Readers Support Kid’s Being Able To Sell Cookies & Lemonade From Home
Readers clearly support the ability of kids to sell cookies. lemonade, etc. in front of their homes in the poll last week:
Q:Â Should zoning laws allow kids to sell cookies, lemonade, etc in front of their homes?
- Yes, no restrictions 61 [50%]
- Yes, but with some restrictions 39 [31.97%]
- Maybe, depends upon the neighborhood. 7 [5.74%]
- No, commercial activity shouldn’t be allowed in residential zones 7 [5.74%]
- Other: 6 [4.92%]
- unsure/no opinion 2 [1.64%]
You can read the intro post here for information on what prompted this question.  Here are the six “other” answers:
- Arrest them!!!!
- lemonade stand is different than GS cookies
- No, selling drugs is okay but not cookies or lemonaide.
- Classic case of laws over reaching their intent. Laws shouldnt apply.
- the fact that this happened just blows my mind
- Zoning laws should be silent… (see comments)
The following is the comment left by #6 above:
I think zoning laws should be silent on children’s sales of cookies, lemonade, etc (things that have gone on for YEARS with no real harm, and potential benefit to cities – people out and about meeting neighbors – a good thing). Police and code enforcement should work with extenuating issues on a case-by-case basis. This neighbor in Hazelwood should have dealt with the issue w/ the parent and worked out a mutually agreeable arrangement (specific dates/times/etc.).
I’m not a fan of Euclidean use-based zoning, it needs to be replaced nationwide by form-based codes.
– Steve Patterson
I’m curious about the thinking of people who say “no commercial activity in residential zones.” What about pizza delivery? What about home offices?
I’m curious about the thinking of people who say “no commercial activity in residential zones.” What about pizza delivery? What about home offices?
In single use zoning dogma it is permissible to have items purchased elsewhere (pizza, furniture, etc) delivered into residential areas. Many who subscribe to this oppose home based businesses.
In single use zoning dogma it is permissible to have items purchased elsewhere (pizza, furniture, etc) delivered into residential areas. Many who subscribe to this oppose home based businesses.
Interesting comment from #6. I agree that the benefits of community socialization outweight a need for zoning restictions in THIS case. However, I just don’t think the parents get the picture. Sure, sell your cookies in the driveway, but if your neighbors don’t like it, if it is against the law/code, if they asked the parents to stop and they refused and lawyered up….then what is the message they send to girls and other kids and friends of kids? That it’s ok to do what you want.
I guess the should change their motto from A girl scout is always prepared, to A girl scout always has a lawyer on retainer.Â
They’ll get their way but an important learning opportunity has escaped them.
Interesting comment from #6. I agree that the benefits of community socialization outweight a need for zoning restictions in THIS case. However, I just don’t think the parents get the picture. Sure, sell your cookies in the driveway, but if your neighbors don’t like it, if it is against the law/code, if they asked the parents to stop and they refused and lawyered up….then what is the message they send to girls and other kids and friends of kids? That it’s ok to do what you want.
I guess the should change their motto from A girl scout is always prepared, to A girl scout always has a lawyer on retainer.
They’ll get their way but an important learning opportunity has escaped them.