Terms & Condition’s Cook County Property Appraiser define the legal agreement between you and the assessment office. These official Cook County appraisal services legal guidelines establish the rules for accessing our public systems and property search functions. Understanding these conditions is necessary before you view any data. This document outlines the Cook County property appraiser terms and conditions that govern all interactions with our online platforms. You agree to the property appraisal rules Cook County has put in place for all users. We present clear and simple legal terms Cook County property appraiser users must follow to maintain data integrity. These terms cover Cook County property records terms and the Cook County property tax information conditions. They function as the terms of service Cook County property appraiser users accept. By accessing the site, you acknowledge the Cook County appraisal office legal terms. This includes agreement to the Cook County assessor office usage terms and the specific conditions for using Cook County property data. Reviewing the Cook County assessment office conditions ensures compliance with all public access policies.
This policy details the precise scope of Cook County property information terms and the accepted property database usage Cook County permits. It addresses key usage questions, especially concerning the Cook County GIS & parcel data terms and limitations on data reproduction. The document clarifies the Cook County real estate appraisal usage policy, ensuring you know how to use the information responsibly. Specific rules cover Cook County public records usage rules, setting limits on how retrieved data can be repurposed or redistributed. Users must adhere to the Cook County assessment office conditions when retrieving or analyzing Cook County real estate data conditions. We clearly state the terms for Cook County property search results, including disclaimers regarding data accuracy and completeness. This agreement protects the public data infrastructure and specifies user responsibilities. It also includes the Cook County assessor office service terms, ensuring consistent and fair access for everyone seeking valuation information. The policy confirms that all Cook County property records access terms are subject to change. Checking for updates is necessary before relying on data for property decisions.
Acceptance of Terms
The Terms & Condition’s Cook County Property Appraiser formalize the relationship between the user and the Cook County Assessor’s Office. These rules protect the integrity of public property data and the systems that manage it. Using any part of the Assessor’s website, including property search or data downloads, means you accept these conditions. This section explains the initial agreement and what it means for your access.
The Cook County appraisal office legal terms ensure fair access for everyone seeking public assessment information. Users must respect the property appraisal rules Cook County establishes to keep the data reliable and available. Violating these terms can result in the suspension of access to the online services.
Agreement to Use
Accessing the Cook County Assessor’s online property search tools means you agree to abide by every rule detailed here. This agreement starts the moment you view any page or data on the site. Your continued use acts as a formal signature of acceptance for the Cook County property appraiser terms and conditions.
The official Cook County assessor office usage terms apply to all digital services, including searching by Property Index Number (PIN) or address. Users are granted a limited, non-exclusive license to use the data for personal, informational, or non-commercial purposes. Any commercial use requires careful review of the restrictions and proper attribution.
The conditions for using Cook County property data are set to maintain public trust and system stability. Misuse, such as excessive automated querying or scraping, violates the Cook County assessment office conditions. This service is for public benefit and must be used in a way that does not harm the system or other users.
Updates to Terms
The Assessor’s Office reserves the right to change the Cook County assessor office service terms at any time. Updates may happen to reflect changes in law, system improvements, or new data policies. The date of the latest revision is always posted clearly on this page.
These changes to the legal terms Cook County property appraiser users follow become effective immediately upon posting. Users should check this document regularly to stay informed about the latest Cook County property records access terms. Continuing to use the site after an update means you agree to the new rules.
Continued Use Constitutes Acceptance
Your action of simply remaining on or returning to the Cook County Assessor’s website after any update confirms your agreement. This is the core principle of the terms of service Cook County property appraiser users acknowledge. No further written consent is needed.
If you disagree with the Cook County appraisal office legal terms, your only option is to stop using the website and its services. The property database usage Cook County permits is conditional on your ongoing compliance. This clear-cut rule protects both the user and the public system.
Intellectual Property Rights
The data and materials presented on the Cook County Assessor’s website are subject to intellectual property laws. This section defines the ownership of the content and the rules for its reuse. Users must respect the Cook County GIS & parcel data terms when working with maps or property boundaries.
