Request Dataset Publication - Norfolk Municipal Open Data
Norfolk, Virginia publishes data through its public open data portal to increase transparency and reuse. This guide explains how municipal staff, contractors, or community partners can request publication of a new dataset, what metadata and formats to prepare, who reviews requests, and where to follow up. Use the portal to check existing datasets before requesting publication and provide a concise description, license, update cadence, and contact for maintenance. Where official processes or penalties are not published, the guide notes that the cited official source does not specify them.[1]
Overview
Typical publication requests include geographic layers, tabular records, and scheduling or API access. Prepare a clear title, field descriptions, data dictionary, sample extract, update frequency, and preferred open format (CSV, GeoJSON, shapefile). The City reviews datasets for privacy, security, and legal restrictions before publishing.
Penalties & Enforcement
The official open data portal and related City pages do not publish fines, penalties, or enforcement schedules for dataset publication or removal. Where numeric penalties or escalation procedures are required by other municipal codes, they are not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Escalation (first/repeat/continuing): not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Non-monetary sanctions: removal of datasets or suspension of publishing privileges may occur; specific remedies are not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Enforcer: City of Norfolk Open Data Program and responsible department; official contact pathways are via the portal contact methods.[1]
- Appeal/review: not specified on the cited page; if available, appeals follow City administrative review channels (see Help and Support section).
Applications & Forms
The City uses the public open data portal for dataset requests and contact; no separate standardized public application form or fee for dataset publication is published on the portal page referenced here. For exact submission fields or an intake form, use the portal contact or the City department contact listed in Help and Support.[1]
How to Prepare a Request
- Inventory: confirm dataset is not already published and note updates needed.
- Metadata: prepare title, description, contact, license, and field definitions.
- Format: provide a sample export in CSV or GeoJSON when possible.
- Schedule: state expected update cadence (daily, monthly, ad hoc).
- Submit: follow the portal's contact or suggest-dataset workflow and retain ticket or confirmation number.[1]
FAQ
- Who can request a dataset be published?
- City departments, contractors working on behalf of the City, and authorized community partners may request publication; external requests are accepted subject to review and approval.
- Is there a fee to publish a dataset?
- No fee is published on the official portal; the cited page does not list any charges for dataset publication.[1]
- How long does review take?
- Review times are not specified on the cited portal page; the City will respond via the portal contact method with status updates when available.[1]
How-To
- Check the open data catalog for existing datasets and note identifiers.
- Prepare metadata and a sample extract in an open format.
- Use the portal contact or suggest-dataset link to submit your request and attach sample files.[1]
- Monitor the ticket or contact channel and respond to any City follow-up for privacy or legal review.
- If the request is denied, ask for the reason and follow the City's published administrative appeal procedures or contact the City Attorney or City Clerk.
Key Takeaways
- Prepare clear metadata and open-format samples before submitting.
- Privacy and legal review can delay publication; sensitive fields may be redacted.