Tom_in_CA said:Well I can see the image issue involved about this curb-strip question, when a house is lived in, and the grassy strip is manicured and mowed, etc.... In those cases, I suppose we could successfully debate that even though it's deemed public property, yet ...... good scruples would require you to get the homeowner's say-so.
However, didn't anyone catch the context of Deb's question? She specifically says "empty houses". Now ....... sure, I suppose the "empty house" is owned by a bank who repo'd it, or an eminent domain deal owned by the city. Or an non-resident owner who elects to just abandon the property for some reason? Who knows. But if it were me, I'd lean towards teverly's stake: I'd just hit it. I would see that as a different "feel" or "image" as opposed to a lived-in house, with kept up curb strips.
But Deb, bear in mind, when you ask a question like this: you're asking a forum where some people will tell you that you should ask permission before detecting a city park sandbox. So ...... go figure you will get answers all over the spectrum.
Tom_in_CA said:ring-finder, you say:
"My response to your answer is, it's better to ask, then end up in court after being arrested for tresspassing".
Trespassing?? I live right across the street from a park. As such, cars park right in front my house all the time, and people exit the car to to go the park. As such, they step on the grass that's between the sidewalk and street, all the time, in front of my house. I had no idea they were "trespassing" and "could be arrested".
I hope you realize from my jest above, that "trespassing" has absolutely nothing to do with Deb's question. The question is about metal detecting. And I have my doubts that anyone here can cite an example of someone being "arrested" for detecting the curb strip. Especially if, as Deb's question specifically says, abandoned empty homes. If someone has such an incident they can cite for us, I'd love to hear it.
Dwight S said:OhioDeb, in your internet search engine, type in the county & state you are interested in followed by GIS. IE: "Wake County NC GIS" This will get you to the "Geographic Information System" for the area you are interested in. You'll have to zoom in and find the property you want to search. From this site, you should be able to find some basic information on the property, including owner. From there, you can hopefully find a way to contact them.
Usually it is, yes. And most often, the owner is charged with upkeep on it. Damned if you do - damned if you dont.OhioDeb said:There are alot of empty houses and places I don't know the owner or even who to ask. The places along side the sidewalk, the grass between the street and sidewalk. - Is that city owned - Is it fair game to hunt? OhioDeb