I called city hall

[boojababy]

and asked them what the city rules are on metal detecting and they said I can only detect on my own property......REALLY!

 

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[bill from lachine]

Pretty much all cities have some generic bylaws stating that disturbing grass, shrubs, digging, defacing, etc is not permitted.

It's a bit of a gray area odds are most city employees would rather say no than to check out the actual bylaw and see how it applies.

Heck where I live I know most of the public works employees and when they see me they stop and ask me if I've found anything interesting.


Regards + HH

Bill

and asked them what the city rules are on metal detecting and they said I can only detect on my own property......REALLY!

 

[Oddjob]

and asked them what the city rules are on metal detecting and they said I can only detect on my own property......REALLY!

Since they could promptly provide you with that answer did you ask them where you could find that Law, City Code or Ordnance?

If not then you need to call them back, check it out for your self and go from there.

If you ask me it sounds like you got in touch with someone who thinks Guns Kill people and not people.

 

[BigWaveDave]

Next time, do you he research yourself. You will likely find an amendment restricting detecting in playing fields and environmentally sensitive areas, and that's about it.
Now that you are on their radar, it will be harder for you to remain discreet.

 

[boojababy]

I have been detecting for years (with permission) for years with no problem.

 

[Terry Soloman]

That is what you get for asking. One of the worst newbie mistakes. Looks like bathroom duty the next couple of weeks for you! Now be a pirate.

 

[BigWaveDave]

....so, now there is a problem? What rules were you looking for? I am confused.

 

[Rodbuster209]

I have been detecting for years (with permission) for years with no problem.

If you have "been detecting for years with no problem" than why would you call city hall and what the rules are?

 

[boojababy]

If you have "been detecting for years with no problem" than why would you call city hall and what the rules are?

In the past I have detected no problem but last week I was told by a cop while detecting in the park that because of other people leaving holes digging was not allowed, I thought maybe the rules had changed and that the responsible thing would be to learn them....I guess not.

 

[boojababy]

....so, now there is a problem? What rules were you looking for? I am confused.

The rules on where I can and can not dig.

 

[TommyB]

I would have told the cop to make sure he catches and tickets the guy not filling his holes.
That you are a GOOD detector and don't do that. You will be sure to call them if you see that guy.

 

[Terry Soloman]

I would have told the cop to make sure he catches and tickets the guy not filling his holes.
That you are a GOOD detector and don't do that. You will be sure to call them if you see that guy.

LOL! I would have tasered you immediately, then radioed a K9 unit to have the dog bite you just because.

 

[Terry Soloman]

OK [FONT=&quot]boojababy[/FONT]

- Police Encounter rule #1

Po-Po: You can't do that here.

You: Oh, OK. My wife (sister; sister-n-law; neighbor's wife) lost her wedding band here yesterday and I'm just trying to help.

Po-Po: Sorry, you can't do that here

You: Ok. Is there a special person I sjhould talk to about getting a permit or permission?

Po-Po: I have no idea, try City Hall

You: OK - Then you pack it up and come back at dawn.​

 

[boojababy]

Next time, do you he research yourself. You will likely find an amendment restricting detecting in playing fields and environmentally sensitive areas, and that's about it.
Now that you are on their radar, it will be harder for you to remain discreet.

Where in the city ordinances do I look for detecting/digging rules?

 

[BigWaveDave]

Good question.... Probably aren't any

 

[kcm]

I'd say somewhere between the first line and the last.

Even if this has recently become an ordinance, take some of the NON-valuable finds and LOTS of dug trash targets with you to city hall, explain that you have been doing this for years without incident and ask for special permission, or for the rules to be modified so that exceptions can be made.

Another thing you could do is simply go to a different, nearby town.....AFTER checking what their rules/codes are.

 

[Deft Tones]

Where in the city ordinances do I look for detecting/digging rules?

Try your park and rec. dept. website. Ours are online, perhaps yours are too.

 

[boojababy]

I'd say somewhere between the first line and the last.

Even if this has recently become an ordinance, take some of the NON-valuable finds and LOTS of dug trash targets with you to city hall, explain that you have been doing this for years without incident and ask for special permission, or for the rules to be modified so that exceptions can be made.

Another thing you could do is simply go to a different, nearby town.....AFTER checking what their rules/codes are.

I don't drive so I'm kinda stuck in my own town.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

[I called city hall"....]and asked them what the city rules are on metal detecting and they said I can only detect on my own property......REALLY!

In the past I have detected no problem but last week I was told by a cop while detecting in the park that because of other people leaving holes digging was not allowed, I thought maybe the rules had changed .....

2 things:

1) Anytime a cop or gardener etc.... says "no because of holes": Don't be quick to assume there was ever actually any cases of that. It's often-time simply the go-to mental image that a busy-body has, when they see a guy with a detector. It doesn't mean there was ever necessarily any cases of it. And it CERTAINLY doesn't mean a new rule was invented at city hall saying "no detecting".

2) And if you're skittish, you look it up for yourself. Lest you run-afoul of the "easy-answer pencil-pusher" type answer.

The rules on where I can and can not dig.

Oh, well let me save you some time right now then: There is going to be rules for "no digging" in every single town, across the entire USA. Even if not using the word "dig", it will be things like "deface", "alter", "molest", "destroy", etc..... If you think those things automatically preclude you, then give it up now. If you call city hall asking "hi can I dig in the park?", they will OF COURSE say "no".

But if you're not leaving any trace (which , as you saw, seems to the issue that cop had), then presto, you're not running afoul of those things. Sure, maybe he's not convinced. Ok, fine then: Go when he's not there (after lip service and a 2-week "rest"). You're simply not going to get every last person on the earth to love and adore you .

 

[USERNAME IS VALID]

He was just following the rules.