HUD's Web Publication Procedures and Style Guide

Section 1: Compliance With Laws

A. Accessibility: All federal agencies are required by law to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities. HUD's standard templates have been designed to ensure that all federal accessibility requirements are met. Under no circumstances should templates be altered, since – in doing so – the pages may not be compliant with the accessibility requirements. Specific guidelines for keeping pages accessible are in Appendix B. Complete rules and regulations governing web accessibility are available on WebContent.gov.

B. Privacy (Internet only): HUD is very concerned about ensuring the privacy of individuals who visit our Internet websites.

1. Each page on HUD's site, including the front page of each web-based application, must include a link to HUD's official privacy policy.
2. Each link to an email form must incorporate the intercept page that explains HUD's privacy policy.
3. Use of "session cookies" (programming that retains information about a user only during that particular user session) is permissible.
4. Use of "persistent cookies" (programming that retains information about a specific user, from session to session) is prohibited. Requests for exceptions must be submitted to the Deputy Secretary, and a copy of the Deputy Secretary's written approval must be provided to the Departmental Web Managers and to the Chief Information Officer before persistent cookies are implemented.

Complete rules and regulations governing web privacy are available on WebContent.gov.

C. Records Management: HUD has established a separate website to serve as the official record of web content to be transferred to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). You can find instructions for reviewing and determining what should be moved to archives.hud.gov in the Web Management Operating Procedures. You can find procedures for moving files to archives.hud.gov in Section 9 of this document. Read more about web records on WebContent.gov.

D. Copyrights And Attribution: As a rule, all content – including written materials and graphics - on HUD's Internet websites is in the public domain. Anyone can use or link to any material written or created for HUD's Internet websites.

1. Graphics used on the website should be owned by HUD and, therefore, in the public domain. If an organization purchases graphics for the website - and the purchase agreement specifies that the vendor retains the copyright - then that fact should be noted on the page and in the text box (alt tag).
2. If an organization publishes written materials reprinted from outside sources, the Web Manager must have written authorization from the holder of the copyright to publish the materials on HUD's website and the copyright must be noted on each page of the material.
3. Personal attribution (e.g., names of individuals or groups of HUD employees, contractors, or grantees) is not permitted on HUD's web pages.
4. Photos and graphics developed by grantees or contractors for HUD become the property of the Department and, therefore, are in the public domain.

Read more about digital copyrights and intellectual property on WebContent.gov.

E. Paperwork Reduction And Paperwork Elimination

1. Official forms that are posted on HUD's website must display the official OMB clearance number and conform to all Department policies on design and approval of official forms.
2. Official forms must be posted in HUDClips, HUD's compendium of handbooks and forms. The only exceptions to this rule are "forms" that are incorporated in an online submission application.
3. Whenever possible, forms should be provided in "fillable" format, to make it easy for customers to use.

Read more about paperwork reduction requirements on WebContent.gov.