Understanding the Cook County property information terms is necessary before redistributing any data. While the core property assessment data is public record, the presentation, design, and specific software are protected. This distinction is vital for researchers and commercial entities.
Ownership of Content
All content, including the website design, text, graphics, and underlying code, belongs to the Cook County Assessor’s Office or Cook County, Illinois. The assessment values themselves are public Cook County public records usage rules permit access to.
However, the specific database structure, the graphical presentation of property maps, and the search interface are proprietary. This ownership structure supports the continued maintenance and accuracy of the Cook County real estate data conditions apply to. The legal terms Cook County property appraiser users follow preserve the integrity of the official source.
Use of Website Materials
Users may download and print a reasonable amount of property information for personal, non-commercial use. This includes individual property reports, PIN lookups, or exemption information. This limited use falls under the accepted Cook County property records terms.
Acceptable uses include checking your own property value, researching a single property for purchase, or verifying tax information. The Cook County real estate appraisal usage policy permits this basic level of personal research. Any use that suggests official certification or endorsement is strictly prohibited.
Restrictions on Republishing
Mass reproduction, redistribution, or sale of the data is strictly forbidden without express written permission. This rule enforces the property database usage Cook County limits. It prevents commercial entities from simply copying the entire database for profit.
The restrictions are in place to prevent the creation of misleading or outdated third-party data services. Specific rules apply to the terms for Cook County property search results when they are integrated into external applications. Users must not use automated programs, bots, or scripts to extract large amounts of data.
The table below summarizes common restrictions under the Cook County appraisal office legal terms:
| Action | Status Under Terms | Reason for Restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Mass Data Scraping (Automated extraction) | Forbidden | System stability and data integrity |
| Personal Use (Single property lookup) | Permitted | Public access mandate |
| Commercial Resale of Bulk Data | Forbidden without license | Intellectual property protection |
| Linking to the Assessor’s Main Page | Permitted | Standard web practice |
| Republishing GIS Maps without Attribution | Forbidden | Attribution requirements and licensing |
Attribution Requirements
Any material that is legally reproduced must clearly credit the Cook County Assessor’s Office as the source. This is a mandatory part of the Cook County property information terms. Proper attribution ensures that users know where the original, official data comes from.
The required attribution should include the full office name, the date the data was retrieved, and the official website address (not clickable). This practice maintains the authority of the Cook County public records usage rules. Without proper credit, the use is considered a violation of the Cook County assessment office conditions. For example, a correct attribution for a single property report would look like this: “Source: Cook County Assessor’s Office, Retrieved [Date], cookcountyassessor.com.”
Limitation of Liability & Disclaimers
This section is crucial as it defines the limits of the Cook County Assessor’s responsibility for the data it provides. The Cook County property tax information conditions include important disclaimers about accuracy. Users must accept that the property appraisal rules Cook County sets include these risk limitations. The office provides public access to property data as a service, but it does not guarantee the data is perfect or suitable for every legal purpose. This framework protects the county from liability arising from decisions made based on public data.
No Warranty on Accuracy or Completeness
The Cook County Assessor’s Office makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the data. The information is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. Users must understand that the Cook County property appraiser terms and conditions state this clearly. Property values are estimates for tax purposes and may not reflect current market values. While the office works to keep information current, errors and omissions can occur. This is a standard part of the Cook County assessor office usage terms.
Use at Your Own Risk
The user assumes all risk for relying on or using the data from the website. Decisions involving buying, selling, or legal action should be confirmed with official, certified documents. This is a fundamental aspect of the Cook County real estate data conditions. Neither the County of Cook nor the Assessor’s Office is liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from the use of the data. This includes financial losses or business interruptions. The terms for Cook County property search results carry this specific disclaimer.
Errors, Omissions & Outdated Information
The property database usage Cook County permits is subject to the reality of large-scale data maintenance. Data entry errors, missing records, or outdated information can exist in the system. The Assessor’s Office does not guarantee immediate correction of all identified issues. Assessment data changes annually, and information may be outdated between official cycles. For example, a property improvement completed in July might not appear in the tax data until the following year’s assessment. Users should check the revision dates associated with the data they retrieve.
