Sedona, AZ Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- SCC 13.35, Environmental Nuisances
- Standard removal window
- 24 hours from order
- Inspection hours
- Sunrise to sunset, with warrant
- Who pays for removal
- Owner or occupant, all costs
Summary
Sedona code makes it unlawful to let any condition on private or public property become a breeding place for rodents, flies or mosquitoes. The city's environmental nuisance office can order it fixed within 24 hours before stepping in and billing the owner.
Any condition or place in populous areas which constitutes a breeding place for flies, rodents, mosquitoes and other insects which are capable of carrying and transmitting disease-causing organisms to any person or persons. ... It is unlawful for any person to cause, permit, maintain or allow the creation or maintenance of an environmental nuisance or any unsanitary condition involving wastes or wastewater treatment or disposal which endangers the public health and safety.
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
35, Environmental Nuisances, specifically lists rodent-breeding conditions among the acts the city treats as endangering public health. 030 then makes it unlawful for any person to 'cause, permit, maintain or allow the creation or maintenance' of that kind of environmental nuisance. 060, once an environmental agency employee has entered the property (accompanied by a peace officer, under a warrant, between sunrise and sunset) and confirmed the nuisance, the office may order the owner or occupant to remove it within 24 hours unless the danger requires immediate action.
The director can extend that 24-hour window if the owner shows adequate steps are underway, but if the owner refuses or fails to comply and an immediate public health threat exists, the director or city engineer may have the nuisance removed directly and bill the owner or occupant for the cost. 060(D) makes clear the responsible party bears all reasonable costs of removal, including pumping charges, materials, equipment, labor and attorneys' fees. 050.
Violations & Fines
Maintaining a rodent-breeding condition violates SCC 13.35.030 as an unlawful environmental nuisance. The city may issue a removal order under SCC 13.35.060 giving 24 hours to abate (extendable if compliance steps are documented), may seek civil or criminal abatement under SCC 13.35.050, and can recover all cleanup costs, including labor, materials and attorneys' fees, from the property owner or occupant under SCC 13.35.060(D).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to let rodents breed on my property in Sedona?
How much time do I get to fix a rodent nuisance in Sedona?
Who pays if the city has to remove a rodent nuisance itself?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sedona
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