How Sedona Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide
Sedona maintains 127 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Sedona falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Shed & Carport Rules
Sedona limits any accessory building, including sheds and detached garages, to 50 percent of the primary structure's floor area or 750 square feet, whichever is greater. Accessory buildings must meet the same setbacks as the house, though one non-habitable building under 15 feet can sit as close as five feet from the rear line if it clears the main house by ten feet.
Key details: Max size: 50% of house floor area or 750 sq ft. Setback: Same as house; rear exception to 5 ft. Habitable buildings: Only one accessory building may be habitable. Manufactured homes: Barred as accessory buildings citywide. Enforcement: Class 1 misdemeanor or civil citation.
Building an oversized or improperly set back accessory structure without approval is a code violation under SLDC Section 1.7. The City can pursue a Class 1 misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine set by law, or issue a civil citation returnable in Sedona Magistrate Court instead. Each day the noncompliant structure remains is a separate offense, and the City may seek an injunction requiring removal because an unlawful structure is deemed a public nuisance per se.
ADU Rules
Sedona allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot, and a detached ADU must match the setback, lot coverage and height limits of the main house. ADUs may have a full kitchen, must tie into the same utilities as the primary home, and must comply with the adopted International Residential Code.
Key details: ADU cap: 1 per lot or parcel. Detached ADU: Same setback/height/coverage as main house. Utilities: Must share connection with main house. Driveway: Shared common driveway with primary dwelling. Building code: Must meet adopted IRC.
Adding a second ADU, building one that exceeds the primary structure's setback or height limits, or running an unauthorized separate utility connection is a code violation under SLDC Section 1.7, enforceable as a Class 1 misdemeanor or by civil citation in Sedona Magistrate Court. An ADU built or occupied without the required IRC compliance and certificate of occupancy is also subject to a stop-work or vacate order from the City's Code Enforcement Officer.
Tiny Homes
Sedona's zoning code will not let a park model or tiny home on wheels count as an accessory dwelling unit. SLDC Section 3.4.D(3)(b) excludes mobile and manufactured homes, park models and tiny homes on wheels, travel trailers, and recreational vehicles from ADU use anywhere in the city.
Key details: Tiny homes on wheels: Not allowed as ADUs. Also excluded: Mobile/manufactured homes, trailers, RVs. Legit ADU: Must meet adopted IRC, be permanent. RV storage: Allowed as storage, not as housing.
Placing a park model, tiny home on wheels, mobile home, travel trailer or RV on a lot and using it as a dwelling unit is a code violation under SLDC Section 1.7. The City can prosecute it as a Class 1 misdemeanor or issue a civil citation to Sedona Magistrate Court, and because an unauthorized use is deemed a public nuisance per se, the City can also seek a court order requiring the unit's removal or vacancy.
This is one of the stricter rules in Sedona's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
ADU Owner Occupancy
Sedona will not let an investor own an accessory dwelling unit separately from the main house. SLDC Section 3.4.D(3)(d) requires the ADU to be held in ownership by the same person who owns the principal dwelling on the property, closing off split-title ADU arrangements.
Key details: Ownership rule: ADU must share owner with main house. Split-title ADU: Not permitted. Related cap: 1 ADU per lot. Verification: Checked against county recorder/assessor records.
Attempting to sell, finance or hold title to an ADU separately from the principal dwelling is a violation of SLDC Section 3.4.D(3)(d), enforceable under the Code's general enforcement provisions in Section 1.7. The City can pursue a Class 1 misdemeanor charge or a civil citation, and can void any permit or certificate of occupancy issued for an ADU where ownership does not match the recorded owner of the principal dwelling.
ADU Rental Restrictions
An accessory dwelling unit that gets its certificate of occupancy on or after September 14, 2024 cannot be rented out as a vacation or short-term rental in Sedona, unless the property owner actually lives in the primary house on that same lot.
Key details: Trigger date: Certificate of occupancy on/after Sept 14, 2024. Condition: Owner must live in primary house on lot. Older ADUs: Not covered by this restriction. Separate requirement: STR permit still needed under SCC 5.25.
Using a post-September 14, 2024 ADU as a short-term or vacation rental while the owner lives off-site violates SLDC Section 3.4.D(3)(f), enforceable under Section 1.7 as a Class 1 misdemeanor or civil citation. Advertising or operating such a rental can also trigger enforcement and penalties under the City's short-term rental licensing chapter, SCC 5.25, since the unit would not qualify for a valid rental permit under either code.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Sedona actively enforces its adu rental restrictions requirements.
The Bottom Line
Sedona is tougher than many cities when it comes to accessory structures. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Sedona, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
These rules come from Sedona's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.