to protect your identity and financial details associated with your property, ensuring real estate records confidentiality Gwinnett County residents deserve. Privacy Policy sets forth your specific rights regarding data access and control within the Gwinnett County property database system. This comprehensive privacy statement Gwinnett County property appraiser presents covers every aspect of data handling, from initial collection to secure disposal.

Information We Collect

The Gwinnett County Property Appraiser collects information necessary to perform its statutory duties. These duties involve the fair and accurate assessment of real property and personal property within the county. Data collection follows the mandates of the Georgia Open Records Act, which defines what information is public and what remains protected. We collect two general types of data: information you submit directly and information collected automatically through system use.

The collection of property data privacy Gwinnett County residents submit is handled with great care. We only gather data relevant to property identification, valuation, and ownership verification. This practice ensures adherence to the Gwinnett County real estate data protection rules while maintaining public transparency as required by law.

Data You Provide Voluntarily

Property owners and citizens voluntarily provide specific personal and property details when applying for services or filing official documents. This information is crucial for accurately processing homestead exemption applications, filing property tax appeals, or updating mailing addresses. The Gwinnett County personal information policy requires secure storage of this data.

Examples of voluntarily provided information include:

• Owner names, mailing addresses, and contact phone numbers for notification.
• Email addresses used for official communications regarding assessment notices.
• Financial details submitted during a property tax appeal, such as certified closing statements or private appraisal reports.
• Social Security numbers or bank account details, if required for specific, legally mandated processes (these are immediately protected and redacted from public view).
• Details about property characteristics not yet reflected in public records, such as recent renovations or construction costs.

When you submit an appeal, the Gwinnett County property appraisal confidentiality rules protect the sensitive documents you include. Only staff directly involved in the review process access these private financial papers.

Automatically Collected Information

When you access the Gwinnett County property database or the Gwinnett County GIS & parcel data online, our systems automatically collect certain technical information. This data helps maintain system security and improves the online user experience. It does not typically identify you personally but relates to your interaction with the website.

The types of automatically collected information are:

• Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, which indicate the location of your internet service provider.
• Browser type and operating system used to access the site.
• Dates and times of website visits and the specific pages viewed.
• Referral source, meaning the website you visited immediately before ours.
• Information collected through standard web cookies or similar tracking technologies for site functionality.

This automatic collection supports the Gwinnett County assessor office data protection efforts by tracking potential security threats and optimizing server performance. The data handling policy Gwinnett County property office uses ensures this technical information is aggregated and anonymized for service improvements.

How We Use Your Information

The Gwinnett County appraisal office uses collected information strictly for the purposes outlined in this privacy notice and as required by Georgia state law. Our use of your data focuses on accurate property valuation, clear communication, and legal compliance. We avoid using personal data for any purpose not directly related to property assessment or tax administration.

The use of property tax data privacy information is governed by rigorous internal controls. We ensure that every data use case supports the core function of the office: producing fair and equitable property assessments for all citizens.

For Service Improvements and Accurate Valuation

A primary use of collected data is to ensure the accuracy of the Gwinnett County property database. Accurate records ensure fair property taxation across the county. This commitment to precision is a core element of the Gwinnett County property appraiser privacy policy.

Ways we use information for improvements:

• Comparing submitted property details (e.g., permits, measurements) against current appraisal records to correct discrepancies.
• Analyzing aggregated data on website usage to identify slow pages or broken links, thereby improving the online service.
• Using updated mailing addresses to ensure property owners receive their Annual Notice of Assessment promptly.
• Developing better statistical models for property valuation by analyzing non-identifiable sales data.

Regular review of this data helps us maintain the integrity of Gwinnett County appraisal services privacy by reducing errors and providing better access to public records.

Communication & Notifications Regarding Your Property

We use contact information to fulfill our legal obligation to communicate important property-related information. The Gwinnett County personal information policy dictates that we use the most reliable contact method provided by the property owner.

Official communications include:

1. Mailing the Annual Notice of Assessment, typically sent around April or May of each year.
2. Sending official letters regarding the status of a homestead exemption application or property tax appeal.
3. Responding to specific inquiries submitted via email or phone regarding a property parcel.
4. Notifying property owners of changes to their account or record status.

We do not use personal contact information for unsolicited marketing or non-official purposes. This strict practice upholds the Gwinnett County appraisal office privacy notice standards.

