Privacy Policy – Buncombe County Property Appraiser

Privacy Policy sets the standards for how the Buncombe County Assessor office manages and protects the data collected during property valuation and taxation activities. This Buncombe County property appraiser privacy policy details our firm commitment to securing your real estate records confidentiality Buncombe County. We recognize the importance of property data privacy Buncombe County residents expect when interacting with the appraisal services privacy section of our office. The Buncombe County personal information policy outlines the specific measures taken to safeguard sensitive details. Our privacy practices Buncombe County assessor team follows ensure compliance with state and local laws regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of property tax data privacy. We clearly define the distinction between public records and non-public data. The goal is to assure every citizen that their data handling policy Buncombe County property office adheres to the highest standards of security. This document serves as your source for understanding the Buncombe County appraisal office privacy notice and the steps we take to maintain trust. Your Buncombe County real estate data protection is our priority, affirming the confidentiality rules that govern property information privacy Buncombe County.

Privacy Policy explains your rights concerning the Buncombe County property database privacy practices. We address the Buncombe County property tax information privacy concerns related to both aggregated public data and specific ownership details. This Buncombe County public records privacy policy clarifies how we manage property records confidentiality, especially concerning the property information privacy Buncombe County residents submit. The data privacy guidelines Buncombe County property office uses cover areas such as Buncombe County GIS & parcel data privacy and how that information is used for assessment purposes. Citizens seeking to understand their data control options will find clear explanations for requesting access or correcting their Buncombe County assessor office data protection details. This privacy statement BCPA provides full transparency on data handling policy and security protocols. We detail when and why data might be shared with other government entities, always prioritizing your Buncombe County property appraisal confidentiality rules. Reviewing this document confirms the Buncombe County real estate data protection measures in place for all appraisal services privacy matters. We built this policy to be accessible and easy to read, ensuring you have confidence in our adherence to all Buncombe County property records confidentiality standards.

Information We Collect

The Buncombe County Assessor office collects data to fulfill its legal duty of valuing all real and personal property within the county. This collection is necessary to establish an accurate tax base. The Buncombe County property appraiser privacy policy dictates that we collect only the necessary information required by North Carolina General Statutes. The types of data collected fall into two main categories: data you provide directly and data collected automatically during office operations or website usage. We manage both public and non-public data with distinct security protocols.

The collection process adheres strictly to the data privacy guidelines Buncombe County property office has established. We ensure that every data point serves a clear, legal purpose, such as property identification, ownership verification, or valuation accuracy. This approach reinforces our commitment to property data privacy Buncombe County citizens expect from a public office. The entire process is transparent, allowing citizens to understand exactly what information is gathered and why it is needed for property tax assessment.

Data You Provide Voluntarily

Citizens provide certain data directly to the Buncombe County Assessor office during listing, appeal, or exemption application processes. This voluntary submission is essential for accurate property valuation and tax relief programs. The data collected helps the office maintain correct property records confidentiality Buncombe County requires for legal purposes.

Examples of voluntarily provided data include personal identifiers and property details. For instance, when filing a personal property listing form for vehicles or business assets, you give us your contact details. Similarly, applying for a homestead exclusion or elderly/disabled exclusion requires submitting income statements and medical certification forms. This information is considered non-public and is subject to the strictest Buncombe County personal information policy measures.

The following table shows common data types provided directly by property owners:

Automatically Collected Information

The Buncombe County Assessor office automatically collects certain data during property inspection and through digital interactions, such as website visits. This information is often technical or related to the physical characteristics of the property. This data collection is vital for maintaining the Buncombe County property database privacy practices.

Physical property data includes measurements, building materials, and physical condition details gathered during on-site inspections. Digital data, collected when users access the online property search tool, includes IP addresses, browser type, and time spent on pages. This technical data helps us improve the user experience and maintain system security, aligning with the privacy practices Buncombe County assessor protocols.

