The rules surrounding short-term residential rentals will once again be up for discussion at tonight’s Kalispell City Council work session.

The city’s current zoning rules require rental periods of at least one month in areas zoned for residential use. The rule effectively prohibits those property owners from providing short-term rentals or “vacation rentals by owner.”

City staffers identified roughly 35 vacation rentals operating out of compliance with current residential zoning. Rental agreements for less than one month are allowed in commercial areas as hotels and bed-and-breakfast operations.

In previous work sessions and a regular meeting, the council heard residents offer both support and opposition to allowing the new use in residential areas.

Several people testified that vacation rentals increase tax revenue and incentivize upkeep of rental houses. Others have said the rentals could lead to an increase in noise and a deterioration of neighborhoods.

As currently proposed, the zoning amendment would allow vacation rentals in residential areas as long as the owner adheres to density requirements and obtains a conditional use permit by getting a safety inspection and a state public accommodation license and registering for state bed tax purposes.

The amendment would prohibit signs advertising the dwelling as a short-term rental.

The council also will discuss whether to attach time components to the city’s disturbing-the-peace ordinance.

The topic first came up during a regular meeting when a citizen approached the council with complaints of loud construction noises early in the morning.

Current city ordinances do not provide a specific time frame to noise-related activities, making it more difficult for officials and law enforcement to enforce when noisy activities constitute a disturbance.

The citizen asked the council to consider adopting an ordinance similar to the city of Whitefish, which prohibits certain activities — including construction — until 7 in the morning.

After discussing the issue, the council will provide direction to city staff regarding potential policy changes.

Reporter Katheryn Houghton may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at khoughton@dailyinterlake.com.