You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-06.
Sedona building permits
VerifiedSedona, Arizona — as published 2026-07-06.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
Arizona has NO statewide mandatory building code floor for general construction — code adoption is a per-city/county authority under state enabling statutes (e.g., A.R.S. Title 9 for municipalities). The City of Sedona runs its own Community Development Department / Building Safety Division and independently adopts and administers its own construction codes as City Code Title 15 (Buildings and Construction); it does not defer permitting to Yavapai County or Coconino County for parcels within Sedona city limits, even though the city itself straddles both counties. Source: Sedona City Code Chapter 15.05 (sedona.municipal.codes/SCC/15.05); City of Sedona Permits and Building Safety webpages.2018 International Building Code (IBC), as amended and codified, published by the International Code Council, adopted as the building code of the City of Sedona (Sedona City Code § 15.05.010), with City of Sedona amendments (§ 15.05.020). Adopted by City Council on September 24, 2019 (Ordinance 2019-05, Resolution 2019-18 Exh. A); effective for all permits submitted on or after October 25, 2019. Source: Sedona City Code § 15.05.010/.020; City of Sedona Building Safety and Permits pages ('Building Codes' section).2018 International Residential Code (IRC), adopted with City of Sedona amendments (§ 15.05.030/.040), effective October 25, 2019, including the City's amended IRC Table R301.2(1) Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria. Source: Sedona City Code § 15.05.030/.040.2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), adopted with City of Sedona amendments, effective October 25, 2019. Source: City of Sedona Building Safety webpage, 'Building Codes' list.2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), adopted with City of Sedona amendments, effective October 25, 2019. Source: City of Sedona Building Safety webpage.2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), adopted with City of Sedona amendments, effective October 25, 2019. Source: City of Sedona Building Safety webpage.2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), adopted with City of Sedona amendments, effective October 25, 2019. Source: City of Sedona Building Safety webpage.2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), adopted with City of Sedona amendments, effective October 25, 2019. Source: City of Sedona Building Safety webpage.2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), adopted with City of Sedona amendments, effective October 25, 2019 (referenced in the Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Building Permit Packet's '2019 Amendments to Sedona City Code' insert). Source: City of Sedona Building Safety webpage; City of Sedona Swimming Pool and Spa Building Permit Packet.2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), as published by the National Fire Protection Association, adopted with City of Sedona amendments, effective October 25, 2019 (one edition behind the 2018 ICC I-Codes set, consistent with the City's own stated rationale of aligning with 'surrounding communities and counties'). Source: City of Sedona Building Safety webpage.Manufactured homes, mobile homes, and factory-built buildings are separately defined and regulated under Sedona City Code § 15.05.090 (adopting the Arizona Office of Manufactured Housing construction/installation standards per A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 16), with the City issuing its own 'Manufactured or factory built home permit' packet for placement, foundation, and site-related requirements. Source: Sedona City Code § 15.05.090; City of Sedona Permits page.Building permit fees and valuation are governed by Sedona City Code § 15.05.060, which cross-references the City of Sedona Consolidated Fee Schedule (Valuation/Permit Fee Schedule and Unit Permit Fees) as the authoritative fee source rather than the ICC codes' own fee tables; the plan review fee is set at 65 percent of the calculated building permit fee when the permit fee is valuation-based. Source: Sedona City Code § 15.05.060 (sedona.municipal.codes/SCC/15.05.060).
