Sedona's Swimming Pools & Spas: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In Sedona, Arizona, there are 2 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.

Pool Permits

Building a residential swimming pool in Sedona requires a permit issued under the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, adopted by the city in 2019. Permit fees follow the citywide Building Permit Fee Schedule, and going 180 days without a scheduled and performed inspection automatically expires the permit.

Key details: Code adopted: 2018 Intl Swimming Pool & Spa Code, Sept. 24, 2019. Permit expiration: 180 days without a scheduled inspection. Extension: Not available once expired, SCC 15.50.020(D). Fee basis: City Building Permit Fee Schedule, SCC 15.05.060. Plan review fee: 65% of building permit fee.

Building, altering or operating a pool without the required permit or in violation of the adopted code is enforced under SCC 15.50.020(G)'s amended Section 107.4, which routes penalties through SCC 1.15.010: a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,500, up to six months in jail, or both, with every day the violation continues charged as a separate offense.

Fencing & Safety Requirements

Sedona raises the pool-barrier bar above the model code: fences and walls around a swimming pool must stand 60 inches tall, not the model code's 48 inches, and gate latches must release at 5 inches with the release mechanism mounted at least 24 inches above grade.

Key details: Barrier height: 60 inches, amended from 48 inches. Latch release point: 5 inches, amended from 3 inches. Latch mount height: 24 inches minimum, amended from 18 inches. House-wall barrier: Doors need self-closing, self-latching devices. Window safeguard: Latch or screen at least 54 inches up.

A pool without a compliant 60-inch barrier, self-closing self-latching gate or door, or the required window safeguards is a Title 15 code violation. SCC 15.50.020(G)'s amended Section 107.4 routes the penalty through SCC 1.15.010: a class 1 misdemeanor, a fine up to $2,500, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day unabated counted as a separate offense.

The Bottom Line

Sedona's swimming pools & spas 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.

All of the above reflects Sedona's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.