The Buncombe County GIS & parcel data privacy aspects are also managed through automatic collection. Geographic Information System (GIS) data, including parcel boundaries and aerial imagery, is collected and updated continuously. While the geographic data itself is public, the systems that store and deliver it are protected by robust security measures. This ensures the integrity of the property information privacy Buncombe County relies upon for accurate tax mapping.

How We Use Your Information

The use of collected information by the Buncombe County Assessor office is strictly limited to legal and administrative functions related to property taxation. Every use aligns with the Buncombe County property appraisal confidentiality rules and is documented. We ensure that non-public data is never used for purposes outside of official county business, affirming our Buncombe County real estate data protection commitment. The primary uses are valuation, service improvement, communication, and legal compliance.

The data handling policy Buncombe County property office follows ensures that data usage is minimal and purposeful. We do not sell or lease personal data to third parties for commercial purposes. Instead, the information supports the core government function of fair and uniform property assessment across the county, which is the foundation of the Buncombe County appraisal office privacy notice.

For Service Improvements

We use aggregated, non-identifiable data to evaluate and improve the services provided by the Assessor’s office. This supports better resource allocation and system stability. For example, analyzing website traffic patterns helps us determine which online services, such as the property search or exemption forms, require technical updates. This is a key part of our commitment to user satisfaction.

Using property characteristics in large, anonymized datasets allows us to refine our mass appraisal models. This technical process leads to more accurate and equitable property valuations for all citizens. Better models reduce the need for appeals, which ultimately streamlines operations for the public and the office. This focus on efficiency is a direct application of the Buncombe County assessor office data protection principles toward operational excellence.

We regularly review the performance of our online tools, including the Buncombe County Tax Lookup system. Feedback and usage statistics inform us about potential bottlenecks or areas where clarity is needed. The goal is to make the entire property tax process as simple and accessible as possible for every resident. This commitment to continuous improvement is outlined in the data privacy guidelines Buncombe County property office adheres to.

Communication & Notifications

The Assessor’s office uses owner contact details for official communication regarding property matters. This includes sending tax bills, reappraisal notices, and correspondence related to appeals or exemption applications. Direct communication is necessary to meet statutory requirements for taxpayer notification.

We may use email addresses, if provided, to send important policy updates or reminders about listing periods and reappraisal dates. This use is always focused on administrative efficiency and ensuring citizens are fully informed about their tax obligations and rights. This practice is detailed within the Buncombe County public records privacy policy regarding taxpayer outreach.

Communication methods and their purpose:

• Mail: Delivery of annual tax bills and official notices of property value changes.
• Email: Sending digital copies of forms, policy updates, and deadline reminders (requires user opt-in for certain non-mandatory notices).
• Phone: Direct contact for clarification on submitted forms, appeal scheduling, or resolving listing discrepancies.

The privacy statement Buncombe County property appraiser makes clear that we do not use these contact channels for commercial solicitation or non-official county business. All communications are intended to support the accurate and legal execution of property tax assessment.

Legal and Compliance Purposes

A significant portion of data usage is dedicated to fulfilling legal and compliance requirements set forth by state law. The Buncombe County personal information policy is built around adherence to the North Carolina General Statutes concerning public records and taxation. We use the collected data to defend property valuations during appeals and litigation.

The office must maintain detailed records to comply with regular audits by state agencies. These records are used to demonstrate that the property appraisal process is fair, uniform, and compliant with all legal standards. This use of data is mandatory and ensures the integrity of the local tax system.

We also use data to respond to valid legal requests, such as subpoenas or court orders. In such cases, the office is legally obligated to disclose the requested information, even if it is otherwise considered non-public. This is a necessary function to uphold the rule of law. The property data privacy Buncombe County policy details the strict legal review process followed before any such disclosure is made.

Key legal compliance uses:

1. Supporting the defense of property tax appeals before the Board of Equalization and Review.
2. Responding to public records requests in compliance with NC Public Records Law (G.S. 132).
3. Providing necessary data to the North Carolina Department of Revenue for oversight and reporting.
4. Ensuring compliance with all property listing and exemption deadlines specified in state statutes.

