Privacy Policy

City of South San Francisco Website Policies and Disclaimers
Effective May 2, 2023

Thank you for visiting the website of the City of South San Francisco (“City”) and for reviewing our website policies and disclaimers. This information is provided to inform users about information pertaining to our website features and to set the terms of its use. As enhancements to the site continue to be made, the City reserves the right to modify these policies and disclaimers without notice. By accessing this website, you are considered a “user” and by such use, you acknowledge the provisions of these policies and disclaimers and agree to comply with their terms as applicable.

I. General Disclaimer

Information presented on this website is collected, maintained, and provided for the convenience of the user. While every effort is made to keep such information accurate and up-to-date, the City does not certify the authenticity of any information that is provided on this website. This site, and all materials contained on it, including hyperlinks to other websites, are distributed and transmitted "as is" without warranties of any kind, expressed, implied or statutory, including without limitation the warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, and freedom of infringement on the rights of third parties. site is not inherently secure and that communications can be intercepted by third party technology. Under no circumstances will the City be liable for any actions taken or omissions made from reliance on any information contained herein from whatever source nor will the City be liable for any other consequences from any such reliance. The City is not responsible for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages that may arise from the use of, or the inability to use, the site and/or the links or materials contained on the site.

The City website is not inherently secure and that communications can be intercepted by third party technology. The City is not responsible or liable for any viruses or other contamination of your system, nor for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions arising out of your use of the website.

Unless a copyright is indicated, the information on this site is freely available for non-commercial, non-profit making use. If a copyright is indicated on any materials displayed on our website, permission to copy these materials must be obtained from the original source. Commercial use of City materials is expressly prohibited without the City’s written permission.

II. Conditions of Use and Indemnification

By visiting the City website, users agree that they will not use the site for any unlawful activity, or use it in any way that would violate the terms and conditions of use. This website is governed and construed by the laws of the State of California. Any use of the website shall comply with all City and California laws and regulations as well as with all federal laws and regulations. Unauthorized attempts to upload information or change information on this website are strictly prohibited and may be punishable under state law and federal statutes including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986 and the National Information Infrastructure Protection Act. We monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information or to otherwise cause damage to the City's website. Anyone using this website expressly consents to such monitoring.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, by using the City website, the user agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and representatives from and against all claims, actions, suits, or proceedings brought against City and any related damages, settlements, penalties, fines, costs, and other expenses of any kind, including attorneys' fees, arising out of (i) the user's use of this site or materials and information it contains, (ii) the user’s breach of applicable terms of the provisions of these policies and disclaimers, or (iii) the user’s violations of applicable laws, rules, or regulations in connection with accessing this site.

III. Legal Notices to City

Communications made through the City's e-mail messaging system or website shall not be deemed to constitute legal notice to the City, or any of its officials, officers, employees, agents, or representatives, with respect to any existing or potential claim or cause of action against the City or any of its officials, officers, employees, agents or representatives, where notice to the City is required by any federal, state or local laws, rules, or regulations. No communication to the City made through this website shall be deemed to constitute legal or official notice for any purpose.

IV. Geographic Information System (GIS) Data & Map Products

This data was developed for use by the City. This data is not intended to constitute advice nor is it to be used as a substitute for specific advice from a licensed professional. The City cannot guarantee the accuracy of the data, and will not under any circumstances accept it to be construed as a legal description of any real property. The City makes no representation or warranty as to its accuracy, timeliness, or completeness, and in particular, its accuracy in labeling or displaying dimensions, contours, property boundaries, or placement or location of any map features thereon. The City makes no warranty of merchantability or warranty for fitness of use for a particular purpose, expressed or implied, with respect to these map products or the underlying data.

Any users of these map products, map applications, or data, accepts same as is, with all faults, and assumes all responsibility for the use thereof. No decision involving a risk of economic loss or physical injury should be made in reliance thereon. Independent verification of all data contained herein must be obtained by any user of these map products, or of the underlying data. Each user of this data is responsible for determining its suitability for the purpose it is being applied to, and must inquire to the relevant City departments for applicable requirements. The City disclaims, and shall not be held liable for, any and all damage, loss, or liability, whether direct, indirect, or consequential, which arises or may arise from these map products or the use thereof by any person or entity. The user of these map products further covenants and agrees to hold the City harmless from and against all damage, loss, or liability arising from any use of this map product, in consideration of the City's having made this information available to the public.

