Residents call for regulation overhaul in McCall's short term rental impact area

Residents of Valley County are raising concerns about the complexities surrounding short-term rental regulations in the McCall area of impact, as highlighted during the Valley County Board of County Commissioners meeting on May 19, 2025. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from local residents, including Gregory Irvine, who described the challenges posed by a neighboring short-term rental property that has reportedly violated local occupancy limits.

Irvine, who has lived near the rental since 2011, expressed frustration over noise, litter, and disruptive behavior from renters. He noted that the property owner had recently replaced the original structure with a larger one, accommodating up to 16 guests, which he believes violates both McCall and Valley County ordinances. However, due to the jurisdictional overlap and lack of clear enforcement authority, Irvine found himself without recourse to address these issues.

The meeting revealed a significant gap in regulatory oversight, as both the City of McCall and Valley County acknowledged their limited jurisdiction in the impact area. While McCall has updated its short-term rental codes, Valley County has not adopted similar regulations, leaving residents like Irvine feeling abandoned in a "no man's land" of enforcement. The current situation allows for short-term rentals to operate with minimal oversight, which Irvine argues is detrimental to the quality of life for nearby residents.

Commissioners discussed the need for clearer and more cohesive regulations to address the growing concerns surrounding short-term rentals. The complexities of the existing codes, which differ between the city and county, were highlighted as a barrier to effective enforcement. Residents called for decisive action to strengthen regulations and ensure that the impact area is managed in a way that protects community interests.

In addition to short-term rental issues, the meeting touched on environmental concerns related to Big Payette Lake, with Irvine emphasizing the need for local governments to take bold actions to preserve the lake's water quality amidst increasing development pressures.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that residents are eager for solutions that will not only address the immediate challenges posed by short-term rentals but also safeguard the community's environmental resources. The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration between local governments to create a regulatory framework that serves the best interests of Valley County residents.