Data Protection and Security Measures

Protecting the sensitive data collected is a top priority for the Buncombe County Assessor office. Our security framework is designed to protect all data, especially non-public personal information, from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. The Buncombe County real estate data protection strategy incorporates physical, administrative, and technical controls. This multilayered approach ensures the highest level of security for the Buncombe County property tax data privacy.

The office follows best practices established for government entities handling confidential financial and personal data. We regularly review and update our security protocols to address new threats. This continuous effort is a core part of the privacy statement Buncombe County property appraiser commitment to trustworthiness and integrity.

Encryption and Secure Access

Technical security measures, including data encryption, are employed to protect data both in transit and at rest. When citizens submit forms online, the connection is secured using industry-standard Secure Socket Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption. This scrambling of data prevents external interception during transmission.

Sensitive non-public data is stored on secure servers within the Buncombe County government network. Access to these systems requires strong authentication methods, such as multi-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of protection beyond a simple password. This practice is central to the Buncombe County property database privacy practices.

Security technologies in use:

• SSL/TLS Encryption: Secures all online communications and form submissions.
• Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems: Monitor network traffic for unauthorized access attempts.
• Data Encryption at Rest: Protects stored sensitive files and databases from direct access.

These encryption and access controls are fundamental to the Buncombe County assessor office data protection strategy, ensuring that only authorized personnel and secure systems can interact with confidential taxpayer data.

Internal Access Restrictions

Access to non-public property and personal data is strictly limited to county employees who need the information to perform their official duties. This is known as the “need-to-know” principle. The data handling policy Buncombe County property office implements requires all staff to undergo regular privacy and security training.

We use role-based access controls (RBAC) to manage permissions within our appraisal software and databases. For example, a mapper in the Land Records division may have access to Buncombe County GIS & parcel data privacy information but not to personal income data submitted for an exemption. This granular control prevents unnecessary exposure of sensitive details.

All employee access to sensitive systems is logged and regularly audited. This accountability measure helps detect and deter unauthorized internal access. Any violation of the internal access restrictions results in disciplinary action, reinforcing the seriousness of the property data privacy Buncombe County mandate.

Key internal controls:

1. Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC) limit data views based on job function.
2. Mandatory annual privacy and security awareness training for all staff.
3. Regular audits of system access logs to detect anomalies.
4. Strict physical security for server rooms and data storage facilities.

Additional Security Practices

Beyond technical and internal controls, the office maintains other security practices to reinforce the Buncombe County property appraisal confidentiality rules. We employ a rigorous data backup and disaster recovery plan. This ensures that even in the event of a system failure or physical disaster, property records remain secure and can be quickly restored.

The office uses secure methods for disposing of physical and digital records that have met their mandatory retention period. Physical documents containing non-public data are shredded, and digital media is securely wiped. This prevents data from being recovered after it is no longer needed for official county business, which is a key component of the real estate records confidentiality Buncombe County standards.

We also maintain current software and operating systems on all devices used to access or process taxpayer data. Regular patching and updates close security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. This proactive maintenance is a non-negotiable part of our overall security strategy and supports the Buncombe County property tax data privacy efforts.

Opt-Out Preferences

While the Buncombe County Assessor office is legally required to collect and maintain certain property records for taxation, citizens have limited rights to control how some non-public data is used or disclosed. The Buncombe County personal information policy provides clear procedures for citizens to express their preferences, especially concerning the use of their contact information.

These opt-out preferences are designed to respect citizen privacy while still allowing the office to fulfill its statutory duties. The ability to limit the use of data is an important feature of our commitment to property information privacy Buncombe County residents value. We process all valid requests promptly and accurately.

How to Limit the Use of Your Data

Citizens can formally request that their personal contact information, such as a private phone number or email address, not be used for non-essential administrative communication. This does not apply to mandatory notices like tax bills or official appeal documents, which must be sent by law.