As a user of these map products, map applications, or data, you agree to use it only for its lawful, intended purposes. Use of this service for transmission, distribution, retrieval, or storage of any information, data, or other material in violation of any applicable law or regulation is prohibited. All users agree not to provide copies or partial copies of any data to any other party, including consultants under contract with the user, without disclosing that the copy or partial copy was obtained from the City and without attaching this entire statement regarding Disclaimer of Liability. In the event of any violation of the terms contained herein, the City reserves the right to suspend or terminate, either temporarily or permanently, any or all services or information provided to the user.

V. Privacy Policy

Thank you for visiting the City of South San Francisco website. Our privacy policy is plain and simple: we collect NO personal information like names or addresses when you visit our website. If you choose to provide that information to us it is only used to fulfill your request for information.

We do collect some technical information to make your visit seamless. The section below explains how we handle and collect technical information when you visit our website.

This privacy policy follows the standards set by WebContent.gov, a collection of resources and standards for managing United States government websites.

Information Collected and Stored Automatically

When you browse, read pages or download information on the City website, we and/or third party vendors 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 is listed below:

  • The Internet domain (for example, "yourisp.com" if you use a private Internet access account, or "yourschool.edu" if you connect from a university's domain) and IP address (an IP address is a number that is automatically assigned to your computer whenever you are surfing the Web) from which you access our website;
  • The type of browser (e.g., Netscape, Internet Explorer) and operating system (Windows, Mac) used to access our site;
  • The date and time you access our site;
  • The pages you visit; and
  • If you linked to the City website from another website, the address of that website.

This information is used to help us make the site more useful for you. With this data we learn about the number of visitors to our site and the types of technology our visitors use. We never track or record information about individuals and their visits.

Cookies

When you visit the City website, our web server generates a piece of information known as a cookie. These cookies collect the information described above. The purpose is to analyze web traffic in order to make the website more useful. Cookies do not collect any personal information at any time and they are optional. You can refuse to "accept" this cookie by changing the security settings in your browser.

Mobile Service Request App

City of South San Francisco is using a SeeClickFix and CivicPlus developed application called EngageSSF. EngageSSF is an online and mobile service request system, to power its mobile app and reporting forms. EngageSSF is an application that allows South San Francisco citizens to report non-emergency related issues to the City. EngageSSF can be used via the Web on a desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, or tablet.

EngageSSF is a public application. The description entered will be visible to the public. Your display name will also be visible unless you choose to submit as Anonymous. Your email address will never be displayed publicly.

Third Party Services and Disclaimer

The City uses Google™ Analytics, which is a web and traffic analytics tool that assists the City in tracking and reporting on website traffic. Google™ Analytics uses cookies and may track your personal information.

For more details on how Google™ Analytics uses your personal data and how you can control information collected by Google™ while accessing the City’s website, please visit http://www.google.com/policies/privacy/partners/.

Any third party services may use cookies, web beacons, and other storage technologies to collect or receive information from websites and elsewhere on the internet and use that information to provide measurement services and target ads. There are third-party mechanisms available to the public to exercise choice over the collection of information (for example: http://www.aboutads.info/choices).

Third party applications are also available to users to improve access to the City’s services. These applications may use cookies, identifiers on electronic devices, or other similar technologies to collect data. Please visit the privacy policies of each application to learn more about how your data is collected, the application’s data collection settings, and what options are available to you regarding the collection of your data. The City has no affiliation with these third parties, and it cannot guarantee or claim responsibility for the accuracy, reliability, or performance of such services. The City disclaims any and all liability arising out of the use of any such third-party website or application, and any individual who accesses any website or application does so at his or her own risk.

If You Send Us Personal Information

While you must provide an e-mail address for a localized response to any incoming questions or comments to the City website, we recommend that you not include any other personal information, especially Social Security numbers. The Social Security Administration offers additional guidance on sharing your Social Security number. Please note that the City may keep a record of your correspondence in accordance with City’s records retention policy. The City does not use information received in e-mails to create personal profiles, nor does it give or sell e-mail information to others for commercial purposes.

Public Records

As a government agency, the City is governed by the California Public Records Act (California Government Code section 7921 et seq.). As such, most business you conduct with the City becomes a public record and is open for public inspection. Public records may be posted on the website for electronic access. Records posted on the website are also available for public inspection by requests made online, in person, by mail or by telephone to the City Clerk’s Office. Please also be aware that content appearing on a City webpage is generally subject to the California Public Records Act and subject to disclosure by the City if requested. This may include information about you that you may make available through your privacy settings on your own pages.

