The West Des Moines City Council is dropping plans to consider banning residents from planting fruits and vegetables in their front yards.
Mayor Steve Gaer says a resident who initially brought the issue to council members has withdrawn his complaint. The council then decided not to move forward with any action.
Gaer says residents have expressed concern that such a ban would infringe on their rights as property owners.
The resident complained last fall about his neighbor's front yard. Tasty produce may come from such plantings, but the plants can't always compete aesthetically with manicured lawns, flowers or other landscaping mainstays.
Iowa State University Extension horticulturist Richard Jauron said homes in established neighborhoods might be too shady for a back yard garden.
