Sedona, AZ Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited use
- Nuisance party / unruly gathering
- Posting requirement
- Within 10 feet of front door
- Owner liability
- Applies even if designee at fault
- Minimum penalty
- $500.00
- Escalated third-violation fine
- Up to $3,500
Summary
Sedona flatly prohibits using a short-term rental for a nuisance party or unruly gathering, naming excessive noise, obstructing traffic, and underage drinking as examples under SCC 5.25.050(C)(7). The rule must be posted near the front door, and hosts remain liable even when a designee is at fault.
C. No person or entity shall operate a short-term rental in violation of this chapter or other law. In addition, the use of a short-term rental property for any of the following uses or purposes is strictly prohibited: ... ... 7. Any use that constitutes a substantial disturbance of the quiet enjoyment, and peace, health, safety or general welfare of private or public property through a nuisance party or unruly gathering, including, but not limited to, excessive noise or traffic, obstruction of public streets by crowds or vehicles, the service of alcohol to minors, fights, disturbances of the peace, litter, spirituous liquor served to, or in the possession of, or consumed by any minor, or where illegal drugs are in the possession of, or consumed by, any person.
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
050(C) lists seven uses that are "strictly prohibited" at any Sedona short-term rental, and the seventh directly targets noisy gatherings: any use that constitutes a substantial disturbance of quiet enjoyment or the peace, health, safety, or general welfare of private or public property through a nuisance party or unruly gathering, expressly including excessive noise or traffic, obstruction of public streets by crowds or vehicles, service of alcohol to minors, fights, disturbances of the peace, litter, and possession or consumption of illegal drugs or liquor by minors.
050(B) separately requires every short-term rental to comply with all local noise and nuisance-abatement laws. 080 requires this exact list of prohibited uses, including the nuisance-party language, to be printed in 14-point or larger bold font on laminated or similarly protected paper and posted within 10 feet of the rental's primary entrance, along with the emergency contact's name and phone number and the permit number. 050(F) makes clear that a designee's failure to prevent a violation does not relieve the property owner of liability, so the owner answers for a loud, unruly gathering even if a property manager or renter caused it. 110(A)(2)(b) without needing a second or third strike.
Violations & Fines
Hosting or allowing a nuisance party or unruly gathering violates SCC 5.25.050(C)(7) and is punishable as a misdemeanor and civil offense under SCC 5.25.120(A), carrying a minimum $500.00 penalty, with escalating civil fines up to $3,500 for a third violation at the same property within 12 months per SCC 5.25.120(C). It also counts as a verified violation toward the mandatory permit suspension in SCC 5.25.110.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can guests throw a loud party at a Sedona short-term rental?
Is the property owner liable if a renter throws a loud party?
Does Sedona require the noise rules to be posted at the rental?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sedona
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