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Web Development Standard

Policy Code: 
EGT003-04.6
Effective Date: 
November 3, 2004
Revision Number: 
6
Revision Date: 
October 25, 2006

Purpose

Create a common, compliant framework for development of accessible Web sites that support the function and mission of the entity while establishing a level of effectiveness, consistency and professionalism across the State of North Dakota Web sites.

Standard

  1. Web sites shall validate to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) specification for Extensible HyperText Markup Language (XHTML) level 1.0
  2. If utilizing Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), they shall validate to the W3C specification for CSS level 1.
  3. File and directory naming conventions:
    1. Periods shall only be used for separation between the file name and extension, i.e. "xxx.html"
    2. Shall not contain uppercase letters.
    3. Shall not contain spaces
    4. Exception: Files or directories not intended to be viewed in a Web browser.
  4. Pages that are indexed by a search engine shall include the Meta tag “description” to describe the page’s content.
  5. Every HTML page shall use a title tag containing information that is relevant to the page’s content.
  6. Browser Plug-ins:
    1. All links to non-HTML content shall provide information on file type, (i.e. pdf).
    2. Users shall be informed of the need for a plug-in and provided a link to download it.
    3. Primary site navigation shall not require a special, third-party browser plug-in (QuickTime, Acrobat, Flash, Real Audio, etc.).
  7. Frame sets shall not be used for the core site design.
  8. Every HTML page shall display the State Banner as per Appendix A. Exception: Intranet Web sites and popup windows.
  9. Advertisements shall not be displayed.
    1. Links to business partners are allowed if they meet all of the following:
      1. Link is related to the agency/department’s business
      2. The business purpose for the link is clearly stated
      3. It is without compensation
      4. There is no discrimination in determining allowed links
    2. Any links to third party sites must meet the business partner site standard.
  10. Business partner sites are not subject to state standards, however they must comply with the following:
    1. Cannot display state banner
    2. Cannot display an official department logo
    3. Shall open a new and separate browser window that is not maximized
  11. Entities shall fix their broken links within 2 weeks of notification.
  12. Every HTML page shall provide a link to or display the following: Exception: Intranet Web sites
    1. Contact information including address, phone and email
    2. Privacy policy
    3. Home page
    4. Security policy
  13. The Great Seal of North Dakota is reserved for official use. Refer to North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) 54-02-01 for regulations.
  14. Integration of Commercial Off-the-shelf Software (COTS) into agency web sites is allowed. COTS shall be modified to meet state standards unless the modifications would be cost prohibitive or violate license agreements.
  15. Web sites shall have a customized 404 error page (page not found) with a consistent look and feel to the agency’s website.

Policy

Implementation of development standards for accessible, consistent, and user-friendly web sites providing quick, simple access to government information and services. Thereby, reducing costs and streamlining government by providing greater access to information and more convenient government services.

Applicability

This standard applies to all executive branch state agencies including the University Systems Office but excluding other higher education institutions, i.e. campuses and agricultural and research centers.

Definition

Advertisement
Blatant advertisement - i.e. selling of advertisement on web site
Graphics (such as logos) - links or information that endorse a business or organization.
The inclusion of vendor logos and links to commercial sites with the intent to promote sales.
Business Partner Sites
A third party site providing information/applications/services on behalf of the state related to the services of the agency for the benefit of the public that is not hosted on state servers and is not directly controlled by a state agency.
Commercial Off-the-shelf Software (COTS)
Ready-made software products available for sale to the general public that are easily implemented into existing systems without the need for customization.
HTML pages
Any page that contains HTML code. This includes static or generated pages.
Intranet Web Site
Web site that is only accessible to an agency’s staff.
Popup windows
A browser window that has been launched from another browser that does not have all the features of a standard window (i.e. toolbar, address bar, and navigation buttons).
Web sites
A Web site is a collection of Web files or application generated web pages.

Guidance

Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with this standard shall be reported to the Office of the State Auditor.

Version Control: 
This version supersedes standard EGT003-04.5

Drafted By

EA Domain Team for E-Government

 

Appendix A:

Refer to www.nd.gov/banner for instructions on implementing the North Dakota State Banner.

 

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