Last Updated: April 1, 2025

Introduction

The City of Westlake, Ohio ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, share, and protect information when you visit cityofwestlake.org (the "Website") or use our mobile applications (the "App"), collectively referred to as our "Services."

By accessing or using our Services, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Services.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide to Us

We may collect information that you provide directly to us when you:

• Create an account or profile

• Submit forms or applications for city services

• Pay bills, taxes, or fees

• Sign up for email notifications or newsletters

• Register for community events or programs

• Submit comments, questions, or feedback

• Report issues or concerns

• Apply for jobs, permits, or licenses

This information may include:

• Contact information (name, address, email address, phone number)

• Account credentials

• Payment information

• Service requests and related details

• Communications with city staff

Information We Collect Automatically

When you use our Services, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and usage, including:

• IP address

• Device type and operating system

• Browser type and settings

• Referring URLs

• Pages viewed and features used

• Dates and times of access

• Location information (if enabled on your device)

• Other usage details

We collect this information using cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies. For more information about our use of cookies, please see the "Cookies and Similar Technologies" section below.

How We Use Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, operate, maintain, and improve our Services

• Process transactions and deliver the services you request

• Send you administrative notifications, such as service announcements or security alerts

• Communicate with you about events, programs, and services that may be of interest to you

• Respond to your comments, questions, and requests

• Monitor and analyze trends, usage, and activities in connection with our Services

• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues, security incidents, or fraudulent activity

• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our policies

Sharing of Information

We may share your information with:

Third-Party Service Providers

We may share your information with third-party vendors, consultants, and other service providers who require access to such information to provide services to us or on our behalf, such as website hosting, data analysis, payment processing, and customer service.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., a court or government agency).

Ohio Public Records Law

As a government entity in Ohio, many records maintained by the City of Westlake are subject to Ohio's Public Records Law (Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43). Information you submit to us may be considered a public record and may be subject to public disclosure pursuant to Ohio law, with certain limited exceptions.

Cookies and Similar Technologies

Our Services use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, gather information about users and usage patterns, and manage and improve our Services. A cookie is a small data file stored on your device that helps us improve our Services and your experience.

You can set your browser to refuse all or some browser cookies or to alert you when websites set or access cookies. If you disable or refuse cookies, please note that some parts of our Services may become inaccessible or not function properly.

Third-Party Links and Services

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites, applications, or services that are not operated by us. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those third-party services. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you access.

Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures designed to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. However, no data transmission or storage system is completely secure. If you have reason to believe that your interaction with us is no longer secure, please contact us immediately.

Children's Privacy

Our Services are not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will promptly delete that information.

Your Rights and Choices

Access, Correction, and Deletion

You may access, update, correct, or delete your account information at any time by logging into your account or contacting us using the information in the "Contact Us" section below.

Email Communications

You may opt out of receiving promotional emails from us by following the instructions in those emails. If you opt out, we may still send you non-promotional emails, such as those about your account or our ongoing business relations.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated version will be indicated by an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy frequently to be informed of how we are protecting your information.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:

City of Westlake, Ohio
Email: jshevel@cityofwestlake.org
Address: 27700 Hilliard Blvd, Westlake, OH 44145
Phone: 440-871-3300

State-Specific Privacy Rights

Ohio Residents

Under Ohio law, individuals have the right to access public records, including many records maintained by the City of Westlake, subject to certain exemptions. To request access to public records, please contact the City of Westlake Clerk's Office or visit our website for more information on how to submit a public records request.