Sedona's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Sedona, Arizona, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Chickens & Livestock

Sedona Land Development Code §3.4.D allows backyard chickens in residential districts only on lots with an occupied dwelling. Up to 4 chickens on lots up to 20,000 sq ft, up to 6 on lots over 20,000 sq ft.

Key details: Code: SLDC §3.4.D. Limit ≤20,000 sf: 4 chickens. Limit >20,000 sf: 6 chickens. Setback: 20 ft side/rear; 150 ft Oak Creek.

Land Development Code violations enforced by Community Development. Coops in noncompliant locations must be relocated or removed.

Wildlife Feeding

Sedona City Code §6.15.020 makes it unlawful to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly feed or attract wildlife — including bears, javelina, deer, elk, coyotes, skunks, foxes, bobcats, and mountain lions — within city limits.

Key details: Code: SCC §6.15.020. Effective: May 11, 2023. Fines: $150–$500. Bird Feeder Exception: ≥4 ft high, wildlife-inaccessible.

Civil penalties: $150 first offense, up to $500 for repeats. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense under §6.15.070.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Sedona actively enforces its wildlife feeding requirements.

Beekeeping

Sedona Land Development Code §3.4.D allows beekeeping on residential lots with the same setback and screening requirements as backyard chickens. Bees are prohibited in shared outdoor spaces of multifamily housing.

Key details: Code: SLDC §3.4.D. Required: Occupied dwelling on lot. Prohibited: Shared multifamily spaces. Registration: Recommended with AZ Dept. of Agriculture.

Land Development Code enforcement. Hives causing nuisance may be ordered relocated or removed.

Dog Leash Laws

Sedona City Code Ch. 6.05 requires dogs off the owner's property to be on a leash under the control of a responsible person, or otherwise contained within real property limits, a vehicle, or specified controlled activities.

Key details: Code: SCC Ch. 6.05. Tag: Required on collar off-property. Rabies: Required for license. License Issuer: Humane Society of Sedona.

Impoundment of the animal plus civil penalties. Owners may receive a notice of violation in lieu of impoundment when known.

Pet Limits

Sedona City Code Title 6 requires dog licensing through the Humane Society of Sedona, with current rabies vaccination, and provides for enforcement of pet-keeping standards under Ch. 6.05.

Key details: Code: SCC Ch. 6.05. License Issuer: Humane Society of Sedona. Tag: On collar off-property. Vaccination: Current rabies required.

Notice of violation with citation, impoundment of unlicensed animals, and escalating fines for repeat offenses.

The Bottom Line

Sedona's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Sedona is broadly strict or permissive.

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.