Sedona, AZ Business Licensing & Operations: Auto Repair on Residential Property (2026)
Key Facts
- Restricted hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Applies in
- Residential areas of Sedona
- Governing section
- SCC 8.25.040(C)(1)
- Standard
- Discomfort/annoyance to reasonable person
- Civil penalty
- Up to $2,500 per offense
Summary
Sedona forbids repairing, rebuilding or test-driving a motor vehicle in a residential area between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if it disturbs a reasonable neighbor. The rule sits in the city's noise chapter rather than its business licensing code, but it directly limits home-based vehicle work.
C. Motor Vehicles.
1. Vehicle Repair. It shall be unlawful for any person within any residential area of the city to repair, rebuild or test any motor vehicle (between the hours of 10:00 p.m. of one day and 7:00 a.m. of the next day) in such a manner that a reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the area is caused discomfort or annoyance.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Initiative Ordinance 2026-01, approved by voters at the July 21, 2026 election).
Full Breakdown
of the next in a manner that causes discomfort or annoyance to a reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the area. The provision does not ban home auto repair outright or during the day; it targets the overnight hours when engine noise, power tools, air compressors and running vehicles are most disruptive to a residential neighborhood. 25's "Special Noise Sources" section alongside related motor vehicle rules on mufflers and engine braking devices, meaning it is enforced as a noise nuisance rather than through a business license revocation process.
040(C)(1) applies regardless of whether the work is a hobby or a business. The standard is judged against what disturbs a "reasonable person of normal sensitiveness," so occasional quiet work, like changing a headlight bulb by hand, would not trigger it, while running an impact wrench or revving an engine repeatedly at midnight would.
Violations & Fines
A violation of SCC 8.25.040(C)(1) is enforced under SCC 8.25.070(A)(1) as a civil violation, carrying a penalty of up to $2,500 per offense with each day of continuing violation treated separately. Repeat violators, three or more within 24 months, become habitual offenders under SCC 8.25.070(A)(2) and face a class 1 misdemeanor charge in Sedona Municipal Court, up to six months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, and a mandatory $500 minimum fine per count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I repair my own car in my driveway at night in Sedona?
Does this rule apply during the day?
Is running a car repair business from home covered by this section?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sedona
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