Permit types & fees
Single-Family Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family and duplex dwelling construction within Sedona city limits (both the Yavapai County and Coconino County portions of the city). Reviewed against the 2018 IRC and City of Sedona amendments (effective for submittals on/after October 25, 2019). Applications are submitted at the Community Development front counter with 3 complete sets of plans plus 1 electronic link.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for new single-family and duplex dwelling construction within Sedona city limits
- Plans must comply with the 2018 IRC and City of Sedona amendments, including Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (115 mph Vult wind speed; Seismic Design Category C; 25 psf ground snow load; 12-inch frost line depth; 16°F winter design temperature; moderate-to-heavy termite potential)
- A soils classification prepared by an Arizona-registered geotechnical engineer is required for all new structures (waived for non-habitable accessory structures 400 sq ft or less, with a recorded non-conversion agreement)
- A soils engineering & engineering geology report is additionally required if the soils classification shows a plasticity index of 15 or greater
- Unless exempt under A.R.S. § 32-1121 (owner-occupied, not for sale/rent), all work must be performed by an Arizona-licensed general or specialty contractor
- 3 complete sets of plans plus 1 electronic link required; plan sheets no larger than 30" x 42"
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit ApplicationCity of Sedona Single-Family Residential Building Permit Packet application, submitted at the Community Development front counter (102 Roadrunner Dr.) or downloaded from sedonaaz.gov/cd
- OptionalOwner-Builder/Developer StatementRequired if claiming the A.R.S. § 32-1121 owner-builder exemption from contractor licensing
- RequiredSite and Grading PlanMinimum 1"=20' scale; north arrow, property lines, easements, setbacks, existing/proposed structures, utilities, drainage, cut/fill quantities, finished floor elevations
- RequiredSoils Classification / Soils Engineering & Geology ReportPrepared by an Arizona-registered geotechnical engineer; full engineering report required if plasticity index is 15 or greater
- RequiredColor and Material Sample Sheet8.5x11 paint/material samples, light-reflecting-value compliant
- RequiredOutdoor Lighting Application (Residential)City of Sedona outdoor lighting compliance form
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (Based on Valuation) | Per City of Sedona Consolidated Fee Schedule, Valuation/Permit Fee Schedule | Sedona City Code § 15.05.060 — building permit fees for construction valuation are calculated per the Consolidated Fee Schedule's Valuation/Permit Fee Schedule table, not the ICC codes' own fee tables |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the calculated Building Permit Fee | Sedona City Code § 15.05.060 — collected in full at time of application submittal; a separate, additional fee from the building permit fee itself |
Residential Remodel / Addition Building Permit
VerifiedRequired for room additions, remodels, and structural/plumbing/electrical/mechanical alteration work to existing one- and two-family dwellings in Sedona, including installation or relocation of water heaters, furnaces, evaporative coolers, air conditioners, electrical outlets, lighting, wiring, panels, or services, and replacement of a wood/asphalt shingle roof with a tile roof. Reviewed against the 2018 IRC as adopted and amended by the City of Sedona.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for remodels or additions involving structural, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work
- Specifically required for: installation/relocation of water heaters, furnaces, evaporative coolers, air conditioners; relocation/installation of electrical outlets, lighting, wiring, panels, or services; and replacement of a wood or asphalt shingle roof with a tile roof
- Exempt work includes: interior painting/paneling/finish work; repair/replacement of non-structural glass, doors, hardware, cabinets, carpeting, or flooring; portable shelves/cases/partitions under 5'-9" high; one-story detached sheds/playhouses under 120 sq ft and 7 ft high with no electrical/plumbing; fences/walls not over 30 inches high outside flood hazard areas
- Construction Envelope Fence (CEF) required to protect native vegetation during construction
- Plans must comply with City of Sedona Climatic/Geographic Design Criteria (115 mph Vult wind, Seismic Design Category C)
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit ApplicationSubmitted at the Community Development front counter or downloaded from sedonaaz.gov/cd
- RequiredConstruction Envelope Fence (CEF) InstructionsNative vegetation preservation fencing plan, part of the Remodel/Addition Permit Packet
- RequiredColor and Materials Sample SheetExterior color/material compliance samples
- RequiredStormwater Pollution Prevention GuidelinesGeneral stormwater compliance information included in the packet
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (Based on Valuation) | Per City of Sedona Consolidated Fee Schedule, Valuation/Permit Fee Schedule | Sedona City Code § 15.05.060 — remodel/addition fees are calculated on construction valuation the same as new construction |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the calculated Building Permit Fee | Sedona City Code § 15.05.060 |
