COEUR d’ALENE — A hotline to voice concerns and complaints about short-term rentals in Coeur d’Alene is up and running.

The number is 208-416-2502.

“We understand that short-term rentals can be a source of concern for some residents, and we want to provide a platform for them to voice their concerns and have them addressed quickly and efficiently,” said Mayor Jim Hammond.

The city, for about the past year, has been considering ways to deal with a rise in STRs, which have been accused of adversely affecting neighborhoods.

Last year, the city hired Granicus, based in St. Paul, Minn., for short-term rental host compliance services.

Proposals to limit STRs and impose fines for unpermitted STRs have met opposition from their owners and property managers.

The hotline will allow citizens to report issues such as excessive noise, disruptive behavior or other violations of local laws and regulations related to STRs, according to a press release.

“The hotline is just one of the many ways we are working to promote responsible and sustainable short-term rental practices in our community,” Hammond said.

In a presentation to the City Council and administrators on Monday, Municipal Services Director Renata McLeod said the current number of permitted STRs in the city is 560.

She said there are currently 683 STRS being advertised in Coeur d’Alene. There are 53 units whose status has not been determined.

Last year, from August to October, 883 units were advertised in Coeur d’Alene.

“We assume the upswing is coming in the summer," McLeod said.

The city plans to let the public know of the hotline through several avenues, including mailed notices, social media and a note at the bottom of May utility bills.

Staff is working on mapping areas of town that will provide STR data for a future stakeholder meeting. The city is also continuing to build a stakeholder list in hopes of having a meeting "with a diverse group of citizens."

Concerns can be reported anytime. They will be logged, investigated and addressed in a timely manner, according to the city.

"Appropriate action will be taken against any short-term rental operators found to be in violation of local laws and regulations," the release said.

Those calling should have the address of the STR, and be as accurate as possible with regard to the dates and times of the concerning incident or incidents.

“The service will be available around the clock, seven days a week, and will be staffed by knowledgeable and experienced professionals who are committed to addressing concerns promptly and effectively,” said the press release.

Short-term rental owners and their responsible party will be informed about the complaints, and they will have an opportunity to respond and provide evidence if they believe no violation occurred.

"The city is committed to finding balance for allowing short-term rentals and ensuring preservation of neighborhood integrity," the release said.

Info: www.cdaid.org/short-term-rentals