Advice - Vacant lots

[TSCOM]

I know of a couple vacant lots directly off a major road near me. There's no houses or buildings on it. It looks like it's an area that was cleared and never built on. There a couple spots on both sides of the road. The larger area on the right is next to a public park and ride lot.

When you come across places like this, do you scout it out with a detector? Or do try to find out who owns it and ask permission first? If it was clearly private land, I would definitely ask permission first.

 

[Kemper]

Is there a sign there that says "Metal Detecting Allowed Here" ? Just razzing you. You have to find out who owns the property. If the city owns it you may be able to detect there.

 

[TSCOM]

Is there a sign there that says "Metal Detecting Allowed Here" ? Just razzing you. You have to find out who owns the property. If the city owns it you may be able to detect there.

No but I can gladly put one up! Ok got it.

How do you find out who owns it? Contact the zoning dept or property tax office? Can a real estate agent look it up?

 

[Get N Dirty]

Most city and county have GIS websites were you can look up the owner of the land. Real easy to do.

 

[Grumpysrb]

You can also try Google Earth, View tab, Historical Imagery to see if there was anything there that may make it worth detecting the spot. Old homesteads, etc.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

Could be road "right of way". If so, go for it

 

[TSCOM]

Most city and county have GIS websites were you can look up the owner of the land. Real easy to do.

I found my county's GIS site. It goes back to 1944. Pretty awesome. Thanks!

You can also try Google Earth, View tab, Historical Imagery to see if there was anything there that may make it worth detecting the spot. Old homesteads, etc.

Never saw that feature until now. Thanks!

 

[ScubaDetective]

I thought it would be awesome to have signs made up that said "Except Detectorists"

That way every time you see a "No Trespassing" sign, you could conveniently nail your sign underneath and then detect at will!

Awesome idea right??


Oh and when the police come, make sure you act dumb as to how the new sign got there!! Might be in your best interest!

 

[ScubaDetective]

I forgot to add a sign "Posted as a Joke" to my last post.

Ohh well. Can't make everyone laugh!!!

 

[OleSarge]

It appears by your arrow that one of the areas is right below a arterial road overpass.
I can't see the park and ride lot you're speaking of, but it looks like both places are easily accessible on foot.
If there is someplace near to park legally, without being a obstruction to traffic, if there are no signs restricting public access and if there are no fences to jump, I'd go for it.
I would not dress in camouflage nor would I be carrying a gun and my card and ID would be readily available in my pocket.
My biggest concern would be someone thinking I was a terrorist looking to plant a bomb and I'd want to be prepared if approached by the police or another concerned citizen.

ATP/GPP/Fiskars Diggers/BH Outback/CT Hand held

 

[OleSarge]

I love mythology and urban legends.
But, it would be more difficult for me to believe that the owner/agent of a stretch of property along a major highway would call you back and say "Sure, I'll meet you there in a hour, I like metal detectors too" as it is to believe that Odin starts wars and Zeus rules the seas.
There are insurance concerns and other security issues that most people who have the ability to own tracts of land simply choose not to discuss with commoners.
This hesitance to communicate with someone regarding the property may not be snobbishness, there are lots of properties in conservatorship, embroiled or subject to legal issues, or maybe they honestly just don't know enough about the property to allow unchallenged access.
Real estate laws and real estate lawyers are not myths, and I will believe corporations and wealthy people don't handle the daily affairs of property management, but pays the legal eagles tons of good money to do it in their stead.
If it were simply a matter of asking and getting permission, under the banner and with the bonding and tracking ability of a registered and recognized agency involved in archeology research, maybe it would be easy if handled through a law firm.
But Joe Schmutz with a AT Pro looking for pennies, I'm sorry, but I think not.
Again, if it were me, and only speaking for myself, I'd probably go for it if it looked right based on my knowledge of the area and after consulting my gut feelings.
Anyone else has to make this decision for themselves with a consideration they may either receive a flat "NO" answer, or never hear back from the owners/managers.

ATP/GPP/Fiskars Diggers/BH Outback/CT Hand held

 

[Minlooker]

Perhaps county Platt maps? Google your county and Platt maps.Here in Minn they show location in county, size, most current owner etc. Usually in a book format.