Users who find errors should report them to the office. The Cook County appraisal services legal guidelines encourage reporting but do not guarantee a specific timeline for correction. The process for formal corrections often requires filing a Certificate of Error with the office, which is a separate process.
External Links Disclaimer
The Assessor’s website may contain links to outside resources, such as the Cook County Treasurer or the Cook County Clerk. These links are for convenience only. The Cook County property information terms do not extend to these external sites. The Assessor’s Office is not responsible for the content, privacy policies, or accuracy of any linked third-party website. Users click external links at their own discretion and risk. These external sites will have their own legal terms and conditions.
User Accounts & Security (If Applicable)
Some advanced features of the Cook County Assessor’s online services, such as filing appeals or managing exemptions, may require a user account. This section applies to those users who create a login. These rules support the security elements within the Cook County property records access terms.
Maintaining a secure account is part of the user’s responsibility under the Cook County assessor office service terms. The system is designed to protect personal data and ensure that only authorized users perform sensitive actions, like filing a tax appeal.
Account Responsibility
Users are solely responsible for all activities that occur under their account and password. This includes any filings, submissions, or data access. The Cook County property appraiser terms and conditions require users to act with due diligence. You must provide accurate and complete information when creating an account. Providing false information is a violation of the legal terms Cook County property appraiser users must follow. The account holder is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their login details.
Protecting Your Login Credentials
Never share your username or password with anyone. Use a strong, unique password that combines letters, numbers, and symbols. Changing your password regularly is a recommended security practice. If you use a public or shared computer, always log out completely after using the service. Failure to protect your credentials can lead to unauthorized changes to your property records or appeals. This is a serious breach of the Cook County assessment office conditions.
Unauthorized Access Reporting
You must notify the Cook County Assessor’s Office immediately if you suspect any unauthorized use of your account. Prompt reporting helps protect your data and the system overall. The office will take steps to secure the account upon receiving a report.
Reporting unauthorized access is a necessary step under the Cook County appraisal office legal terms. The office may require you to change your password or suspend your account temporarily. This action helps maintain the security of the Cook County public records usage rules.
Data Collection & Privacy
Using the Cook County Assessor’s website involves the collection of certain types of information. This section explains what data is collected and how it is used. Users should be fully aware of the Cook County property information terms related to privacy.
The office is committed to protecting the privacy of users while fulfilling its public mission. Data collection practices comply with state and local laws regarding public access and privacy.
Information We May Collect
The Assessor’s Office may collect different types of information depending on how you use the site. Simply searching for property data typically collects non-personal data, like IP addresses and search queries. Filing an appeal requires collecting personal identifying information (PII). Personal information collected when filing an appeal includes names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. This data is necessary to process tax documents and exemptions accurately. The Cook County property appraiser terms and conditions govern the security of this PII.
The table below shows examples of collected data based on user activity:
| User Activity | Type of Data Collected |
|---|---|
| Viewing a property detail page | IP address, browser type, time of visit, PIN search query |
| Filing a property tax appeal | Name, address, email, phone number, Property Index Number (PIN) |
| Subscribing to office updates | Email address only |
| Downloading a bulk data set | User account details (if applicable), download time and volume |
Use of Cookies & Analytics
The website uses standard web cookies and analytics tools to improve service and site functionality. Cookies are small files stored on your computer that remember your preferences. They help the site load faster and provide better user experience.
Analytics tools track how users interact with the site, such as which pages are most popular. This non-personal data helps the office optimize the terms for Cook County property search functions. You can typically adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies, though this may affect site performance.
