Metal Detecting Permits

Metal Detecting Permit Application (pdf, 7MB) 

Metal detecting on Washington Township owned properties requires a valid permit issued by the Washington Township Public Works Department. Permit holders must abide by the following rules. Violation of any of the rules will result in the revocation of users’ permits and may result in fines.

Permit Requirements

1. Metal detecting on Washington Township-owned property is permitted only with a valid permit issued by the Washington Township Public Works Department.

2. Permit holders must request a permit for each township owned property they plan on visiting.

3. Time limitations and restricted areas may apply.

4. Permits are non-transferable.

5. Permits must be carried on the applicant while on township-owned property.

6. Permit expires at the end of the calendar year. Permit holders must request a new permit each year for metal detecting.

Metal detecting is allowed at the following Township locations:

• 10370 Sheehan Road

• 10266 Sheehan Road

• 517 West Social Row Road

• Only hand tools are permitted.

• Probing or digging within 25 feet of a tree or drip line is prohibited.

• Ball fields, playgrounds, gardens, and native vegetation areas are prohibited.

• Permit holders shall restore any disturbed area to its original condition by removing in all evidence of digging and/or probing. All trash, litter, or other debris uncovered must be removed and placed in an approved trash receptacle.

• Permit holders must avoid areas where activities are scheduled or are taking place (i.e. construction, concerts, weddings, picnics, Township-sponsored events and family gatherings).

The permit holder is liable for any damage to Township property, including:

• Plants, trees, grounds, facilities, and furnishings from the permit holder’s use.

• Damage may result in fines and will be charged directly to the applicant or organization.

• No person shall write upon, cut, mutilate, deface, or damage in any manner any building, equipment, or other property or part thereof that is owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by Washington Township.

• No person on Township property shall dig, move, or carry away any rock, stone, sod, sand, earth, tree, wood, shrub, plants, flower, nut, or other seed except with permission from the Township Administrator.

• No person shall trample upon, injure, destroy, break, cut, chop or deface in any manner any stone, tree, shrub, plant, or flower on Township property.

• No person shall be permitted to remain on Township property between sunset and sunrise, or when the facility is either permanently or temporarily closed, expect upon special permission of the Township Administrator or a designated agent thereof or in the event of an emergency.

• In the event of such an emergency, the person shall use his or her best efforts to notify a law enforcement agency or law enforcement officer of the nature of the emergency and to leave the Township property at the earliest opportunity.

• Permit Holder shall comply with any directives to move or cease their actions by any Township official.

• Violation of any of the above will result in the revocation of users’ permit and may result in penalties.