CITY OF PALM DESERT PRIVACY POLICY
Purpose
The purpose of this statement is to define the City of Palm Desert’s ("City") policy with regards to the collection and use of personally identifiable information.
Privacy Notice
We collect no personal information about you without your knowledge when you visit this site, although you may choose to provide this information to us in specific instances. However, we do collect and store certain information automatically.
Information Collected and Stored Automatically
When you browse, read pages, or download information in the City’s website domain, we automatically gather and store certain technical information about your visit. This information never identifies who you are. The information we collect and store about your visit includes:
- The Internet Protocol (IP) address of the domain from which you access the Internet (e.g., 123.45.67.89), whether yours individually or provided as a proxy by your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- The type of browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox) and operating system (e.g., Windows) used to access our site
- The date and time you access our site
- The pages you visit (recorded by the text and graphics files that compose that page)
- The Internet address of the website from which you linked directly to our site
We use the summary statistics to help us make our site more useful to visitors, such as assessing what information is of most and least interest to visitors, determining the site’s technical design specifications, and identifying system performance or problem areas.
This information is not shared with anyone beyond the support staff for this website and other appropriate City staff, except when required by computer security, law enforcement investigation, or other authorized legal purpose, and is customarily used only as a source of anonymous statistical information.
Cookies
Some City applications use "cookies." A cookie is a small data file that certain websites write to your hard drive when you visit them. A cookie file can contain information such as a user ID that the site uses to track the pages you have visited. The only personal information a cookie can contain is information you supply yourself.
Cookies can track user traffic patterns, recognize your computer’s browser when you return, and may provide personalized content without requiring sign-in. You can refuse cookies by turning them off in your browser; however, cookies may be required to use some of the web applications on the City’s site.
E-Mail Addresses
E-mail addresses obtained through the website will not be sold or given to private companies for marketing purposes. The information collected is subject to the access and confidentiality provisions of the Public Records Act, other applicable sections of California law, and federal laws.
E-mail or other information requests sent to the City website may be maintained to respond to the request, forward it to the appropriate City department, communicate updates that may be of interest to residents, or provide feedback to assist in improving the site. Individuals may cancel communications regarding new service updates at any time.
If You Send Us Personal Information
If you choose to provide personal information—such as by completing a contact form or submitting information online—that information will be used only to complete the activity for which it was provided. This includes one-time requests or recurring services such as subscriptions.
Personal information may be used for technical support, to improve or evaluate City services, or to respond to inquiries. Messages may be forwarded to other City employees better able to assist. Personal information is retained only as long as necessary to fulfill its stated purpose and is then discarded.
The City does not collect information for commercial marketing. Personal information is shared only with City employees or authorized agents involved in completing the stated purpose, or as required by law. Messages transmitted via email are not secure and should not be assumed to be confidential.
Security
The City is committed to data security and has taken reasonable precautions to protect information from loss, misuse, or alteration. Secure data networks are protected by industry-standard firewalls and password systems. Access is limited to authorized individuals.
When City applications accept credit cards or other sensitive information, that information is encrypted to protect confidentiality.
Links to Other Sites
The City’s website may contain links to other websites whose information practices differ from ours. The City has no control over information submitted to or collected by third parties. Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of external sites.
Access to Your Information
Unless prohibited by law, you may access and correct personally identifiable information. The City will take reasonable steps to verify identity before granting access. Each City service that collects personal information provides procedures for review and updates.
Disclaimer of Liability
The City of Palm Desert, its programs, employees, agents, and elected officials shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of information contained on the City’s website. The City assumes no responsibility for the use of this information and disclaims liability for any damages arising from website use.
Communication through the City’s website does not constitute public comment or legal notice to the City where such notice is required by law.
Disclaimer of Warranties and Accuracy of Data
Information on the City’s website is provided on an "as is" basis without warranties of any kind. The City makes no guarantees regarding accuracy, completeness, or reliability. Data may change over time and may become outdated. Users are encouraged to verify information directly with the City when appropriate.
Use of this website constitutes acceptance of this waiver of liability and warranties.