Sedona's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Sedona, Arizona, there are 3 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.

Native Plants

Sedona Land Development Code §5.6.C requires a minimum of 75% native species in development-site landscaping. Lawn or turf may not exceed 10% of the overall landscape area, except inside the 500-year floodplain of Oak Creek.

Key details: Code: SLDC §5.6.C. Native Plant Min: 75%. Turf Max: 10% of landscape area. SFR Exemption: Except tree preservation.

Failure to maintain approved landscaping is an LDC violation enforced by Community Development.

Weed Ordinances

Sedona Land Development Code §5.6.C requires regular weed control as part of landscape maintenance, including clearing of debris and weeds, removal of dead plants, and irrigation upkeep on all approved landscape plans.

Key details: Code: SLDC §5.6.C. Nuisance Rule: SCC §8.10.020. WUI Defensible Space: 100 ft (separate). Responsible Party: Owner/installer.

LDC violations enforced by Community Development. Nuisance vegetation enforced by code enforcement under Ch. 8.10.

Water Restrictions

Sedona does not impose mandatory drought-stage water restrictions through the city code, but Land Development Code §5.6.C caps turf at 10% of landscape area to conserve water, and the city supports voluntary conservation through the Ripple Effect program.

Key details: City Program: Ripple Effect (2023). Turf Cap: 10% via SLDC §5.6.C. Gray Water: Allowed per AZ law. Rainwater: Allowed.

Landscaping non-compliance is enforced under the LDC. Utility tariff violations (overuse during a declared drought) are enforced by the water utility per its tariff terms.

The Bottom Line

Sedona's landscaping rules 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.