Privacy Policy governs how the Sedgwick County Property Appraiser collects, uses, and protects personal and property-related information. This document outlines the data protection rules that ensure transparency and accountability in handling sensitive details tied to property ownership, tax assessments, and public records. Residents and stakeholders can rely on the Sedgwick County property appraiser privacy policy to understand their rights and the safeguards in place. From parcel data to GIS mapping, every piece of information is managed under strict confidentiality standards. The policy reflects the office’s commitment to maintaining trust while supporting fair and accurate property valuations across Kansas.
The Sedgwick County appraisal office privacy notice clarifies how property data privacy is maintained throughout daily operations. Whether accessing real estate records or submitting personal details for tax purposes, users benefit from clear data handling policies that limit exposure and prevent misuse. The Sedgwick County property records confidentiality framework ensures that only authorized personnel access sensitive information. With guidelines covering everything from appraisal services to tax data, the office upholds strong privacy practices. This policy also addresses how third-party tools and public records requests are managed, giving residents full control over their information.
Information We Collect
We gather information from several sources. Some data comes directly from you. Other data comes automatically from our systems. We categorize this information to ensure proper handling and security protocols.
Our primary goal is accuracy. We cross-reference data from various government bodies and public sources. This ensures your property record is complete and up to date. We continuously monitor our databases for errors or discrepancies.
Data You Provide Voluntarily
You may provide information to us in various ways. This includes submitting forms during a property appeal. You might send documentation to update your property description. You could also contact us regarding a tax lien.
When you submit data, we use it solely for the purpose stated. We do not sell this data to third parties. We keep your information safe while it is in our possession. We delete it when it is no longer needed for the intended function.
- Personal Identification: This includes your full legal name, mailing address, and telephone number. We use this to contact you regarding tax bills or property valuations.
- Property Details: You may provide square footage, room counts, or construction dates. This helps us reassess property values.
- Financial Information: In some cases, we may request income data for agricultural or business property valuation.
Automatically Collected Information
Our website collects technical data when you visit. This helps us maintain the site and analyze traffic patterns. We do not use this data to track your personal movements online.
We use cookies to improve user experience. Cookies are small text files saved on your device. They remember your preferences and login status. You can manage your cookie settings through your browser.
- IP Addresses: We record your IP address to identify the general location of your connection. This helps us detect malicious activity.
- Browser Type: We identify the browser and operating system you use. This ensures our website displays correctly on your device.
- Referral Sources: We see where you came from before visiting our site. This data helps us understand how people find our resources.
How We Use Your Information
We have a specific purpose for every piece of data we collect. We do not use your information for random purposes. We align our data usage with state laws and public policy goals.
Our operations require data to function. Without accurate information, we cannot assess property values correctly. We cannot collect taxes fairly. We cannot provide public services that rely on geographic data.
For Service Improvements
We analyze data trends to improve our services. We look at market data to ensure property assessments reflect current market values. This helps us keep valuations fair and consistent across the county.
We also use this data to maintain our systems. We identify which online tools are most helpful to residents. This allows us to invest resources where they are needed most. We constantly update our GIS mapping and database software.
| Data Type | Primary Use | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Parcel Boundaries | Tax assessment, zoning verification | State Statute |
| Owner Name | Tax billing, legal notices | Public Record / State Statute |
| Property Value | Tax calculation, market analysis | State Statute |
Communication & Notifications
We communicate with property owners regarding essential matters. This includes tax statements and official notices. We also send reminders about tax payment deadlines. We respect your communication preferences. If you opt out of marketing emails, we will not send you promotional content. We focus our communication on official government business only.
Legal and Compliance Purposes
We must comply with state and federal laws. We use data to support audits and inquiries. We report specific data to state agencies as required by law. We also use data for fraud prevention. We detect suspicious patterns that may indicate tax fraud or identity theft. We work with law enforcement to address these issues.
Data Protection and Security Measures
Protecting your information is our top priority. We invest heavily in security technology and staff training. We treat data security with the same importance as financial security. We follow industry best practices for data management. Our security measures are robust and constantly updated. We test our systems regularly to find and fix vulnerabilities.
Encryption and Secure Access
We encrypt all sensitive data stored on our servers. Encryption converts data into a secure format that is unreadable without a key. This protects your data even if a hacker gains access to our servers. We use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption for data transmitted over the internet. When you submit forms on our website, the data is encrypted in transit. This prevents eavesdropping. Only authorized staff members have access to our secure servers. We use multi-factor authentication for all internal systems. This adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password.
Internal Access Restrictions
Not everyone in our office can see all data. We limit access based on job function. An appraiser does not need access to a tax collector’s billing records. We monitor access logs. We track who views which records and when. If we see unusual access patterns, we investigate immediately. This prevents internal misuse of data.
Additional Security Practices
We maintain physical security for our office. We restrict access to our server rooms. Keycard systems and security cameras monitor our facilities 24/7. We conduct regular security audits. We hire external experts to test our systems for weaknesses. We also provide ongoing training to all employees. We teach them how to recognize phishing attempts and social engineering scams.
