COEUR d'ALENE — The Coeur d'Alene City Council and Planning Commission are scheduled to have a joint workshop on the short-term rental code at noon Monday in the Library Community Room.

Public comment will be accepted.

The city has discussed proposals for cracking down on STRs, which became a popular way to generate revenue. A year ago, it had less than 250. Today, it has closer to 400 permitted STRs, with most south of Interstate 90 near downtown.

City officials have estimated there are about 700 unpermitted, illegal STRs in Coeur d'Alene.

STRs are blamed for driving up housing costs and negatively impacting neighborhoods.

The city is considering toughening its STR ordinance approved in 2017. It is reviewing how other cities are handling the issue.

Solutions previously mentioned include requiring off-street parking and increasing violation fees. Hiring a company to enforce compliance with any new STR codes was suggested.

The city is no longer considering limiting short-term rentals to owner-occupied properties within a residential zone due to legal considerations.

According to the city's website, its priority in regulating STRs, also known as vacation rentals, "is to preserve the quality of life for the CDA Residents and to create an environment where renters are welcome in our community as we strongly encourage people to respect the neighbors and neighborhoods in which they are renting. Therefore, protecting the balance of government and property ownership and ultimately to ensure a safe and effective program."

City Clerk Renata McLeod, City Attorney Randy Adams and Community Planning Director Hilary Patterson are expected to give presentations during the workshop.

The CDA-Vacation Rental Alliance formed a few months ago in response to the city’s plans to crack down on short-term rentals. It said enforcement should focus on unpermitted STRs.

“Properly permitted STRs make huge contributions to the local economy by providing additional lodging options to visitors, paying hospitality taxes, supporting patronage to local businesses and restaurants, and maintaining hundreds of local jobs for cleaners, property maintenance, laundry services and many others,” according to a letter distributed by the group.