Outdoor Lighting in Sedona, AZ: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Sedona or are thinking about moving there, outdoor lighting are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Sedona has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of outdoor lighting, and some of them might surprise you.

Dark Sky Rules

Sedona City Code Chapter 8.30 and Land Development Code Section 5.8 require fully shielded outdoor lighting and lumen caps to preserve the night sky. Sedona is a designated International Dark Sky Community.

Key details: Code: SCC Ch. 8.30 / SLDC §5.8. Status: IDA Dark Sky Community (2014). Lumen Cap: 100,000 / net acre (non-SFR). Shielding: Full shielding required >2,000 lm.

Civil infraction enforced by the Community Development Department; non-conforming lighting must be retrofitted or removed. Permit applications for new construction are denied until lighting plans comply.

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.

Security Light Shielding

Security lighting in Sedona must be aimed and shielded so direct illumination is confined to property boundaries. Motion-sensing fixtures must shut off when motion ceases — no leaving them on as ambient lighting.

Key details: Code: SCC Ch. 8.30. Shielded Above: 2,000 lm = full shielding. Motion Sensor: Must shut off. Aim: Within property boundaries.

Code enforcement notice. Non-compliant fixtures may not pass certificate-of-occupancy review on new construction.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Sedona actively enforces its security light shielding requirements.

Light Trespass

Sedona's outdoor light control rules under Ch. 8.30 require all fixtures — including security lighting — to be aimed and shielded so direct illumination is confined to the source property and does not cross onto public or private streets.

Key details: Code: SCC Ch. 8.30. Shielding: Full above 2,000 lm. Motion Sensor: Off when motion ceases. String Lights: No flashing/strobe.

Code enforcement notice; non-compliant fixtures must be retrofitted or removed.

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

Holiday Lighting Rules

Sedona allows permanent outdoor string lighting but it may not flash, blink, fade, or strobe. The lumens count toward the partially-shielded cap of 5,500 lm per net acre.

Key details: Code: SCC Ch. 8.30. Animation: Prohibited (no flash/strobe). Lamp Cap: 2,000 lm per lamp. Lumen Pool: 5,500 lm partially-shielded / net acre.

Code enforcement. Persistent flashing/strobe installations must be remediated.

The Bottom Line

Sedona is tougher than many cities when it comes to outdoor lighting. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 3 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.