Fence Building Permit
VerifiedRequired for fences and freestanding walls in Sedona above the City's narrow no-permit exemption threshold (30 inches). Governed by Sedona City Code § 15.05.040(P) and Land Development Code Articles 6 and 9, with dedicated prescriptive fence/wall design details published by the City.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for fences and freestanding walls not supporting a structure, except those 30 inches high or less located outside flood hazard areas (exempt)
- No fence may exceed 6 feet high unless approved by the Zoning Inspector
- Solid, opaque fences cannot exceed 36 inches high within front or street-side setbacks
- Fences cannot obstruct or alter drainage swales or washes
- Fences in excess of 6 feet require design/wind-load calculations by an Arizona-licensed engineer
- Materials/colors must have a light reflecting value (LRV) not exceeding 38% (Munsell value) to blend with the natural environment; chain-link must be painted or vinyl-coated
- 4 complete sets of plans required, drawn to scale and dimensioned
Required documents
- RequiredFence Building Permit ApplicationCity of Sedona Fence Building Permit Packet application
- RequiredPrescriptive Detail / Wall Specs DetailCity of Sedona prescriptive fence and wall design details (in lieu of engineered calculations, for fences within prescriptive limits)
- RequiredSample Site PlanShowing exact location, height, and materials of the proposed fence, property lines, easements, and edge of street pavement
- RequiredColor and Material Sample Sheet8.5x11 paint/material samples demonstrating LRV compliance (38% or less)
- OptionalOwner-Builder/Developer StatementRequired if claiming the A.R.S. § 32-1121 owner-builder exemption
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Review Deposit — Fences | $50 | City of Sedona Fence Building Permit Packet, 'Plan Review Deposit' section; this deposit is required at time of application and usually covers the total permit cost. Additional plan review/permit/grading fees per the City of Sedona Consolidated Fee Schedule may apply if the project involves substantial grading, retaining walls, or plan revisions |
Solar / Photovoltaic Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of Photovoltaic Electrical Power Systems in Sedona. Governed by the 2017 NEC as adopted and amended by the City of Sedona, with Sedona-specific aesthetic requirements (panel frame color, light-reflectance limits) tied to the City's scenic-beauty provisions.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Photovoltaic permit required for all rooftop or ground-mount solar PV installations
- 2 full sets of plans plus 2 additional site plans required
- Site plan must show locations of array, inverter, DC disconnect, PV system utility disconnect, and battery banks (if used)
- One-line and three-line electrical diagrams required
- Roof plan required showing panel layout, wiring method, make/model of panels, panel wattage and total array wattage
- Roof load information (weight of rooftop equipment per sq ft) and mounting/attachment details required
- Solar panel frames must be black matte finish (or natural aluminum/silver with perimeter frames painted black); all hardware, brackets, and support structures must meet a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 38% or less; conduit and panel boxes must be painted to match the adjacent wall/roof surface
Required documents
- RequiredPhotovoltaic Permit ApplicationCity of Sedona Solar/Photovoltaic Permit Packet application
- RequiredSite PlanShowing array, inverter, DC disconnect, utility disconnect, and battery bank locations
- RequiredOne-Line and Three-Line DiagramsElectrical system diagrams per 2017 NEC as adopted by the City of Sedona
- RequiredInverter and Module Cut SheetsManufacturer specification sheets for inverter(s) and PV modules; charge controller/battery charger cut sheets as applicable
- RequiredRoof Plan and ElevationsPanel layout, wiring method, mounting/attachment details, panel angle and total height
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photovoltaic Permit Fee | $75.00 for the first 10 kW, plus $5.00 for each additional kW over 10 kW | City of Sedona Solar/Photovoltaic Permit Packet, fee schedule stated directly on the application form |
Solar Water Heater Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of solar water heating systems in Sedona, published by the City as a distinct permit type from the standard photovoltaic (electric) solar permit, and processed through the same building permit application and A.R.S. § 9-836 review time frame as other residential permit types.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for solar water heater installation, separate from the photovoltaic (electric) solar permit type
- Site plan and equipment specification sheets required for the solar thermal collector and storage tank installation
- Unless exempt under A.R.S. § 32-1121, installation must be performed by an Arizona-licensed contractor
Required documents
- RequiredSolar Water Heater Permit ApplicationCity of Sedona Solar Water Heater Permit Packet application, submitted at the Community Development front counter or downloaded from sedonaaz.gov/cd
