Idaho Falls to drop some itinerant merchant fees

In an effort to promote consumption and access to regionally produced agricultural products, the Idaho Falls City Council is proposing to amend its itinerant merchant laws.

The new ordinance would specifically lift itinerant merchant licensing and bonding requirements for things like the sale of Christmas trees, garage sales, fresh fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products.

It would also, officially, approve the sale of goods, merchandise or services by any student group, locally chartered religious, philanthropic, or charitable organizations, or sales conducted pursuant to court orders.

According to the ordinance, the action is intended to benefit agricultural business owners, as well as the public, by permitting an alternative method for growers to sell their products at “reasonable prices.”

The City Council will take up the new ordinance in a special meeting Monday.