Legal and Compliance Purposes as Mandated by Georgia Law

The Gwinnett County Property Appraiser operates under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70). This law requires that most records related to the ownership, description, and value of real estate be made public. This requirement is the basis of the Gwinnett County public records privacy policy.

Our legal compliance uses include:

• Responding to formal Open Records Requests from the public, media, or other government agencies.
• Redacting or withholding specific, exempt information, such as Social Security numbers, prior to public disclosure.
• Sharing property details with other authorized government entities, like the Tax Commissioner or the Board of Equalization, to complete the tax process.
• Using data in legal proceedings, such as property tax litigation or court-ordered disclosures.

The distinction between public and private data is critical. While ownership name and property value are public, financial appeal documents and unredacted personal identifiers remain protected under Gwinnett County property records confidentiality rules.

Data Protection and Security Measures

Protecting the Gwinnett County property database is a top priority. We implement advanced technical and organizational security measures to protect data from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. Our data handling policy Gwinnett County property office follows adheres to the State of Georgia’s security standards for government entities.

These security practices are regularly reviewed and updated to address new security threats. The Gwinnett County assessor office data protection framework is designed to safeguard both the public-facing property data and the confidential personal information.

Encryption and Secure Access Protocols

We secure data transmission using industry-standard encryption protocols. This includes using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) technology for all online interactions with the property search website. This process safeguards your connection when you access Gwinnett County GIS & parcel data or search for property information.

Key encryption practices involve:

• Encrypting all sensitive data stored on our servers, including any unredacted personal identifiers.
• Using encrypted channels for transferring data between county departments.
• Requiring strong passwords and multi-factor authentication for all staff accessing the internal property database.

This commitment to encryption supports the Gwinnett County property tax data privacy mandate, making sure financial details are protected during transmission and storage.

Internal Access Restrictions and Staff Training

Access to confidential citizen data is strictly controlled and limited to authorized personnel. Staff members only receive access to the data necessary to perform their specific duties, such as processing a homestead exemption application or reviewing a property appeal. This principle is known as the “need-to-know” basis.

Measures for restricting internal access:

1. Role-based access controls (RBAC) that automatically limit what data an employee can view or modify based on their job function.
2. Regular, mandatory training for all staff on data protection best practices, the Georgia Open Records Act, and the Gwinnett County personal information policy.
3. Auditing and monitoring of all database access logs to detect and prevent unauthorized data viewing or modification.

These internal controls reinforce Gwinnett County property records confidentiality by preventing internal misuse of sensitive data.

Additional Security Practices and Physical Protection

Beyond digital security, we maintain physical security for all servers and paper records containing personal data. The Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, where the Assessors’ Office is located, employs security measures to control physical access to sensitive areas.

Other security practices include:

• Regular backups of all property data to secure, off-site locations to ensure data availability after any potential disaster.
• Using firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor and block malicious network traffic.
• Secure disposal of obsolete paper and electronic records according to state retention schedules.

These physical and procedural safeguards are part of the comprehensive Gwinnett County assessor office data protection strategy, ensuring the long-term safety of citizen information.

Opt-Out Preferences and Data Limitations

Property owners have certain rights to limit the use of their contact information for specific purposes. While the state law mandates the release of most property-related data, citizens can request limitations on how their personal contact details are used for non-essential communications. This section clarifies the opt-out processes related to the Gwinnett County property appraiser privacy policy.

The ability to opt-out helps citizens maintain control over their Gwinnett County personal information policy details. We honor these requests as long as they do not conflict with a legal requirement to communicate official notices.

How to Limit the Use of Your Contact Data

You can request that the Gwinnett County Property Appraiser’s Office stop sending certain non-essential communications. This typically relates to informational updates or surveys that are not legally required notices of assessment or appeal status.

To limit the use of your contact information, follow these steps:

1. Submit a formal, written request to the Assessors’ Office Customer Service department.
2. Clearly state which contact method (phone number, email address) you wish to have removed from non-essential communication lists.
3. Confirm your property parcel identification number (PIN) or address for verification purposes.

It is important to understand that you cannot opt-out of receiving official, legally required notices, such as the Annual Notice of Assessment or appeal decision letters. These communications are a legal mandate of the Gwinnett County appraisal office privacy notice.

The Gwinnett County property tax data privacy rules allow us to use your mailing address for tax-related correspondence, regardless of a general opt-out request.

Sharing & Third-Party Services

The Gwinnett County Property Appraiser’s Office sometimes shares property and personal data with external entities. This sharing only occurs when legally required or when essential for the proper functioning of county services. We ensure that any shared data maintains the Gwinnett County property appraisal confidentiality rules.

