Rich County is taking significant steps to enhance its short-term rental (STR) compliance and improve local pathways, as discussed in the recent Rich County Commission meeting held on July 4, 2025.

The commission received an update from Mitch Paulson, the planning administrator, on the progress of STR regulations. A new hotline has been established for residents to report issues related to STRs, providing a direct line for complaints that will be triaged and addressed by property managers. This hotline operates 24/7, except on Christmas Day, and aims to streamline the reporting process for noise, parking, and trash issues associated with STRs. Paulson noted that the hotline has been operational for about 40 days and is expected to gain traction as residents become more aware of its availability.

Currently, there are 86 compliant STR properties in Rich County, while 75 properties are identified as non-compliant. This indicates a compliance rate of approximately 50%. The commission plans to initiate a letter campaign targeting non-compliant properties, starting with outreach to property managers. The letters will escalate in severity, ultimately leading to potential fines for continued non-compliance. The commission is keen to ensure fairness for compliant property owners and is considering a more aggressive enforcement approach moving forward.

In addition to STR discussions, the commission addressed a maintenance agreement for a new pathway project. The agreement outlines the county's responsibilities for maintaining the trail once constructed, including snow management and general upkeep. Concerns were raised about the feasibility of maintaining the trail during winter months, particularly regarding snow accumulation from nearby retaining walls. The commission is exploring options for grooming the trail for winter activities, such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, to enhance recreational opportunities in the area.

Overall, these initiatives reflect Rich County's commitment to improving community standards and recreational amenities, while also addressing the challenges posed by the growing STR market. The commission plans to reconvene at the end of summer to assess the effectiveness of the compliance campaign and further discuss the pathway maintenance strategies.