Zoning Restrictions: Prescott Valley vs Sedona

Home occupations in unincorporated Yavapai County are regulated by Section 543 of the Yavapai County Planning and Zoning Ordinance, with the general standards in Section 301. A home occupation is defined as a use within a primary dwelling, or within an attached or detached structure on the same lot, carried on by residents of the dwelling for gain — the use must be merely incidental to the residential use and must not change the residential character of the neighborhood. A Home Occupation Permit is required from Yavapai County Development Services, and the application requires the applicant to identify how many residents will be involved or employed, the total floor area dedicated to the occupation, and any expected daily customer/visitor traffic. Section 543 standards prohibit the occupation from generating vehicular or pedestrian traffic in excess of normal residential levels; creating noise, odor, dust, fumes, vibration, smoke, or electrical interference; or producing any external evidence that would alter the residential character of the property. Hazardous activities and outdoor storage of business materials are generally not allowed under residential zoning.

Home occupations in Sedona are an accessory use subject to LDC §3.4.D limits. They must not change the residential character of the property — no exterior alterations, no recognizable nonresidential signs, sounds, vibration, or equipment displays.