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  1. Home
  2. ·
  3. Regulations
  4. ·
  5. Arizona
  6. ·
  7. Sedona

Sedona

Moderate
ArizonaUpdated Mar 14, 2026
Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 4 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 4

Summary

Plain-english overview

The City of Sedona strictly regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 5.25, requiring an annual $250 permit, neighbor notifications, and $500,000 in liability insurance. While Arizona state law prevents cities from banning STRs entirely, Sedona aggressively enforces health, safety, and tax compliance with significant daily fines for violations.

Restriction level

Severity 21
Classification
Moderate
21
Severity

Why this classification

  • Standard permit fee: $250
  • Tenants cannot host
  • Permit required
  • Reporting required
  • No night cap
  • No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in the City of Sedona, you must first get a state tax license (TPT) and then apply for a specific Sedona STR permit which costs $250 per year. You are required to notify your neighbors that you are hosting and provide them with a 24/7 emergency contact number. Your property must have at least $500,000 in liability insurance and you cannot use an ADU (like a guest house) built after 2017 as a rental. You must also display your permit number on all listing sites like Airbnb and VRBO.

At a glance

Key numbers
Permit requiredYes
Night limitNone
Primary residenceNot required
Total tax rate0.1%
Permit fee$250
Processing time10-15 business days

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps
  1. 1Verify if you are in the City of Sedona or Unincorporated County; city limits have much stricter permit rules.
  2. 2Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) built after 2017 cannot be used as STRs.
  3. 3You must notify all neighbors (adjacent and across the street) BEFORE applying.
  4. 4Emergency contacts must respond within 60 minutes for physical issues and 30 minutes for police issues.
  5. 5The 6.5% total city tax is composed of a 3.5% TPT and a 3.0% Bed Tax.
  6. 6State law prohibits the city from limiting the number of nights, but the city can fine you $500+ for noise or trash violations.
  7. 7You must provide proof of $500k liability insurance specifically covering lodging use.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code
Eligibility6 rules
  • Sedona: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
  • Sedona: ADU Restriction: Any Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) built after Sept 14, 2024, cannot be an STR unless it's your primary residence.
  • Sedona does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
Requirements17 rules
  • Sedona STR warning: No Special Events: Sedona strictly prohibits using STRs for weddings, retreats, or large organized events.
  • Sedona requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental Permit". Apply through City Clerk's Office. Processing time: 3-7 business days. Renewal is required.
Application process7 rules
  • Sedona STR permit - Step 3: Apply for Sedona STR Permit. Submit your application through the MUNIRevs portal. Upload proof of insurance and TPT license. Required documents: Insurance binder, TPT license certificate. Time: 3-7 business days. Cost: 210.
  • Sedona extended permit requirement: Late fee for renewals 90+ days overdue; $50 for 1-90 days late.
Fees & costs1 rule
  • Sedona charges a registration fee of $210 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $100 (Late fee for renewals 90+ days overdue; $50 for 1-90 days late.).
Taxes3 rules
  • Arizona has a state sales tax of 5.6% that applies to STR rentals.
  • Sedona: Dual County Tax: Properties in the Coconino portion pay 13.9%, while Yavapai properties pay 13.325%.
Limits & restrictions3 rules
  • Sedona enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
  • Sedona occupancy calculation: Limited by building/fire occupancy codes. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
  • Sedona limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
Safety requirements1 rule
  • Sedona requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Property must meet standards for habitable structures, Trash management requirements (time-limited curb placement).
Penalties3 rules
  • Sedona: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
  • Sedona: Late Renewal Fines: Renewing even one day late incurs a $50 fine; 90+ days late is $100 (new for 2026).
Exemptions2 rules
  • Sedona: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
  • Sedona exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Sedona

0/3
steps completed
Step 1

Obtain Arizona TPT License

Register with the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) to collect and remit Transaction Privilege Tax.

3-5 days$50
Official resource
Step 2

Neighbor Notification

Notify all neighbors adjacent to the property (including across the street) of your intent to run an STR and provide emergency contact info.

1 dayFree
Documents needed
  • Affidavit of Notification
Official resource
Step 3

Apply for Sedona STR Permit

Submit the online application via the city's portal including proof of insurance and TPT license.

14 days$250
Documents needed
  • Liability Insurance
  • Emergency Contact Form
  • Neighbor Affidavit
Official resource

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

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