O'Fallon Metal Detector Hobbyists Restricted; Must Turn Over Finds

If you're into metal detecting as a hobby, keep in mind that anything you find in an O'Fallon city park belongs to the city.

State law requires found objects to be turned over the entity that owns the land where they were found, and O'Fallon city code now reflects that.

The O'Fallon City Council passed a new ordinance last week with new regulations about the use of recreational metal detectors in the city's parks. Six areas are listed as restricted, and metal detecting is not permitted:

• Athletic fields
• Historical areas
• Irrigated lawns
• Archaeological sites
• Landscaped areas
• Any area with a sign prohibiting metal detecting.

Further, in the places that recreational metal detecting is permitted, the only tool permitted is a probe "not greater than 1/4" in diameter and 12" in length." Any ground that is disturbed must be returned to its original condition.

Pet Regulations

In the same ordinance, some pet regulations that have been in effect in O'Fallon have been added to the city code.

The new ordinance also requires pets in the city's park to be restrained at all times on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets must have a rabies tag attached to their collars or in their owner's possession.

The ordinance lists events and areas from which pets are banned in O'Fallon:

• Playgrounds
• Heritage and Freedom Fest
• Celebration of Lights Holiday Stroll

Service and law enforcement animals are exempt.