A property owner may also request that their mailing address be redacted from certain public-facing online records, where permitted by North Carolina law. This is often an option for law enforcement officers, judicial officials, or domestic violence victims, subject to proper documentation. Requests must be submitted in writing to the Assessor’s office for review and approval.

Steps to submit an opt-out request:

1. Draft a formal, signed letter detailing the specific data you wish to limit (e.g., personal phone number, mailing address redaction).
2. Reference the relevant North Carolina General Statute or policy section, if known.
3. Include your full name, property address, and Parcel Identification Number (PIN).
4. Mail or deliver the request to the Buncombe County Assessor’s physical address.

The office will review the request against the Buncombe County public records privacy policy and state law. We will then notify the citizen of the decision and the effective date of the change, ensuring full transparency in the process.

Sharing & Third-Party Services

The Buncombe County Assessor office sometimes shares data with other government agencies or uses third-party services to perform its functions. Any data sharing or use of external vendors is governed by strict legal agreements and the Buncombe County property appraiser privacy policy. Our primary goal is always to maintain property records confidentiality Buncombe County citizens expect.

Data is never shared with private entities for marketing or commercial use. Sharing is limited to situations required by law or necessary for the efficient operation of county government. This careful approach to data distribution reinforces the Buncombe County assessor office data protection commitment.

When and Why We Share Information

The Assessor’s office shares property data with other Buncombe County departments, such as the Tax Collector, Planning Department, and Register of Deeds. This internal sharing is necessary for coordinated government services, like collecting taxes, zoning enforcement, and maintaining official land records. These internal county partners are bound by the same security and privacy standards.

We also share data with other governmental bodies, such as the North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR) or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), when legally required. For example, NCDOR receives aggregate tax base data for state-level reporting. Specific data may be shared with law enforcement agencies under a valid subpoena or court order.

Reasons for data sharing:

• Tax Collection: Sharing assessment values with the Tax Collector for bill generation.
• Planning & Zoning: Sharing Buncombe County GIS & parcel data privacy details for land use planning.
• State Compliance: Providing data to NCDOR for state-mandated reporting and equalization studies.
• Legal Mandate: Responding to court orders or subpoenas from judicial authorities.

All shared data adheres to the principle of least privilege, meaning we only share the minimum necessary information required to fulfill the specific purpose or legal request. This practice is detailed in the data privacy guidelines Buncombe County property office maintains.

Third-Party Tools and Services

The Assessor’s office uses certain third-party services to support its core functions, such as software for mass appraisal, online property search portals, and geographic information systems. These vendors are carefully selected and must agree to abide by the county’s stringent data security standards.

For example, a third-party vendor may host the online property search tool. The contract with that vendor specifies that they cannot use the data for their own purposes and must employ security measures that meet or exceed county requirements. This protects the Buncombe County property tax information privacy while allowing the public to access necessary online services.

The office uses a formal procurement process that includes a thorough review of a vendor’s security and privacy certifications. Any vendor handling non-public data must demonstrate a clear commitment to Buncombe County real estate data protection. This due diligence ensures that our reliance on external services does not compromise citizen confidentiality.

Examples of third-party service uses:

Your Rights & Data Control Options

Citizens of Buncombe County have specific rights regarding the data the Assessor’s office maintains about their property and themselves. These rights are protected by state and local policy and reflect the county’s commitment to transparency. The privacy statement Buncombe County property appraiser makes sure that citizens can actively manage their non-public information.

The data control options cover requesting copies of the information held, asking for corrections to be made, and understanding the process for data deletion requests. Exercising these rights is essential for ensuring the accuracy of the tax base and maintaining real estate records confidentiality Buncombe County enforces.

Requesting Data Access or Deletion

A property owner has the right to request access to the non-public personal information the Assessor’s office holds about them. This might include income verification documents submitted for an exemption or specific personal contact details not otherwise public. The request must be in writing to ensure proper verification of the requester’s identity.

Data deletion for public property records (like ownership or value) is generally not possible, as the office is legally mandated to maintain these records in perpetuity. However, specific non-public personal data, once it has passed its mandatory retention period and is no longer needed for legal or audit purposes, can be requested for secure deletion. The office will review all deletion requests against state record retention schedules.

Procedure for data access:

1. Submit a written request to the Assessor’s office, clearly identifying yourself as the property owner.
2. Include the property PIN and the specific type of non-public data you seek to access.
3. The office will verify your identity to prevent unauthorized disclosure.
4. A copy of the releasable, non-public data will be provided within a reasonable timeframe, following legal review.

This process ensures that the Buncombe County personal information policy is followed, balancing the need for transparency with the need for security.

Updating Your Personal Information

Maintaining accurate and current personal information is the responsibility of the property owner. The Assessor’s office encourages all property owners to promptly notify the office of any changes to their mailing address, ownership status, or other relevant contact details. This ensures timely delivery of important tax documents.

To update your mailing address, you must submit a written request to the Tax Assessment office. This written request ensures that the change is properly authorized and documented, protecting against fraudulent updates. This step is vital because the mailing address determines where the official tax bill is sent.

If you find an error in the public property data, such as an incorrect building size or feature, you can submit a request for review and correction. This process often involves a review by an appraiser and may require documentation from the property owner. Correcting errors is a direct way to support the accuracy of the property data privacy Buncombe County aims to uphold for all properties.

Common information updates:

• Mailing address change (requires written notification).
• Ownership change (occurs via the Register of Deeds office, but the Assessor tracks it).
• Correction of property physical characteristics (requires review by appraisal staff).
• Updating contact phone numbers or email addresses for official communication.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

The Privacy Policy for the Buncombe County Assessor office is subject to change as state laws, technology, and office procedures are updated. We maintain a policy of transparency regarding any revisions to the Buncombe County property appraiser privacy policy. All changes are made in accordance with applicable North Carolina law and are published promptly.

We are committed to ensuring that the most current version of this policy is always available to the public. This practice supports the trust placed in the office to manage Buncombe County real estate data protection responsibly. The policy is a living document that reflects our ongoing commitment to security and confidentiality.

Notification of Updates

When significant changes are made to the privacy statement Buncombe County property appraiser policy, we will take steps to notify the public. For minor administrative changes, a simple update to the revision date is sufficient. For major changes that substantially affect how non-public data is collected, used, or shared, we will use more visible notification methods.

Notification methods for major policy changes may include a prominent announcement on the official Buncombe County Tax Assessment website. We may also issue a press release or include a notice in official mailings. The goal is to ensure that all citizens are aware of their rights and the office’s obligations.

We encourage all citizens to periodically review this policy to stay informed about our privacy practices Buncombe County assessor teams follow. Understanding the current terms is the best way to ensure confidence in the handling of your property and personal data.

Date of Last Revision

The “Date of Last Revision” provides a clear marker for when the current version of the Privacy Policy became effective. This date is updated every time a change, no matter how minor, is made to the document. This simple measure serves as a transparent record of the policy’s history.

The current version supersedes all previous versions of the Buncombe County appraisal office privacy notice. Relying on the most recent revision date ensures that you have the most accurate picture of our current data handling rules. Citizens should always refer to the policy with the latest revision date for the most current terms.

Date of Last Revision: January 5, 2026

Contact Us for Privacy Concerns

The Buncombe County Assessor office takes all privacy concerns seriously. We welcome citizen questions and comments regarding this Privacy Policy and our data handling practices. Direct communication helps us ensure that our Buncombe County property appraisal confidentiality rules are clear and that our execution of those rules meets public expectations.

If you have questions about specific data points, public records status, or security measures, please contact the office directly. Our staff is trained to address inquiries related to the Buncombe County property tax data privacy and to explain the legal basis for our procedures.

How to Reach the Buncombe County Property Appraiser

For questions related to the Buncombe County property appraiser privacy policy, data access, or security concerns, please use the official contact details below. We strongly recommend submitting complex or formal requests in writing to ensure a complete and documented response.

