Privacy & Data Policy

Overview

This zoning comparison tool was created by Opticos for the Village of Oak Park to help residents understand how proposed zoning changes may affect their property. This policy explains what information we collect, why we collect it, and how it is used.

Information We Collect

• Property & Zoning Data: The property records, zoning codes, and standards shown in this tool are public data maintained by the Village of Oak Park. Searching a property does not create a record tied to your identity.
• Search Activity: When you search an address or Property Index Number (PIN), we log the query and the matched property address so the Village can understand which parts of the community residents are most interested in. The matched address is geocoded to a latitude/longitude so it can be shown on an aggregate map in the admin dashboard.
• Feedback Submissions: When you submit a question, correction, or comment, we store the property address and PIN the feedback relates to, your message, the type of feedback, and the zoning standard(s) it concerns. Your name and email are optional; if provided, they let Village staff follow up with you directly. The feedback address is also geocoded for map-based review.
• Account Information: If you create an account to access admin features, we store your email address and an authenticated session. Passwords are managed securely by our platform and are never stored in plain text. Optional Google sign-in is also supported.

How We Use Your Information

• To display existing and proposed zoning standards for your searched property.
• To analyze aggregate search trends that help guide the community engagement process.
• To receive, review, and respond to resident feedback on the proposed zoning.
• To notify Village staff (admin users) when new feedback is submitted.

How We Share Information

We do not sell or rent your information. Search and feedback data is visible only to authorized Village of Oak Park staff through the admin dashboard. Aggregate, de-identified statistics may be used in public reports about the zoning initiative. Email notifications about new feedback are sent to the project team members and Village staff with admin accounts.

Geocoding Services

To place search and feedback locations on a map, addresses are converted to coordinates using a geocoding service (OpenStreetMap/Nominatim). Only the address text is sent for conversion; no other personal information is included.

Data Retention

Search logs and feedback records are retained for the duration of the zoning initiative to support analysis and follow-up. You may request that an optional name or email be removed from a feedback record at any time by contacting the Village.

Your Choices

Providing your name and email with feedback is optional. You may search properties and view zoning standards without creating an account or providing any personal information.

Contact

Questions about this privacy policy or how your data is handled can be directed to the Village of Oak Park community development team.