- RequiredEquipment Cut SheetsManufacturer specification sheets for the solar collector, storage tank, and associated plumbing/mechanical components
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (Based on Valuation) | Per City of Sedona Consolidated Fee Schedule, Valuation/Permit Fee Schedule | Sedona City Code § 15.05.060 — no separately itemized flat fee for solar water heaters was found distinct from the general valuation-based building permit fee structure that governs plumbing/mechanical equipment installations |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the calculated Building Permit Fee | Sedona City Code § 15.05.060 |
Swimming Pool, Spa / Hot Tub Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction of swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs (and their associated safety barriers) in Sedona, governed by the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as adopted and amended by the City, plus IBC/IRC pool-barrier provisions.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for in-ground and above-ground swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and fountains, including associated pool safety barriers
- Exempt: prefabricated above-ground pools/spas less than 18 inches deep and less than 8 feet in any dimension, accessory to Group R-3 occupancies
- Unless exempt under A.R.S. § 32-1121, must be constructed by a licensed swimming pool contractor (public/semi-public pools always require a licensed swimming pool contractor)
- Professional engineering/architectural design is recommended but not required for private pools; the plans examiner may require engineering for specific structural elements
- 4 complete sets of plans required, drawn to scale and dimensioned, including site/grading plan, pool location, fence/gate locations, and setback dimensions
- A soils classification prepared by an Arizona-registered geotechnical engineer is required for all new structures
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit Application (Pool/Spa)City of Sedona Swimming Pool and Spa Building Permit Packet application
- RequiredColor and Material Sample Sheet (for pool barriers)Required for pool safety barrier materials/colors
- RequiredSite and Grading PlanPool location, fences, gates, distance from property lines, cut/fill quantities, pool equipment location/screening
- OptionalOwner-Builder/Developer StatementRequired if claiming the A.R.S. § 32-1121 owner-builder exemption
- RequiredConstruction Envelope Fence (CEF) InstructionsNative vegetation preservation fencing plan
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| In-Ground Swimming Pool Plan Review Deposit / Permit Fee | $200 total ($50 deposit due at application) | City of Sedona Swimming Pool and Spa Building Permit Packet, 'Plan Review Deposit & Fees' section — deposit usually covers the total permit cost; additional fees may apply for substantial grading, retaining walls, or plan revisions |
| Above-Ground Pool, Spa, Hot Tub, or Fountain Plan Review Deposit / Permit Fee | $50 total ($50 deposit due at application) | City of Sedona Swimming Pool and Spa Building Permit Packet |
Commercial / Residential Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of any residential or commercial structure in Sedona. Structures over 50 years old require additional documentation under Land Development Code § 8.7.F(3) (historic preservation review).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required before demolishing a residential or commercial structure within Sedona city limits
- If the structure is more than 50 years old, documentation pursuant to Land Development Code § 8.7.F(3) must be provided (historic preservation review)
- 4 sets of a plat of survey or site plan identifying all structures on the property, specifically what is to be demolished, protective site fencing and gate locations, spoils locations/types, and erosion control measures
- Utility disconnection letters/approvals required for all applicable utilities (electric, water, sewer, septic, gas) before demolition
- A description of the post-demolition site condition and any proposed redevelopment (with anticipated start date) must be provided
- Demolishing a legal nonconforming structure or use may remove the property's legal nonconforming status — applicants are advised to meet with staff to discuss potential effects before proceeding
Required documents
- RequiredCommercial/Residential Demolition Building Permit ApplicationCity of Sedona demolition permit application; $50.00 fee stated directly on the form
- RequiredStructure Demolition ChecklistCity of Sedona checklist of submittal requirements and conditions for all structure demolition permits (does not apply to interior-only demolitions)
- RequiredPlat of Survey or Site Plan (4 sets)Showing all structures, demolition scope, protective fencing, spoils, and erosion control
- RequiredUtility Disconnection LettersConfirmation of disconnection for electric, water (city or well), sewer, septic, and gas as applicable
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial/Residential Demolition Building Permit Application Fee | $50.00 | Stated directly on the City of Sedona Commercial/Residential Demolition Building Permit Application form |