Opt-Out Preferences
Users have the ability to manage how their personal information is used within Sedgwick County property systems. Certain options allow individuals to limit participation in non-essential communications or restrict specific types of data usage where applicable. These preferences are designed to give users more control over how their information is handled while still maintaining required public functions.
Choosing to opt out does not affect property ownership or its inclusion in official public records. Property will still be assessed for taxation as required by law, and core administrative processes will continue. However, users may reduce or stop receiving optional updates, notifications, or non-mandatory communications depending on available settings or request procedures.
How to Limit the Use of Your Data
If you want to restrict how your information is used within Sedgwick County property services, you can submit a formal request to the appropriate office. This can be done by sending a written request by mail or by visiting the office in person to speak with a designated privacy or records officer. Clearly stating your request is important, such as specifying which type of data use or sharing you want to limit. The more detailed your request, the easier it is for the office to process it accurately and apply the correct restrictions where allowed by law.
Sharing & Third-Party Services
Sedgwick County may share certain information with authorized third-party service providers when it is necessary for official operations or required under legal obligations. These partners operate under strict agreements to ensure data is handled securely and used only for approved purposes. Personal data is never sold or rented to advertisers or marketing companies. All information is used strictly to support public services, maintain property records, and meet regulatory requirements while protecting user privacy as much as possible.
When and Why We Share Information
We share property data with other Kansas government agencies. This includes the Kansas Department of Revenue. We share data with local taxing entities like school districts and fire districts.
We also share data with law enforcement. This helps them identify property owners during investigations. We share data with utilities for service connection purposes.
| Third Party | Data Shared | Reason for Sharing |
|---|---|---|
| School Districts | Owner Name, Address, Value | Tax Collection |
| Law Enforcement | Parcel Location, Owner Info | Public Safety |
| External Auditors | Assessment Records | State Compliance |
Third-Party Tools and Services
Sedgwick County may rely on third-party software and platforms to support specific functions such as GIS mapping systems, property search tools, and tax-related online services. These external providers help deliver specialized features that improve data access, visualization, and system performance for users.
All third-party vendors working with the county operate under formal contracts that include strict data protection and privacy requirements. Before any access is granted, their security practices are reviewed to ensure they meet required standards for handling sensitive information. Continuous monitoring helps confirm ongoing compliance, and if a vendor fails to maintain proper data protection, their access and contract are discontinued to safeguard information integrity.
Your Rights & Data Control Options
Residents of Sedgwick County have specific rights related to personal and property information, protected under Kansas law. These rights allow individuals to understand, manage, and request updates to the data held in official county systems. The county also provides a formal process for handling privacy concerns, ensuring that any complaints or issues are reviewed and addressed in a timely manner. If a user believes their rights have been impacted, they can submit a complaint for review through the appropriate channels.
Requesting Data Access or Deletion
Individuals can request access to their personal information held by the county, including details about what data is on file and how it is being used. Copies of records can also be provided upon request. While electronic copies of personal data are generally available without charge, a small fee may apply for printed or physical copies. Identity verification is required before releasing any information to ensure data security. In certain situations, users may request removal of specific data preferences, such as mailing list subscriptions. However, public property records themselves cannot be deleted due to legal requirements.
Updating Your Personal Information
Keeping personal and property details updated is essential for accurate records and tax processing. Changes such as mailing address updates, ownership transfers, or property modifications should be reported promptly. Updates can be made by visiting the county office, submitting an online change request form, or contacting customer support. Maintaining correct information helps prevent errors in assessments, billing, and official communications.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
This privacy policy may be revised periodically to reflect updates in legal requirements, improvements in technology, or changes in how Sedgwick County services operate. When significant changes are made, users are informed so they are aware of how their information may be affected. The goal is to ensure clarity and transparency, avoiding any hidden or unclear modifications. All updates are made with the intent of keeping users properly informed about how their data is managed and protected.
Notification of Updates
Whenever the privacy policy is updated, the revised version is published on the official website with a clearly visible updated date. In some cases, users may also receive email notifications if they are registered for updates or services. Reviewing the policy periodically is encouraged so users remain aware of any changes and how they may impact data handling practices over time.
Date of Last Revision
This privacy policy was last updated on March 26, 2026. The current version represents the active and enforceable policy. Previous versions are stored for record-keeping and reference purposes when needed.
Contact Us for Privacy Concerns
If you have questions or concerns about this privacy policy or how your information is handled, Sedgwick County staff are available to assist you. Any inquiries related to data use, access, or privacy practices are reviewed carefully, and clear responses are provided to help resolve concerns.
You can contact the office during regular business hours by phone, email, or by visiting in person. The main office is located in downtown Wichita, where staff can guide you through privacy-related questions or direct you to the appropriate department. Reaching out with specific details helps ensure quicker and more accurate assistance.
How to Reach the Sedgwick County Property Appraiser’s Office
Direct your privacy inquiries to our main office. You can contact us by phone, mail, or in person.
- Phone: 316-660-9300
- Address: 701 E. 2nd Ave, Wichita, KS 67202
- Email: appraiser@sedgwickcounty.org
- Website: www.sedgwickcounty.org
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM