The City of Gladstone has recognized metal detecting as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage the natural and cultural resources in the City of Gladstone nor violate applicable state laws. The use of electronic metal detectors to find lost coins, rings, watches or other valuables is a popular activity. The following is an attempt to ensure that the grounds within the City of Gladstone are maintained to a safe standard for the public's enjoyment.
Definitions:
The following words and phrases when used in this policy shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them:
- Metal detector shall mean a device operated by one or more persons and utilizing magnetic, chemical, and electronic or any other means to locate coins and other metal objects.
- Person shall mean an individual, partnership, firm corporation, association or other entity; provided, however, that the city and any other political subdivision of the state, or any board, commission, or agency thereof shall not be considered a person under this article.
License Required
No person shall operate or possess a metal detector in any public park or on any public property in the city unless such person shall first apply for and obtain a license from the City Clerk. A licensee under this article shall carry such license on his or her person at all times while operating or possessing a metal detector in a public park or on public property.
Administration
The application, issuance, denial, renewal, expiration, transfer, revocation, suspension and fees required for the metal detector's license shall be administered by the City Clerk. The fee will be set by the City Commission as published in the City of Gladstone Fee Schedule.
Destruction of Property
No person shall dig up, pull, rake, trample, disturb, or damage any turf, flower, tree, bush, or plant in any public park or on any public property through the use of a metal detector, rake, shovel, spade or any other device or by hand. Turf plugs must be neat, replaced immediately, and lef t level with surrounding ground. It is the responsibility of the person issued a permit that all property disturbed by the use of a metal detector and not returned to its original state will result in revocation of current and any possibly any future metal detecting permit to that subject.
Intent
This policy is not intended to repeal or amend any other policy or ordinance. This policy shall be construed whenever possible, to be complementary to and consistent with all other city ordinances and state statutes.
Allowed Areas
This policy shall allow the use of metal detectors on public property with surfaces that are made up of woodchips, gravel, grass and sand.
Examples of these areas would be found within the City limits but not limited to:
- Shorelines
- Playgounds with woodchip surfacing
- Graveled roads and pathways
- Parking lots
- Graveled campsites
- Open grassy areas not designated as athletic fields
- City parks and beaches outside of landscaped area
Prohibited Areas
Metal detecting is not permitted in:
- Cemeteries
- Athletic fields during the active season
- Areas containing historical markers, archaeological sites, or protected natural features
- Landscaped areas, flower beds, or restored habitats
- Any area posted as “No Metal Detecting”
- City boulevards, unless homeowner has granted permission
Recovered Property
All recovered items removed from public property that have been recorded lost to Gladstone Public Safety are required to be returned to the rightful owner.
Approval
- Recreation Board Approval: 04/01/2014
- City Commission Approval: 04/28/2014
- Effective Date: 04/28/2014
- City Commission Approved Update: 04/13/2026
- Effective Date: 04/13/2026