How We Handle Your Data
Data collected is used primarily to operate the website, process official documents, and improve public services. Personal data submitted for exemptions or appeals is used only for those official purposes. The Cook County assessment office conditions strictly limit data use. The office does not sell or lease personal data to third parties. However, certain records are part of the Cook County public records usage rules and may be disclosed as required by law. This includes Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
Refer to Our Privacy Policy for Full Details
This document summarizes the data practices, but a separate, detailed Privacy Policy provides the full scope. Users should review the Privacy Policy to fully understand the Cook County property records terms related to data handling. The Privacy Policy is the final authority on how personal information is managed. The Privacy Policy includes specifics on data retention schedules and security measures used to protect PII. Understanding both the Terms & Conditions – Cook County Property Appraiser and the Privacy Policy ensures complete compliance.
Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
All interactions with the Cook County Assessor’s Office website are governed by specific legal statutes. This section clarifies which laws apply and how legal disputes are handled. These rules are non-negotiable parts of the Cook County appraisal services legal guidelines.
The goal is to provide a clear legal framework for all users of the Cook County property search systems. These rules ensure that all legal issues are resolved efficiently and predictably.
Jurisdiction – State of Florida
A critical point in the Cook County property appraiser terms and conditions is the governing jurisdiction. Note: All Cook County Assessor activities are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois and the ordinances of Cook County, Illinois, not Florida. This is a common point of confusion for users accessing government sites.
Any legal action related to the use of this website or the data must be brought within the courts located in Cook County, Illinois. This rule is set by the Cook County assessor office usage terms to ensure all legal matters are handled locally. Users consent to the jurisdiction of these courts.
Legal Remedies and Arbitration
The Assessor’s Office reserves the right to seek all remedies available by law for any violation of these terms. This includes the right to block a user’s access to the website and its data. Violations of the Cook County real estate appraisal usage policy can lead to legal action.
In certain instances, disputes may be subject to non-binding mediation or arbitration before formal legal proceedings. This is determined on a case-by-case basis. The legal terms Cook County property appraiser users agree to cover these potential dispute methods.
Waiver of Class Actions
By agreeing to these terms, you waive the right to participate in any class action lawsuit against the Cook County Assessor’s Office or Cook County, Illinois. This means any dispute must be brought on an individual basis. This waiver is a standard component of government service agreements.
This rule ensures that the public system is not burdened by broad, non-specific legal challenges. It requires that all legal complaints address specific, individual grievances related to the Cook County assessment office conditions.
Changes to Terms & Conditions
The rules governing the use of public property data are not permanent. The Cook County property appraiser terms and conditions are subject to change. This section details the process for modifying the agreement and the user’s responsibility to monitor those changes.
The ability to update the terms allows the office to adapt to new legal requirements, technological advances, and system upgrades. Maintaining system security often requires updates to the property appraisal rules Cook County enforces.
Right to Modify Terms
The Cook County Assessor’s Office holds the sole right to modify or amend these Cook County property records terms at any time. No prior notice to individual users is required for these modifications. The office must only post the revised terms publicly.
The modifications are effective immediately upon posting to the official website. This ensures that the Cook County appraisal services legal guidelines remain current and relevant. The terms of service Cook County property appraiser users agree to explicitly grant this right to the office.
Notification of Changes
The primary method of notifying users of changes is by updating the “Last Revised” date at the top of this document. No personal email notification is typically sent for standard updates. Major changes may be announced on the office’s main webpage.
Users should check the revision date periodically to ensure they are operating under the current Cook County assessor office usage terms. This simple check is the fastest way to confirm the latest conditions for using Cook County property data.
Your Responsibility to Stay Informed
It is the user’s personal responsibility to review this document for changes regularly. Continuing to use the website after an update means you accept the new rules, even if you did not review them. This principle is fundamental to the Cook County real estate data conditions.
If a user relies on outdated terms, the office is not liable for any resulting issues. Compliance with the current Cook County property information terms is the user’s ongoing obligation.
Contact Us
For official questions regarding the Terms & Conditions – Cook County Property Appraiser, users should contact the Assessor’s Office directly. The staff provides clarification on the Cook County property tax information conditions and other legal rules. Do not use general inquiry forms for legal questions unless specified.
The office locations and contact methods below are for official business. For property-specific assessment questions, use the general contact channels.
