Last updated: July 31, 2026

Welcome to the official website of the City of Decatur, Alabama. These Terms of Use apply to the City’s website and the information, forms, applications, and online services available through it.

By accessing or using this website, you agree to comply with these terms and all applicable laws. Please discontinue use of the website if you do not agree with these terms.

Purpose of the Website

The City provides this website as a public service to residents, businesses, visitors, employees, and others seeking City information and services.

The website may provide access to:

  • City news and announcements

  • Department information

  • Meeting agendas, minutes, and videos

  • Online forms and applications

  • Payments, permits, and licenses

  • Decatur Direct service requests

  • Public records information

  • Employment opportunities

  • Maps, documents, and other public resources

Website content is provided for general informational and administrative purposes. It does not replace applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, policies, contracts, official records, or legal advice.

Appropriate Use

Users may access the website only for lawful purposes.

Users may not:

  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the website, City systems, user accounts, servers, or connected networks

  • Interfere with the website’s operation, security, or availability

  • Introduce viruses, malicious code, or other harmful technology

  • Submit false, misleading, threatening, discriminatory, obscene, or unlawful material

  • Use automated tools in a manner that disrupts website services

  • Impersonate another person or misrepresent an identity or affiliation

  • Use the website to violate the rights of another person or organization

The City may restrict access to website features when necessary to protect users, City systems, public records, or the integrity of City services.

Emergencies

Do not use this website, an online form, email, or Decatur Direct to report an emergency.

Call 911 immediately to report an active crime, fire, medical emergency, or any situation that poses an immediate threat to life, safety, or property.

Online forms and electronic messages may not be reviewed immediately.

Online Forms and Submissions

The website may allow users to submit applications, service requests, registrations, comments, documents, photographs, payments, and other information.

Submitting information through the website does not guarantee approval, eligibility, enforcement action, or a particular response time. Some requests may require additional information, inspections, fees, signatures, supporting documents, or review by another department or agency.

Users are responsible for providing information that is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge.

Unless a City service specifically states otherwise, an online submission does not constitute formal legal notice to the City, service of legal process, the filing of a claim, or satisfaction of a statutory deadline.

Public Records

Information submitted to the City may become a public record and may be retained, inspected, or disclosed as required or permitted by applicable law.

Users should not submit Social Security numbers, financial account information, medical records, passwords, or other sensitive information unless the City specifically requests that information through an appropriate and secure process.

Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise noted, website content created by the City, including text, graphics, photographs, videos, logos, designs, and documents, belongs to the City of Decatur or is used with permission.

Users may view, download, or print City content for personal, educational, informational, or other lawful, noncommercial purposes.

The City seal, departmental logos, Decatur Direct branding, and other official identifiers may not be used in a way that suggests City sponsorship, approval, or endorsement without prior written permission.

Third-party materials remain subject to the rights and restrictions of their respective owners.

Accuracy and Availability

The City works to provide information that is accurate, current, and useful. However, website content may contain errors, omissions, outdated information, or technical problems.

The City may update, correct, remove, or reorganize content without prior notice. The City does not guarantee that the website or any feature will always be available, uninterrupted, secure, or error-free.

Users should contact the appropriate City department to confirm information involving deadlines, fees, legal requirements, meeting schedules, permits, court matters, elections, public safety, or other time-sensitive subjects.

External Links and Third-Party Services

The website may link to or embed services operated by third parties, including payment processors, permit systems, mapping tools, employment platforms, social media services, video providers, and other government agencies.

External links are provided for convenience and do not necessarily represent City endorsement of the organization, service, content, or viewpoint.

The City does not control and is not responsible for the content, availability, security, accessibility, terms, or privacy practices of third-party websites and services. Users should review the applicable terms and privacy policies before providing personal information or completing a transaction.

Disclaimer

The website and its content are provided on an “as available” basis for public information and convenience.

To the extent permitted by law, the City makes no express or implied warranty regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability, availability, security, or suitability of the website or its content for a particular purpose.

Nothing on this website creates a contract, entitlement, promise, or legally enforceable obligation unless expressly stated in an official document executed by an authorized City representative.

Limitation of Liability

To the extent permitted by law, the City of Decatur, its elected officials, employees, departments, contractors, and agents are not responsible for losses or damages arising from:

  • The use or inability to use the website

  • Errors, omissions, delays, or outdated information

  • Website interruptions or technical failures

  • Viruses, malicious code, or unauthorized access

  • Reliance on website content

  • Third-party websites or services

  • Information submitted through unsecured communication methods

Nothing in these terms waives any defense, immunity, limitation, or protection available to the City under applicable law.

Accessibility

The City is committed to improving access to its digital information and services for people with disabilities.

Users who encounter an accessibility barrier or need information in an alternative format should contact the City using the information below.

Governing Law

These Terms of Use are governed by the laws of the State of Alabama and applicable federal law.

Any legal action involving the website or these Terms must be filed in a court with appropriate jurisdiction and venue, subject to applicable law.

Changes to These Terms

The City may update these Terms of Use to reflect changes in law, technology, online services, or City practices.

Updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date. Continued use of the website after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

Contact the City

Questions about these Terms of Use 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