Terms of Service
Last updated: November 18, 2024
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using PermitIndex ("the Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use the Service.
2. Description of Service
PermitIndex is a database and information service that provides information about government permits, licenses, and transactions across the United States. The Service aggregates publicly available data and presents it in an accessible format.
3. Use of Service
3.1 Permitted Uses
You may use PermitIndex to:
- Search for and view information about government permits and licenses
- Access publicly available government transaction data
- Use the information for personal, educational, or commercial purposes
- Share links to PermitIndex pages
3.2 Prohibited Uses
You may not:
- Use automated tools (bots, scrapers, crawlers) to access or download large portions of the Service without prior written permission
- Attempt to overwhelm or disrupt the Service's infrastructure
- Use the Service for any illegal purpose or to violate any laws
- Misrepresent your affiliation with PermitIndex
- Submit false, misleading, or inaccurate information
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Service
- Remove or modify any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices
4. Content and Data
4.1 Data Accuracy
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, PermitIndex makes no warranties about the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the data presented. Government regulations and requirements change frequently. You should always verify information directly with the relevant government agency before making decisions based on data from PermitIndex.
4.2 Data Sources
Information on PermitIndex is collected from publicly available sources, including government websites, official documents, and verified contributors. We do not guarantee that all information is current or complete.
4.3 User-Submitted Content
Users may submit feedback, tips, and other content. By submitting content, you grant PermitIndex a perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, modify, and display that content. You represent that you have the right to submit such content and that it does not violate any third-party rights.
5. Intellectual Property
The design, layout, and compilation of data on PermitIndex are protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. The PermitIndex name, logo, and brand are trademarks. You may not use our trademarks without prior written permission.
Government data and information presented on the Service remain in the public domain and are not subject to copyright restrictions.
6. Disclaimers
6.1 No Professional Advice
PermitIndex provides information only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. You should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions based on information from the Service.
6.2 No Warranties
THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.
6.3 Third-Party Links
PermitIndex contains links to government websites and other third-party sites. We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or availability of these external sites.
7. Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, PERMITINDEX AND ITS OPERATORS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES, WHETHER INCURRED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OR ANY LOSS OF DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES RESULTING FROM:
- Your use or inability to use the Service
- Any inaccuracy or incompleteness of data on the Service
- Any unauthorized access to or use of the Service
- Any decisions made in reliance on information from the Service
- Any errors, mistakes, or inaccuracies in the data
8. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless PermitIndex and its operators from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the Service or violation of these Terms.
9. Contributors
Individuals who become PermitIndex contributors agree to:
- Provide accurate and verified information
- Update information when regulations or requirements change
- Comply with our Contributor Guidelines
- Allow PermitIndex to display their name and credentials publicly
Contributors may earn revenue sharing on API calls related to permits they verify, subject to separate contributor agreements.
10. Changes to Service
PermitIndex reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Service at any time without notice. We may also impose limits on certain features or restrict access to parts of the Service.
11. Changes to Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify users of significant changes by posting the updated Terms on this page with a new "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the Service after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
12. Termination
We reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to the Service at any time, for any reason, without notice, including if we believe you have violated these Terms.
13. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States and the state in which PermitIndex operates, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Service shall be resolved in the courts of that jurisdiction.
14. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.
15. Entire Agreement
These Terms, along with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and PermitIndex regarding the use of the Service.
16. Contact
If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us via our Contact Form.
17. Special Notice for Government Agencies
If you are a government agency and believe any information about your permits or services is inaccurate, please contact us immediately so we can update it. We are committed to presenting accurate government data.
18. API and Data Access
Future API access to PermitIndex data may be subject to additional terms and rate limits. Commercial API usage may require a separate agreement and may incur fees.