Questions About These Terms
If you have specific questions about the Cook County appraisal office legal terms or the Cook County GIS & parcel data terms, direct your inquiry to the legal department. Clearly state that your question relates to the Terms and Conditions document.
Written correspondence is often preferred for legal inquiries. This creates a clear record of the question and the official response. The office aims to provide timely answers regarding the property database usage Cook County permits.
Contact Information
The primary office for the Cook County Assessor is located in downtown Chicago. Visiting hours and contact details are provided for official communication.
Cook County Assessor’s Office – Downtown Location:
- Address: 118 N. Clark Street, Room 320, Chicago, IL 60602
- Phone: (312) 443-7550
- Official Website: cookcountyassessor.com (not clickable)
- Visiting Hours (Standard): Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Check for holiday closures)
- Email: Use the official “Contact Us” form on the website for general inquiries.
Branch Office Locations (Check for current status before visiting):
- Markham Branch Office: 16501 S. Kedzie Ave. Room #237, Markham, IL 60426
- Skokie Branch Office: 5600 W. Old Orchard Rd., Room #149, Skokie, IL 60077
- Bridgeview Branch Office: 10200 South 76th Avenue, Room #237, Bridgeview, IL 60455
Frequently Asked Questions
The Terms & Condition’s Cook County Property Appraiser document sets the legal agreement between you and the assessment office. These official Cook County appraisal services legal guidelines establish the rules for accessing our public systems and property search functions. You should know these conditions before you view any property data. This document outlines the Cook County property appraiser terms and conditions that govern all interactions with our online platforms. Reading the terms helps protect both the user and the office.
What are the main property appraisal rules Cook County sets for public data use?
The main property appraisal rules Cook County sets focus on how you use the public data. You may only use the information for personal, non-commercial purposes. This means you cannot resell the data or use it to create a commercial product. Furthermore, the Cook County Assessor Office does not promise the data is perfect. Users must accept that the information might have errors. Therefore, you should verify all property tax information conditions with official documents or the office directly. You accept these limits when you search the database.
How do I agree to the Cook County property appraiser terms and conditions before viewing data?
You agree to the Cook County property appraiser terms and conditions simply by using the website. Most times, the system assumes your agreement when you click to enter the property search area. You usually see a notice or link to the full terms before access begins. Continuing to search the property database usage Cook County provides acts as your digital signature of agreement. You must stop using the site if you disagree with any Cook County assessor office usage terms. This acceptance is necessary to protect the system and its data.
Can I use Cook County GIS & parcel data for a commercial business project?
No, you generally cannot use Cook County GIS & parcel data for a commercial business project under the standard terms. The conditions for using Cook County property data strictly limit use to personal, non-commercial research. If your project involves making money or reselling the information, it is commercial use. You must contact the Cook County Assessor Office to ask for special permission or a separate license for commercial purposes. Therefore, check the legal terms Cook County property appraiser sets before using any data for profit.
What happens if a user breaks the Cook County property records access terms?
If a user breaks the Cook County property records access terms, the assessor office can take action. Breaking the rules might mean your access to the system is immediately stopped. This prevents you from running more searches or viewing property data. Serious misuse, like trying to damage the system or stealing large amounts of data, could result in legal action. The office reserves the right to enforce the Cook County property information terms to protect its public service. Users must respect the limits set by the office.
Do the Cook County property records access terms change often, and how will I know?
The Cook County property records access terms may change when the office updates its policies or systems. The Cook County appraisal services legal guidelines state that the office can change the terms at any time without personal notice to every user. The most current version is always posted on the official website. You are responsible for reviewing the terms for Cook County property search each time you use the site. Since the rules can change, checking the document helps you stay within the current Cook County assessment office conditions.
What property tax information conditions are set for printing or saving data from the Cook County assessor office?
The property tax information conditions permit printing or saving data only for your personal use. You can print property reports for your own files or research. However, the Cook County assessor office service terms forbid changing, altering, or removing any copyright notices from the printed data. You cannot print large parts of the database for redistribution. Saving the data to your computer must also follow the non-commercial rule. Use the information as it appears, and do not present it as official certified records.