> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://withforerunner.com/docs/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Overview > Share property and object information with residents through a self-service public website The public website is an optional feature that provides a self-service portal where residents and community members can access information about properties and custom objects in your community. It promotes transparency, reduces staff workload, and helps people find answers without needing to contact your office. How residents find properties on your public website What residents see on property and custom object pages Review and respond to Get Help requests Process forms and documents from residents How custom objects appear on the public website ## What the public website offers The public website gives residents and community members access to information without requiring staff assistance: | Feature | Description | | ------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Property search** | Search by address, parcel ID, block and lot, or map click | | **Flood information** | View flood zone, Base Flood Elevation, and FIRM panel data | | **Interactive map** | Explore properties, custom objects, and public map layers | | **Custom objects** | Click custom objects on the map to view details, records, and files | | **Highlights** | Quick access to featured resources and links on the homepage | | **Public records** | View records configured for public access | | **Public files** | Download Elevation Certificates and other public documents | | **Get Help form** | Submit information requests that create log records for staff follow-up | | **Record submission** | Submit forms and upload documents against properties or custom objects | | **Public user accounts** | Create accounts to track submissions (if enabled) | The public website is an add-on feature that must be enabled for your account. Contact your Customer Success Manager to set up or configure your public portal. ## Who uses the public website The primary audience for the public website includes: * **Homeowners** researching their flood risk before purchasing insurance * **Property buyers** conducting due diligence on properties * **Contractors and developers** checking flood requirements for projects * **Insurance agents** verifying flood zone information for clients * **Real estate professionals** accessing property flood data * **Community members** exploring flood information or interacting with public infrastructure like flood gauges * **Infrastructure managers** viewing custom object details and submitting observations or reports ### Two types of access **Guest access** (no account required) * Search and view properties and custom objects * View public records and files * Download Elevation Certificates * Submit Get Help requests * Access public table views and maps **Public user accounts** (optional sign-up) * All guest capabilities plus: * Track submitted requests in My Submissions * Submit forms requiring authentication * Receive email notifications on submission status ## How residents find your public website Residents access your public website through a dedicated URL for your community: ``` https://[your-community].withforerunner.com ``` You can promote this URL through: * Your community's main website (link in footer or resources section) * Email communications and newsletters * Permit applications and correspondence * Public notices and mailings * Social media channels * Community meetings and events Add a prominent link to your public website from your community's official website. Many residents start their search there when looking for flood information. ## Public website homepage When residents visit your public website, they see a homepage designed for quick property lookup: **Homepage elements:** * **Search bar** - Prominent address search to find properties * **Interactive map** - Visual property lookup with flood zone layers * **Community branding** - Your logo and colors for recognition * **Highlights** - Featured links to important resources (configurable) * **Banner message** - Optional announcements or alerts (configurable) * **Language selector** - Switch between available languages (if configured) The homepage focuses residents on the primary task: finding their property and viewing flood information. ## Key features ### Property search and lookup Residents can find properties through multiple methods: * **Address search** - Type a street address to find matching properties * **Parcel ID search** - Look up by parcel identification number (if enabled) * **Block and lot** - Search by block and lot numbers (if enabled) * **Map click** - Click directly on the map to select a property Learn more about [searching for properties](/public-website/searching-properties). ### Custom object access Custom objects like infrastructure assets, facilities, and community boundaries are also accessible on the public website. Public users can click custom objects on the map or navigate from public table views to see object details, attached records, and files. Learn more about [viewing custom object details](/public-website/viewing-details#custom-objects). ### Property details When a resident selects a property, they see: * **Location** - Address, map view, and parcel boundaries * **Flood zone** - Zone designation (AE, X, VE, etc.) and SFHA status * **Elevation data** - Base Flood Elevation and related measurements * **Public records** - Records configured for public visibility * **Public files** - Documents available for download Learn more about [viewing details](/public-website/viewing-details). ### Get Help form and resident logs The Get Help form allows residents to request information or assistance. Each request creates a **log record** that appears in your Logs table: * Flood risk information requests * Site visit requests * Flood insurance questions * Property purchase inquiries * Construction guidance requests Learn more about [managing resident logs](/public-website/managing-resident-logs). ### Public submissions If enabled, residents can submit forms and upload documents through your public website: * **Elevation Certificates** - ECs are automatically processed and data is extracted * **Permit applications** - Floodplain development permit requests * **Other forms** - Community-specific submission types Submissions appear in your Records tables for review and processing. Learn more about [accepting submissions](/public-website/accepting-submissions). ### Public user accounts Optional accounts give residents additional features: * Track all their submissions in one place * Receive status updates via email * Submit forms requiring authentication * Access personalized information Learn more about [public user accounts](/public-website/public-users). ## What's shared publicly Your Customer Success Manager configures what information appears on the public website. By default, most data is private, and public visibility must be explicitly enabled. ### Typically public * Flood zone designations * Base Flood Elevation data * FIRM panel references * Approved permit records (if configured) * Completed inspections (if configured) * Elevation Certificates (if configured) * Custom object attributes configured for public display ### Typically private * Owner names and contact information * Internal staff notes and comments * Draft or pending records * Sensitive property details * Workflow status and assignments * Staff user information Review public visibility settings carefully. Once information is made public, anyone with the URL can access it. Work with your Customer Success Manager to ensure appropriate configuration. ## Related public features The public website integrates with other public-facing features in Forerunner: **Public table views** - Share filtered, read-only data tables on your public website. Residents can search and filter to find relevant information. Learn more about [public table views](/tables/public-views). **Public map layers** - Display geographic data like flood zones, infrastructure, and community boundaries on the public map. Learn more about [public map layers](/maps/public-map-layers). **Record public sharing** - Control which records appear publicly and manage visibility at both the record type and individual record level. Learn more about [record public sharing](/records/public-sharing). ## Customization options Work with your Customer Success Manager to customize your public website: ### Branding * **Logo** - Display your community's logo * **Colors** - Match your brand colors * **Title** - Customize the navigation bar title * **Banner** - Add announcements or alerts ### Content * **Homepage title** - Customize the search prompt * **Highlights** - Feature important resources on the homepage * **Help options** - Configure Get Help form options * **Languages** - Enable multiple language support ### Features * **Search options** - Enable parcel ID or block/lot search * **EC submission** - Allow public Elevation Certificate uploads * **Public accounts** - Enable resident account creation * **Map layers** - Configure which layers appear publicly ### Visibility * **Property attributes** - Choose which fields display publicly * **Record types** - Set default visibility for each record type * **File types** - Configure document visibility * **Map layers** - Select public vs. private layers ## Mobile access The public website is fully responsive and works on all devices: * Smartphones and tablets * Desktop browsers * Touch-friendly interface * Mobile-optimized maps Residents can access flood information from any device, whether at home researching or in the field with a contractor. ## Getting help If you have questions about your public website: * **Configuration changes** - Contact your Customer Success Manager * **Feature requests** - Discuss with your CSM or Forerunner support * **Technical issues** - Contact Forerunner support If residents have questions about their flood information, they can use the Get Help form to contact your office directly.