COEUR d’ALENE — An offer to form a volunteer commission to focus on short-term rentals for the city of Coeur d’Alene received mixed reviews Monday.

Realtor Angela King, an STR owner, said such a commission would have several benefits.

She said it would be a safe place for complaints to be reviewed and responded to in a timely manner, as the commission would have contact information for STR owners.

Any expenses would be funded by those in the vacation rental industry, not the city.

Holly Hansen, a real estate agent and fourth-generation Idahoan, said a third-party commission would be preferable to the city establishing stricter regulations for STRs.

"The existing rules need stronger enforcement,” Hansen said during a workshop of the City Council and the Planning Commission on the city’s short-term rental code, attended by about 100 people.

In the past few months, city officials have discussed updating the city's 2017 regulations on STRs, which are rising in number. Coeur d'Alene has about 450 permitted STRs, and an estimated 700 or so unpermitted.

Supporters of STRs cited their economic benefits, such as job creation and bringing in visitors who spend money at local businesses, as well as allowing people to generate income with their properties, which are well-maintained.

But some argued STRs have hurt neighborhood integrity, reduced long-term rentals, and have resulted in noise, trash and streets crowded with vehicles, boats and RVs owned by those visitors.

The issue has turned heated, with some threats of legal action if the city passes new regulations, including limiting the number of permitted STRs.

One woman said she lived in a gated community with 40 homes. She said one STR shattered their sense of peace and security because strangers come and go.

She said a third-party commission could help resolve things, but did not want people who own STRs to be on the volunteer commission.

Another man said he has had repeated problems with people staying at STRs parking in front of his home and having parties. A commission of both STR owners and citizens concerned about them would be good, he said.

Proponents said an STR commission would be similar to the city's parking commission, to which members are appointed by the mayor to assist in the management of parking and related issues. They "recommend strategies to elected officials and city administration."

Councilmembers Dan English and Christie Wood both said they would like to look into such a commission.

Wood said she liked the idea of citizen involvement.

Councilman Dan Gookin said he opposed forming an STR commission and was wary it would be filled with people who have a vested interest in the issue.

Mayor Jim Hammond said he was intrigued by the idea.

“I think you’ve give us some good fodder to think about,” he said.