Manufactured or Factory-Built Home Permit
VerifiedRequired for placement of manufactured homes, mobile homes, and factory-built buildings within Sedona city limits. Construction/installation standards for the unit itself are regulated directly by the State of Arizona; the City issues a separate permit for on-site placement, foundation, and site-related zoning compliance under Sedona City Code § 15.05.090.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Manufactured homes must comply with the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 and Title VI of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as implemented by the Arizona Office of Manufactured Housing (A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 16)
- Mobile homes (built before June 15, 1976, on a permanent chassis) and factory-built buildings are separately defined and regulated under Sedona City Code § 15.05.090
- City permit required for site placement: foundation/tie-down, utility connections, and zoning compliance (setbacks, lot coverage) distinct from the unit's state-regulated construction standards
- Recreational vehicles are explicitly excluded from the manufactured/mobile home definitions and are not eligible for this permit type
Required documents
- RequiredManufactured or Factory-Built Home Permit ApplicationCity of Sedona Manufactured or Factory Built Home Permit Packet application
- RequiredSite PlanShowing placement location, foundation/tie-down details, setbacks, and utility connection points
- RequiredState Insignia / Installation DocumentationDocumentation of compliance with Arizona Office of Manufactured Housing construction/installation standards
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (Based on Valuation) | Per City of Sedona Consolidated Fee Schedule, Valuation/Permit Fee Schedule | Sedona City Code § 15.05.060 — no separately itemized flat fee for manufactured/factory-built home placement was found distinct from the general valuation-based building permit fee structure |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the calculated Building Permit Fee | Sedona City Code § 15.05.060 |
EV Charger / Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permit
VerifiedSedona does not publish a standalone electrical permit type or a distinct EV-charger/EVSE fee line. Per the City's own Permits page and the Residential Remodel/Addition Building Permit Packet (which this file already documents as covering all electrical work in the City, including 'relocation/installation of electrical outlets, lighting, wiring, panels, or services'), installing a new circuit for an EV charging station is processed as electrical work under the Residential Remodel/Addition Building Permit -- the same permit type used for panel upgrades, new circuits, and other electrical alterations to one- and two-family dwellings. No City of Sedona Consolidated Fee Schedule line item, permit packet, or press material naming 'EV charger,' 'EVSE,' or 'electric vehicle charging station' as a distinct permit type or fee could be found; the City is not a listed SolarAPP+ (gosolarapp.org) participating jurisdiction.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- A building permit is required for installation of a new dedicated circuit or panel work for an EV charger, processed under the Residential Remodel/Addition Building Permit (Sedona does not publish a distinct 'electrical permit' or 'EV charger permit' type)
- If the EV charger is a UL-listed unit plugging into an existing 120V receptacle with no new wiring, industry-standard practice (and the City's general work-exemption pattern for cosmetic/no-new-circuit work) suggests no permit would be triggered -- confirm directly with Community Development for any specific installation
- Unless exempt under A.R.S. § 32-1121 (owner-occupied, not for sale/rent), the electrical work must be performed by an Arizona-licensed contractor
- If the installation includes new structural work (e.g., a carport to house the charger), the Single-Family Residential Building Permit or Remodel/Addition process applies to that structural scope as well
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit Application (Remodel/Addition)Same application used for other electrical alteration work in Sedona; submitted at the Community Development front counter (102 Roadrunner Dr.) or downloaded from sedonaaz.gov/cd
- RequiredElectrical Circuit / Load CalculationDocumentation of the new EV charging circuit, breaker sizing, and panel capacity, consistent with the City's general electrical-alteration submittal expectations
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (Based on Valuation) | Per City of Sedona Consolidated Fee Schedule, Valuation/Permit Fee Schedule | Sedona City Code § 15.05.060 -- no separately itemized flat fee for EV charger/EVSE installation was found distinct from the general valuation-based building permit fee structure that governs other electrical alteration work processed under the Residential Remodel/Addition Building Permit |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the calculated Building Permit Fee | Sedona City Code § 15.05.060 |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-06.
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Sedona building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.