Sedona, AZ Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Max weed/grass height
- 12 inches
- Governing section
- SCC 8.10.020(D)
- Notice period before city acts
- 30 days
- Notice method
- Certified mail or personal service
- Unpaid cost becomes
- Lien on property, A.R.S. § 9-499
- Exemption
- Cultivated flowers and gardens
Summary
Sedona caps weeds, tall grass and uncultivated growth visible from public property at 12 inches, and declares taller growth a public nuisance along with dead or fire-hazard landscaping. The city can order it cleared and bill the owner if it isn't.
D. Any landscaping, visible from public property, that is substantially dead, damaged, or characterized by uncontrolled growth, or presents a deteriorated appearance, or which presents a fire hazard; uncultivated plants, weeds, tall grass, uncultivated shrubs or growth (whether growing or otherwise) higher than 12 inches; or any hazardous dead trees; ... ... A. The owner, lessee, or occupant of property is required to remove rubbish, trash, weeds or other accumulation of filth, debris or dilapidated structures which constitute a hazard to public health and safety from buildings, grounds, lots, contiguous sidewalks, streets and alleys. B. Written notice shall be served on the owner, or statutory agent, and to the occupant or lessee, by certified mail or personal service, to comply with this section within 30 days.
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
020(D) declares a public nuisance any landscaping visible from public property that is substantially dead, damaged, characterized by uncontrolled growth, deteriorated in appearance, or a fire hazard, and it specifically lists uncultivated plants, weeds, tall grass, uncultivated shrubs or growth higher than 12 inches, plus any hazardous dead trees. That 12-inch cap applies to any lot in the city where the growth can be seen from a public street or right-of-way, not just vacant land. 010, defines weeds broadly as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation other than trees or shrubs, but exempts cultivated flowers and gardens from the nuisance.
210 kicks in: the city serves written notice on the owner, agent, occupant or lessee by certified mail or personal service giving 30 days to clear the growth, and the notice includes the city's estimated cost of removal and may list contractors who can do the work. S. Section 9-499. An owner can request a hearing before the city council to contest the notice or the cost assessment before the compliance deadline runs.
Violations & Fines
Failure to cut weeds or tall grass after the 30-day notice under SCC 8.10.210 lets the city abate the condition itself and bill the owner for all removal costs, plus inspection and legal costs, which becomes a lien on the property if unpaid within 30 days. Separately, a Chapter 8.10 violation is a misdemeanor under SCC 8.10.190, with each day of continuing violation counted separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass or weeds be on my Sedona property before it's a violation?
What happens if I don't cut weeds after a Sedona notice?
Does the weed height limit apply to gardens and landscaping I planted on purpose?
Can I appeal a weed abatement notice in Sedona?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sedona
How Sedona compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Sedona to another location·View the Arizona landscaping rules overview
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