Curfew Laws in Sedona, AZ

If you live in Sedona or are thinking about moving there, curfew laws are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Sedona has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of curfew laws, and some of them might surprise you.

Juvenile Curfew

Sedona bars minors under 16 from being in public away from their residence between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., and minors 16 or 17 from midnight to 5:00 a.m., under SCC 9.15.010. Parents who knowingly allow a violation or refuse to take custody of an arrested minor face separate charges under the same section.

Key details: Under-16 curfew: 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.. 16-17 curfew: midnight to 5:00 a.m.. Minor violation penalty: Class 1 misdemeanor. Parent insufficient supervision: Petty offense. Parent refuses custody demand: Class 1 misdemeanor.

Violating the curfew hours in (B)(1) or (2), or a parent's refusal to take custody under (B)(4), is a class 1 misdemeanor; a minor's curfew violation is additionally designated an incorrigible offense within juvenile court jurisdiction. A parent or guardian who knowingly permits or, through insufficient supervision, allows a minor's violation under (B)(3) is guilty of a petty offense instead.

Compared to other cities, Sedona takes a harder line on juvenile curfew. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Park Curfew

Sedona's city parks open at dawn and close at dusk unless a posted sign or city permit says otherwise, with one exception: Posse Grounds Park stays open until 10:00 p.m. Being in a park after closing without the city manager's written permission is unlawful under SCC 12.30.020.

Key details: Standard hours: dawn until dusk. Posse Grounds Park hours: dawn until 10:00 p.m.. Some amenities: have separately posted hours. After-hours presence: requires city manager's written OK. Wastewater wetlands: also needs superintendent's permission.

Being present in a Sedona park outside its posted hours, or in a park posted closed, without written permission from the city manager or a designee is unlawful under SCC 12.30.020 and SCC 12.30.170. SCC 1.15.010, the code's general penalty section, makes any such violation a class 1 misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $2,500, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day of a continuing violation treated as a separate offense; officers can issue a civil citation instead of a criminal charge.

The Bottom Line

Sedona's curfew laws 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.

Keep in mind that Sedona can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.