Electronic Commerce

Users choosing to engage in electronic commerce with the City via this website are provided with reasonable security measures. City e-commerce transactions are performed only under tightly controlled circumstances where there are appropriate safeguards in place to reasonably protect sensitive data. While e-commerce transaction systems supported on City’s website are intended to ensure that financial data remains secure at all times, City does not represent that the system is fail-proof.

VI. AI Chatbot and User Interaction

Use of AI Chatbot

Our website utilizes an AI-powered chatbot to assist users by answering questions, providing information, and guiding users through the website. The chatbot may collect and process information that you provide during your interactions, including any personal data you may share.

Data Collection and Usage

The AI chatbot collects data such as conversation logs, user inputs, and other related information to enhance the quality of its responses, improve its functionality, and for analytics purposes. This data may include personal information, such as your name, email address, or other details you provide voluntarily.

Data Storage

The data collected by the AI chatbot is stored securely and is only accessible to authorized personnel. We retain this data for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this privacy policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

Third-Party Services

 Our AI chatbot may be powered by third-party service providers, who may process your data on our behalf. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and are prohibited from using it for any other purpose.

User Rights

You have the right to access, correct, or delete the personal data that the AI chatbot may have collected during your interactions. If you wish to exercise these rights or have any concerns about your data, please contact us using the information provided in the “Contact Us” section of this policy.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The AI chatbot may use cookies or similar tracking technologies to improve user experience and analyze how the chatbot is used. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

Updates to this Section

We may update this section of the privacy policy to reflect changes in the functionality of the AI chatbot or changes in applicable law. We encourage you to review this section regularly to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.

VII. External Linking Policy

The City website contains links to local, state and federal government agencies and to other, non-government websites. In establishing and maintaining its official website, the City does not intend to create any forum or other means for public discourse. Rather, the sole and limited purpose of the permitted external links is to provide information about the City for residents, businesses and visitors. The City does not endorse or provide preferential treatment to any third party websites or associated organizations or persons. Since the City does not control third party websites, it does not warrant that third party websites are accurate or reliable or that they have operational links. The user acknowledges and agrees that the City is not liable in any way for the content, accuracy, reliability, viewpoints, policies, or products provided by these external resources.

It is the City's policy to limit external links to the following entities and organizations:

  1. Other governmental agencies;
  2. Entities with which the City has an existing formal, contractual relationship;
  3. Commercial entities that provide information or services that enhance the usability of the City's web site for visitors.

In addition, the City reserves the right, at any time and without notice, to:

  1. Deny a link that does not meet the criteria set forth in this policy;
  2. Deny or discontinue an external link at any time if the website provides or promotes false, slanderous, illegal, infringing or incorrect information;
  3. Remove any external link if the nature of the organization to which the link relates no longer complies with the City's external link policy;
  4. Revise this policy without prior notice when the City considers such revision to be in its best interests.

VIII. Accessibility Policy and Statement

Our goal is to provide maximum access for all users of the City's website. Therefore, our website uses universal design principles, which include the following:

  • The website is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
  • The website accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
  • The website is easy to understand and use, regardless of the user's experience, or current concentration level.
  • The website communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
  • The website minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
  • The website can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.

Our Commitment to Accessibility

The City is committed to making its websites accessible to the widest possible audience. We are constantly working to increase the accessibility and usability of our website. The City will be evaluating this site on a regular basis and it will continue to evolve and improve over time as new technologies and opportunities emerge.

Adobe Acrobat PDF files

We have a large number of documents in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF). In order to improve the viewing of these files, download the latest free version of Adobe Reader.

Help Us Make Our Websites More Accessible

Should you have problems accessing information on this website, please let us know. We also welcome your questions about this accessibility statement and comments on how to improve the site's accessibility. Contact our Website Administrator for more information.

Open Data Compliance

California Assembly Bill 169

The City’s Open Data Portal is in compliance with California Assembly Bill 169, codified as of January 1, 2016 at Government Code section 6253.10. The data contained herein is:

  1. retrievable, downloadable, indexable, and electronically searchable by commonly used internet search applications;
  2. platform independent and machine readable;
  3. available to the public free of charge and without any restriction that would impede the reuse or redistribution of the public record; and
  4. retains the data definitions and structure present when the data was compiled, if applicable.

California Senate Bill 272

As part of the California Public Records Act, Senate Bill 272 is a state-mandated bill requiring local agencies to create a catalog of enterprise systems utilized by the agency, and disclose those systems for public consumption. The City's Enterprise Systems Catalog has been placed on the City's Open Data Portal and can be viewed on the SB 272 Enterprise System Catalog page.

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