HomeMy WebLinkAbout6917ORDINANCE NO. 6917
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON, RELATING TO METAL
DETECTING IN CITY PARKS AND ADDING SECTION
2.22.185 TO THE AUBURN CITY CODE
WHEREAS, Chapter 2.22 of the Auburn City Code contains the rules and
regulations for the several city parks; and
WHEREAS, the park rules prohibit the destruction of park property and
vegetation, but the current rules contain no regulation of the use of metal detectors in
city parks; and
WHEREAS, each year the City receives numerous inquiries asking whether the
use of metal detectors is allowable on park property; and
WHEREAS, metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity
when it is conducted in ways that do not damage the natural and cultural resources.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN,
WASHINGTON, DO ORDAIN as follows:
Section 1. New Section Added to City Code. Chapter 2.22 of the Auburn
City Code is amended to add a new section, 2.22.185, Metal Detecting, to read as
shown in Exhibit A.
Section 2. Implementation. The Mayor is authorized to implement those
administrative procedures necessary to carry out the directives of this legislation.
Section 3. Severability. The provisions of this ordinance are declared to be
separate and severable. The invalidity of any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision,
section, or portion of this ordinance, or the invalidity of the application of it to any person
Ordinance No. 6917
October 12, 2023
Page 1 of 3
Rev. 2018
or circumstance, will not affect the validity of the remainder of this ordinance, or the
validity of its application to other persons or circumstances.
Section 4. Effective date. This Ordinance will take effect and be in force five
days from and after its passage, approval, and publication as provided by law.
ATTEST:
Shawn Campbel , MMC, ity Clerk
INTRODUCED
PASSED:
APPROVED:
I:
OCT 1 6 2023
OCT 1 6 2023
OCT 16 2023
Harry Boesche, A`cfing City Attorney
Published: OG+'o 6-'' I q 1 Z o 2 3 _5it 3-o $-i-i-2 Tiime's
Ordinance No. 6917
October 12, 2023
Page 2 of 3 Rev. 2018
EXHIBIT A
2.22.185 Metal Detecting
A. Metal detecting is permitted in any park during the hours when the park is open as
long as the activity does not interfere with reserved sports or activities or city -organized,
sports or activities or with the enjoyment of the park by other users. Metal detecting is
not allowed on athletic fields, municipal golf courses, in ornamental planting areas, on
the grounds of historic sites (including the Mary Olson Farm), or in critical areas or their
buffers as defined in Chapter 16.10 ACC. Metal detecting in camping areas is permitted
only in unoccupied campsites or in a campsite lawfully occupied by the detector.
B. Persons operating metal detectors in parks must:
1. Not make a noticeable impact to park property. Metal must be removed
from the ground with minimal sod disturbance. Any holes dug are limited to six
inches maximum depth and must be immediately refilled and the surface
restored to its earlier condition. Holes in turf must be dug in a `U' shape so that
one edge of turf remains connected. The turf flap must be flipped back over
when the hole is refilled.
2. Not destroy or disturb park facilities, signs, equipment, natural features, or
historical or archeological resources.
3. Not remove any items that appear to have historical or archaeological
significance, and report such a find to a Department of Parks and Recreation
employee.
4. Only use ice picks, screwdrivers, or probes under two inches in width, and
digging implements that do not exceed five inches in width and eight inches in
length.
5. Properly dispose of all found or recovered trash and litter.
6. Observe all federal, state, and local laws and regulations while metal
detecting.
C. This section does not apply to city employees who are engaged in the performance
of their duties, and an individual whose use of a detectors has been approved by the
Director in writing if the individual can produce the written approval during performance
of the metal detecting.
D. Violation of this section constitutes a Class 3 civil infraction pursuant to
chapter 7.80 RCW.
Ordinance No. 6917
October 12, 2023
Page 3 of 3
Rev. 2018