Official Contact Information for Buncombe County Tax Assessment (Assessor/Appraiser)

• Physical Address:
  182 College Street
  Asheville, NC 28801
• Mailing Address:
  182 College Street
  Asheville, NC 28801
• Official Phone Numbers:
  General Tax Assessment: (828) 250-4920
  Real Estate Assessment Division: (828) 250-4940
• Official Email:
  personalproperty@buncombenc.gov (General Inquiries)
• Visiting Hours:
  Monday through Friday
  8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Except County Holidays)
• Official Website (Non-Clickable for Policy Reference):
  buncombenc.gov

You may visit the office during operating hours to speak with a representative. Parking is available in the County-owned parking deck at 164 College St. Bring your parking ticket for validation at the office. This ensures easy access to discuss your property information privacy Buncombe County concerns in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Buncombe County Assessor office manages and protects the data gathered during property valuation and taxation. This Privacy Policy document establishes the standards for handling that data. This Buncombe County property appraiser privacy policy shows our firm promise to secure the property data privacy Buncombe County residents expect. We believe that protecting your property details builds necessary public trust. This section answers common questions about data management and your rights regarding property records.

What information does the Buncombe County property appraiser privacy policy cover?

The Buncombe County property appraiser privacy policy covers specific details collected during the property appraisal process. This includes basic details like owner names and mailing addresses. The policy also covers property specifics such as square footage, sales history, and building features. Since much property information is public record by state law, the policy explains which parts remain confidential. Further, the document addresses how public information interacts with any private data we collect. We want all citizens to know exactly what data we keep and how we work to keep it safe.

How does Buncombe County ensure real estate records confidentiality?

Buncombe County uses strict security practices to maintain real estate records confidentiality Buncombe County. Physical security measures keep hard copy records safe from unauthorized access. Digitally, we use firewalls and secure servers to protect electronic data. Only staff members with proper authorization can look at sensitive data. The Buncombe County appraisal office privacy notice explains that while some property details must remain public, personal identifying details receive special care. Thus, we limit who can view specific parts of the property file. This protects citizens against misuse of their personal property details.

Can a person request to remove their personal information from Buncombe County property data?

State law generally requires the Assessor office to keep a complete record of property ownership and tax details. Property ownership, addresses, and valuation details must remain public information. Still, the Buncombe County personal information policy allows for specific exceptions. For example, certain professionals like judges or law enforcement may request that their residential address be kept private due to safety concerns. To apply for removal, a citizen must submit a formal written request to the Assessor office. This request must cite the specific legal reason for the privacy need.

Where can I find the official Buncombe County appraisal office privacy notice?

You can find the official Buncombe County appraisal office privacy notice easily on the county government website. Look for the Assessor office section, then click on the link labeled Privacy Policy or Privacy Notice. Often, a direct link appears in the footer of the office’s main webpage. Citizens may also request a physical copy of the policy by visiting the appraisal office during business hours. Reviewing the notice helps you understand how your property information privacy Buncombe County is handled. This makes sure you are fully aware of data practices.

What are the rules for using Buncombe County GIS & parcel data for outside purposes?

The Buncombe County GIS & parcel data privacy rules clarify how others may use this public mapping information. The data is public record, so citizens and businesses may use it for non-commercial and commercial purposes. Still, the county often includes a disclaimer stating that the data is for reference only and not a legal survey. Furthermore, users must follow copyright rules when using the maps or data layers. The policy forbids using the data to harass or target property owners. This protects property data privacy Buncombe County residents expect even when the data is public.

What steps should I take if I suspect a breach of my property tax data privacy in Buncombe County?

If you suspect a breach of your property tax data privacy in Buncombe County, you should act quickly. First, contact the Buncombe County Assessor office directly. Ask to speak with the Data Security or Records Manager. Second, clearly explain the situation and what information you believe was improperly accessed. Third, the office will follow its internal protocol for investigating data issues. The Buncombe County property appraiser privacy policy outlines the steps the county must take to address reported security problems. This helps ensure a prompt review of your concern.