Last updated: July 31, 2026

The City of Decatur respects the privacy of visitors who use its website and online services. This Privacy Policy explains the types of information the City may collect, how that information may be used, and the choices available to website users.

This policy applies to the City of Decatur’s official website. Separate policies or terms may apply to third-party websites, payment systems, applications, and online services linked to or embedded within the City’s website.

Information We May Collect

The City may collect information that users provide voluntarily, including information submitted through:

  • Online forms and applications

  • Decatur Direct service requests

  • Email notification subscriptions

  • Public records requests

  • Permit or license applications

  • Event registrations

  • Contact forms

  • Surveys and public comment forms

  • Emails or other electronic communications

Depending on the service, this information may include a name, address, email address, telephone number, account information, photographs, documents, service-request details, or other information needed to respond to the submission.

The website may also automatically collect limited technical information, such as:

  • Internet Protocol address

  • Browser type

  • Device type

  • Operating system

  • Date and time of access

  • Pages visited

  • Referring website

  • General website usage and performance information

The City may use server logs, cookies, analytics tools, and similar technologies to collect this information.

How We Use Information

The City may use information collected through its website to:

  • Provide City programs, information, and services

  • Respond to questions, applications, reports, and service requests

  • Process payments, registrations, permits, licenses, or other transactions

  • Communicate with users about their submissions

  • Send requested notifications and announcements

  • Route information to the appropriate City department

  • Improve website content, navigation, accessibility, and performance

  • Protect the security and integrity of City systems

  • Meet recordkeeping, legal, and administrative requirements

The City does not sell personal information collected through its website.

Cookies and Analytics

The City’s website and third-party services may use cookies or similar technologies to support website functions, remember user preferences, analyze website traffic, and improve performance.

Users may be able to block or delete cookies through their browser settings. Disabling cookies may prevent certain forms, applications, account features, or embedded services from working properly.

Public Records and Disclosure

Information submitted to the City may become a public record and may be subject to inspection, retention, or disclosure under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Users should not submit sensitive personal information unless it is specifically requested and necessary to complete a City service. Sensitive information may include:

  • Social Security numbers

  • Financial account information

  • Medical information

  • Driver’s license numbers

  • Passwords

  • Information about minors

  • Other confidential or legally protected information

The City may withhold or protect information when required or permitted by law.

How Information May Be Shared

The City may share submitted information with:

  • City employees and departments responsible for responding to the request

  • Contractors or service providers that operate City systems

  • Other governmental agencies when coordination is required

  • Law enforcement or emergency personnel when necessary to protect health or safety

  • Courts, regulatory agencies, or other parties when disclosure is required by law

The City limits access to information based on operational, legal, and service-related needs.

Third-Party Services and External Websites

The City’s website may link to or embed services operated by third parties. These may include payment processors, permit systems, meeting platforms, mapping tools, social media services, video platforms, employment systems, and Decatur Direct.

Third-party providers may collect information according to their own privacy policies and terms of use. The City does not control the privacy practices, security measures, content, or availability of external websites and services.

Users should review the privacy policies of third-party services before submitting personal information.

Data Security

The City takes reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect information collected through its website.

However, no website, electronic transmission, or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Users should avoid sending sensitive information through general email, public comment fields, or forms that do not specifically request it.

Information About Children

The City’s website provides public information and services for the entire community. It is not designed primarily for children younger than 13.

Parents or legal guardians should assist children when they submit personal information through a City website, form, application, or online service.

Information Retention

The City may retain information submitted through its website according to applicable record-retention schedules, legal requirements, operational needs, and City policies.

The length of time information is retained may vary depending on the type of record, service, transaction, or request.

Your Choices

Website users may:

  • Choose not to provide optional personal information

  • Unsubscribe from email notifications

  • Adjust browser cookie settings

  • Contact the City to correct information associated with an active request, when permitted

  • Request assistance using an alternative method when an online service is inaccessible

Choosing not to provide required information may prevent the City from completing a request, application, registration, payment, or other service.

Changes to This Policy

The City may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in technology, services, legal requirements, or City practices.

The revised policy will be posted on this page with an updated publication date.

Contact the City

Questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy may be directed to:

City of Decatur
Email: questions@decatur-al.gov
Phone: 256-341-4500
Mailing address: 402 Lee St. NE, Decatur, AL 35601