Coeur d'Alene, ID Accessory Structures: ADU Owner Occupancy (2026)

The requirement is Coeur d'Alene Municipal Code § 17.06.660 D. Either the principal dwelling unit or the accessory dwelling unit must be occupied by a majority owner of the property if a unit is used as a short-term or vacation rental. The Code defines the term: owner occupied means a property owner, as reflected in title records, makes his or her legal residence at the site, as evidenced by voter registration, vehicle registration, or similar means, and physically resides at the site more than six (6) months out of any given calendar year. Title records, a registered vote and a registered vehicle are the proof the City names.

The short-term rental article repeats and adjusts the test. Section 17.08.1040 A.1 covers an ADU that existed on the effective date of the article: it can be rented short term provided either the principal dwelling or ADU is occupied by a majority owner of the property or an immediate family member of the property owner more than six (6) months out of any given year. Under A.2, an ADU created after that date can be used as a short-term rental only if the required impact fee is paid for the ADU, and once it is paid the same majority owner or immediate family member occupancy applies. Subsection A.3 bars renting a principal dwelling and its associated ADU out concurrently as short-term rentals. Section 17.06.660 D names a majority owner, while § 17.08.1040 A also names an immediate family member of the owner, so both wordings appear in the Code.

The owner is also the permit holder. Under § 17.08.1030 A the applicant for a short-term rental permit must be the owner, and no person with less than a fee ownership interest may apply. The permit is valid for one residential dwelling, is non-transferable, expires March 31 of each year with renewal due by March 1, and expires on transfer of title. Section 17.06.670 A adds that the ADU permit application includes an affidavit signed by the property owner affirming the ADU status and, if applicable, compliance with the Short-Term Rentals Code. Section 17.06.650 A.1 lists rental income through tenants in either the ADU or the principal unit as a purpose of allowing ADUs.