The sharing practices are strictly controlled by the Georgia Open Records Act and internal agreements. We do not sell personal data to third parties for commercial use.

When and Why We Share Information with Other Agencies

Data sharing is a necessary component of inter-governmental coordination for property administration. This sharing supports the seamless execution of property valuation, taxation, and public safety services.

Information is typically shared with:

• The Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner, for the purpose of billing and collecting property taxes based on our assessed values.
• The Gwinnett County Board of Equalization or arbitration panels, to review and resolve property tax appeals.
• Law enforcement agencies, when required by a valid subpoena or court order.
• Other government entities, such as the Gwinnett County Planning Department, for zoning and development analysis using Gwinnett County GIS & parcel data.

In cases involving an Open Records Request, we adhere to the Gwinnett County public records privacy policy by redacting all exempted private information before releasing the public records.

Third-Party Tools and Service Providers

We use external vendors and service providers to support the technology and infrastructure of the property appraisal system. These third parties assist with website hosting, data storage, and online payment processing. Any company working with us must agree to uphold the Gwinnett County real estate data protection standards.

Our service agreements require third-party providers to:

1. Only use the data for the specific services contracted by the county.
2. Implement security measures that meet or exceed the county’s own data protection standards.
3. Immediately notify the county of any actual or suspected data breach.
4. Return or securely destroy data once the service contract ends.

The Georgia Supreme Court has clarified that private businesses holding public records for the county are subject to the same transparency requirements. This ensures accountability regarding the Gwinnett County property database privacy practices.

Your Rights & Data Control Options

As a resident or property owner in Gwinnett County, you maintain specific rights regarding the data the Assessor’s Office collects and stores about you and your property. These rights align with the Gwinnett County personal information policy, giving you control over your non-public details and ensuring data accuracy.

Exercising these rights helps ensure the Gwinnett County appraisal services privacy is maintained. The process for making requests is straightforward and designed to provide timely responses.

Requesting Data Access or Deletion (Where Applicable)

You have the right to request access to the non-public personal information we maintain about you. This includes your contact details and any financial documents submitted during an appeal. Access to public records, such as property values and ownership history, is always available through the online search portal.

The right to request deletion of data is limited by law. Since the Assessor’s Office maintains records for legal and statutory purposes, we cannot delete public records or any data required for ongoing appraisal or tax functions. We can, however, delete non-essential contact information upon request.

To request data access or deletion of non-essential contact details, you must:

• Submit a formal written request to the Assessor’s Office.
• Clearly specify the exact data you are seeking to access or delete.
• Provide proof of identity to ensure the request is legitimate and protects against unauthorized disclosure.

We process all such requests in compliance with the timeframes established by the Georgia Open Records Act for public records requests.

Updating Your Personal Information

Accurate personal and property data is essential for correct valuation and communication. You have the right and the responsibility to update your personal information, especially your mailing address. An outdated address can result in missed assessment notices and appeal deadlines.

The process for updating information is:

1. Mailing Address: Submit a written request to the Assessor’s Office to update the property’s mailing address.
2. Contact Information: Update phone numbers or email addresses used for official communication by contacting the customer service line.
3. Property Characteristics: File a Property Owner’s Real Property Tax Return (Form PT-50R) to report changes to your property, such as new construction or demolition, to ensure the Gwinnett County property database is current.

Timely updates ensure you receive the Annual Notice of Assessment, which is crucial for managing your Gwinnett County property tax data privacy and appeal rights.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

Government practices and technology continually change. Therefore, the Gwinnett County property appraiser privacy policy may be revised or updated periodically to reflect these changes or new legal requirements. We are committed to transparency regarding any modifications to our privacy statement Gwinnett County property appraiser.

We recommend that users review this policy regularly to remain informed about our privacy practices. Changes only affect data collected after the date of the revision, unless otherwise required by law.

Notification of Updates and Revisions

When changes to this Gwinnett County appraisal office privacy notice occur, we will take steps to inform the public. For minor administrative changes, a simple update to the revision date may suffice. For substantial changes that affect how we handle private, non-public information, we will take more visible steps.

Notification methods for major updates typically include:

• Posting a prominent notice on the Gwinnett County Property Appraiser’s official website home page.
• Sending an email notification to users who have subscribed to official office updates.
• Publishing the revised document on the county’s official legal or public notices page.

