And how does this differ from a garage sale? Fridley needs more rules, regfulations, permits, fees, restrictions because the Kool-aide stands are going to be next and we all know how dangerous they are becoming. Dang kids! LOL

I don't think I could word it any better -or funnier- than Jeff! We've only lived in Fridley for three years and have been amazed (not in the good way) at how rigid and protective of the "suburban way" the City is. Hopefully the City will catch up to the residents of Fridley who seem to be more progressive and open to change.

It seems like the city is trying to open up to farmers markets, just not in front of houses. Maybe my headline isn't quite fair: the proposal is about farmers markets the city would issue permits for, not necessarily single stands. But they do seem also to be banning any produce to be sold out of yards. Jeff and Sara, have you seen regular yard sales create traffic or parking problems in Fridley?

There is already a limit on the number of garage/yard sales people can have in Fridley. They don't need to enforce this in residential areas especially when they do, they are actively violating the Constitution of Minnesota.

This is another example of the Council and City Staff looking for a way to be relevant by expanding government and thus providing themselves job security.

John, would your objection extend to the city ordinance change last year restricting parking that obstructs residential mail boxes? Or is that a reasonable use of local government authority in your opinion?

My two cents worth is, as a consumer and not a seller (I have a black thumb!), I can tell you I would much prefer to have centrally located options where I can shop lots of produce at once, as opposed to finding out which random house (or houses) in the City has the "best goods". That wouldn't be as attractive to me.

While I'm sure it's true and legal that "the city can use its police powers to enforce zoning ordinances restricting the sale of homegrown produce—" I feel like this is more of an inflammatory statement, than something we'd actually have to worry about...

What you say is true, Wolfman. I suppose if someone was really interested they could take that case to court. But the city attorney seems to think the city would be on firm legal ground restricting front yard farmers markets.

Sounds to me like the city is trying to override the state's 'Article'. As a suggestion, the city attorney may want to re-read the Article and may want to reconsider his position. This could conceivably end up in court as a 'Rights' issue.

i think the city ought to stick wiith government issues and leave the private sector alone, we all like to make a few extra bucks and some of the older folks who love to grow things and sell for a few pennies are not able to trek to some big city location . they love to grow & sell while then sitting in their own yard to enjoy the fruits of their labor. arent their bigger issues you folks in the govt should be attending to? honestly, get your foot in my door any further and i will have to cut it off to shut the door.

Dolly, I should add an update line to this post because the latest is that city staff says that front yard or driveway produce stands wouldn't need permits or attract any city attention unless they create a traffic jam or disturbance.