§ 11.24.110. Prospecting on metropolitan government property.

A.

Definitions. The following terms, when used in this section, shall have the meanings as ascribed herein:

"Artifacts" means all relics, specimens or objects of an historical, prehistorical, archaeological or anthropological nature which may be found above or below the surface of the earth, and which have scientific or historic value as objects of antiquity, as aboriginal relics, or as archaeological specimens.

"Historic site" means any location of historic or prehistoric human activity such as, but not restricted to, mounds, forts, earthworks, burial grounds, structures, villages, mines, caves, shipwrecks, and all locations which are or may be sources of paleontological remains.

"Prospect" means the use of a probe, metal detector, or any other device or tool to search, test, or excavate for artifacts or historic sites.

"Public property" means property that is owned or is under the control of the metropolitan government or any of its departments, agencies, boards, or commissions.

B.

No individual shall be allowed to prospect on public property, including the public rights-of-way, without the express written permission of the metropolitan government department, agency, board, or commission having control over such public property. All artifacts found on public property shall immediately be turned over to the metropolitan historical commission.

C.

Enforcement and penalties. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall be assessed a civil penalty in the amount of fifty dollars. Each incident or separate occurrence of an act that violates this section shall be deemed a separate offense. In addition to the penalties provided herein, persons that are not in conformity with these requirements shall be subject to appropriate injunctive relief by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(Ord. BL2011-834 § 3, 2011)