We ensure that all updates uphold the core principles of Gwinnett County property records confidentiality and real estate data protection.

Date of Last Revision

The date below indicates when this Gwinnett County property appraiser privacy policy was last reviewed and updated. This date provides a clear reference point for users to determine if they are reviewing the most current version of the data handling policy Gwinnett County property office follows.

Date of Last Policy Revision: January 21, 2026

All previously collected data is handled according to the policy that was in effect at the time of collection. However, all ongoing use of data is governed by the most recent revision.

Contact Us for Privacy Concerns

We welcome and encourage questions and comments regarding this Gwinnett County property appraiser privacy policy. Concerns about property data privacy Gwinnett County residents hold are taken seriously. Our staff is available to clarify the Gwinnett County appraisal services privacy practices and address specific data protection issues.

Please use the official contact details below for all inquiries related to data handling, security, or accessing your personal information. Direct contact ensures your concerns reach the appropriate personnel for timely resolution.

How to Reach the GCPA’s Office

The Gwinnett County Assessors’ Office, which performs the appraisal function, is located in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. We provide multiple methods for contact to ensure all citizens can easily communicate their privacy and data needs.

Official Contact Information:

All correspondence related to the Gwinnett County property appraisal confidentiality rules should be directed to the main office. We strive to acknowledge all written and email inquiries within three business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Privacy Policy explains how the Gwinnett County property appraiser office manages property and personal details. This document acts as the official Gwinnett County appraisal office privacy notice. It shows our strong promise to protect your data and be open about our methods. Users seek assurance about property data privacy Gwinnett County when using our services. This section answers common questions. It helps you quickly understand how we handle Gwinnett County real estate data protection.

What is the Privacy Policy for the Gwinnett County property appraiser office?

The Privacy Policy explains how the Gwinnett County property appraiser office collects, uses, and protects property data. It sets rules for handling public and non-public property information privacy Gwinnett County residents submit. The policy details how we use sales data to assess property values. It also clarifies what data is open to the public versus what stays confidential. Since the office collects property tax data, this policy ensures fairness and security for all citizens. It helps build trust with the community. This notice confirms our Gwinnett County appraisal office privacy notice commitment.

What types of property data does Gwinnett County keep private?

Gwinnett County property records confidentiality rules separate public data from private data. Public data includes property ownership, legal descriptions, and assessed values. Private data typically includes personal contact details, like home phone numbers or unlisted email addresses. Social Security numbers and bank details are never public. Also, the Gwinnett County property appraiser does not share details on internal appraisal practices. The office follows state law to protect sensitive taxpayer details. This practice supports property data privacy Gwinnett County citizens expect.

How does the Gwinnett County assessor office protect my personal information?

The Gwinnett County assessor office data protection plan uses security measures to guard your personal information. For instance, staff receive training on proper data handling. Computer systems use firewalls and encryption to stop unauthorized access. The Gwinnett County personal information policy limits who inside the office can view sensitive data. This means only staff who need your details for their work can see them. This way, the office works hard to keep your real estate data protection Gwinnett County secure from outside threats.

Can I ask the Gwinnett County property office to remove my property tax data from public view?

Most Gwinnett County property tax data privacy laws treat property ownership and value as public records. The law requires the Gwinnett County assessor to make this data available. So, you cannot request to remove your property’s assessed value or owner name from public view. Yet, you can request that certain contact details remain confidential, like your phone number. To do this, contact the office directly and ask about their privacy practices Gwinnett County assessor forms. They will review your request based on state statute.

Is Gwinnett County GIS & parcel data subject to the same privacy practices?

Gwinnett County GIS & parcel data privacy follows the same rules as other property details. GIS (Geographic Systems) and parcel maps show property boundaries and locations. This data is typically public under Gwinnett County property appraisal confidentiality rules. Still, any personal owner details linked to the map, such as a private mailing address, stay protected. The office does not share those private details on the public map interface. This keeps your personal contact details secure while allowing public access to the map itself.

Where can I read the full privacy statement from the Gwinnett County property appraiser?

You can read the full privacy statement Gwinnett County property appraiser office uses on the official county website. Look for a link titled Privacy Policy or Legal Notice, often found at the bottom of the homepage. This document contains the official data handling policy Gwinnett County property office follows. It details specific regulations and your rights as a property owner. If you cannot find the statement online, you may call or visit the Gwinnett County property office. Staff can direct you to a physical copy or the correct web page.