Sedona Arizona
Sedona AZ (September 22, 2016) – With the passing of Senate Bill (SB) 1350, which now prohibits cities and towns from banning the use of single family residences for short term vacation rentals, the city of Sedona’s Community Development Department encourages those interested in renting their property as a short term rental to contact the Community Development Department to discuss the state regulation and city policies the property owner will need to follow.
Since 1995, the rental of single family homes for periods of less than 30 days has been prohibited within the Sedona city limits. However, during the 2016 state legislative session, SB 1350 was introduced with the intent of streamlining the collection and distribution of transaction privilege taxes for online booking agencies like Airbnb and Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) that market short term vacation rental properties. As the bill progressed, an amendment was offered by Senator Debbie Lesko that would prevent cities and towns from having local ordinances that don’t allow the use of single-family residences for short term vacation rentals.
On May 12, 2016, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed SB 1350 into law, making it Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S) 9-500.39, which will go into effect December 31, 2016. Thus, because the city’s ban on short term rentals is no longer valid, the city is developing policies around the licensing, registration of an emergency contact, collection of taxes, etc. on properties permitted to operate under the provisions of A.R.S. 9-500.39.
However, something that is important for residents to know is what constitutes as a short term rental. It is defined as an individually or collectively owned single-family home or up-to-four unit home, a condominium or cooperative/timeshare. For example, these are not allowed to be short term rentals:
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on file with the city of Sedona, which have full kitchens, and must be rented for 90 days or more
- Guest houses which don’t include full kitchens
- Apartments, unless properly zoned for lodging use
- Any of the above which are illegally constructed and unpermitted through the city of Sedona.
Article submitted by City of Sedona AZ
“We want to be proactive and make sure residents understand the ins and outs of how this law affects our community. We are developing policies around this law to ensure compatibility, safety of our residents and the collection of revenue,” said Warren Campbell, assistant director of community development, city of Sedona.
Those who are considering renting their property within the city of Sedona as a short term rental, or less than 30 days, are encouraged to contact the Community Development Department at 102 Roadrunner Drive or via telephone at 928-282-1154 to discuss the state regulation and city policies by which the property will need to be compliant with.
In short, “stay tuned, and don’t presume,” said Campbell.
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Write to Senator Biggs and Sylvia Allen and let them know of the numerous SB 1487 violations perpetrated by the City of Sedona. Let them know in great numbers of how this city is taking public money and gifting it to whom ever they please. There are many violations to this state law written in city ordinances. There are so many it is hard to keep track. The more people that file their complaints the better. The best City Council meeting I ever saw was yesterday. Did you see the faces on these Draconian City Council members.Mayor Sandy looked like she is on her way out. John Thompson looked like a kid who just got his candy stolen. Jessica Williamson is on her way out.Time to celebrate. The main event was that there is not one thing they can do to stop vacation rentals. Under the guise of health, welfare, and safety they are trying to convince you to tell on yourself by giving them your contact information. DO NOT DO IT!!! PRAISE THE LORD.
To West Sedona r:
Hopefully the following e-mail I just sent to Councilman Jon Thompson will address your question:
Hi JT:
For clarification my target wasn’t a selective political organization. If DORR or other political affiliations offered to pay rent to the city for using public property it would be a different matter. As mentioned, in past years DORR has leased locations during political campaigns such as in the strip mall on Coffee Pot where the cable company is located and also the last election a unit located by Judi’s restaurant. And their general meetings I believe are at Olde Sedona, in each instance contributing to Sedona’s tax base.Too many businesses are struggling to keep doors open and for the city to be competing by using a city owned facility to further impede economic development by competing seems a bit counterproductive.
It remains a mystery why in the world funding is provided for anything to operate at the former Teen Center. The logical thing is to rent it out – bring in city revenue. Performing arts and entertainment rightfully should remain in the private sector to support privately owned facilities and withdraw from biting the hands of tax collecting businesses that feed city coffers. In the past the old Art Barn was used for purposes to accommodate troupes such as Red Earth. And I believe prior to city paying THEM they did, in fact, go to private businesses such as quite possibly Relics. It just depends on how far this city intends to expand their ongoing Big Brother approach to baby sit each and every alleged non-profit that makes a presentation.
Thanks much for your response. It’s always appreciated.
Eddie
“How come you had nothing to say about a tax except church renting space to a Tea Party group to show politically slanted racist movie on their church grounds?”
so asks West Sedona r.
As Susan P points out, churches are used for many purposes, including those in the Chapel Area, Brewer Road, uptown as well as the Jewish Synagogue. They are not using or spending public, tax payers revenue. Big difference.
@susan p
Oh I see so if they rent it out for a KKK rally or to make an adult film all is well I guess…
@West Sedona resident Josh explained it well. Churches aren’t funded by taxes forced on the people. If a church behaves in an illegal manner then law enforcement would take care of that. You need to grow up. Eddie’s point on the city funded Red Earth who activities directly hurt the businesses that collect sales tax. They do it with the taxes FORCED on the businesses! Smoke and mirrors @WSR
Apparently you think it ok to have the city and city councilors break the law. Force their personal agendas on the people. But that is not what the city was incorporated for. First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States prohibits this.Thank God for SB 1487. Special interests, CC and staff have to follow the state laws. Something they have never done in this town. Once the dust settles the city employees will like this law as it makes the revolving changing of policy stop. They will be enabled to move forward knowing exactly how to do their jobs. Guaranteed City employee retention will improve. No longer will unprofessional untrained CC be able to make up laws because they got a hair up their butts. They are not qualified. The Sedona CC are everyday retirees. Uneducated, untrained to direct a municipality.
Praise the Lord! Thank you Arizona for taking control and your power back by by approving SB 1487!!!!!!!!!
Eddie’s comment is spot on, IMO. Our City needs to disengage from competing with businesses.
Really glad to see people speaking up about our cities wrongdoing. It is backwards here.
@Susan P. @ Eddie M @N.Baer. @Josh right on.
To all the city employees that read the eye Susan P. is spot on. The number one key strategy needed to increase employee commitment and retention is clear policy, procedures defining jobs. Weak and poor managers weaken the employee’s ability to do a great job.
To the city council that reads the eye Sedona is not a communist sovereign country. Time for you to treat the people and businesses with respect and stop treating them as second class citizens. The incorporated city is NOT the region and you have killed economics for those inside the city limits. As N. Baer said it DISENGAGE, “Our City needs to disengage from competing with businesses.”
No state allows their cities to run uncontrolled. Really glad to see our State making changes.
Wise up, City Council etal. You people should pay more attention to where your high-priced regional chamber of commerce is spending their time these days – namely at the new Collective in the VOC (formerly Tequa). Avail yourself of a video of your pet people out there, maybe at a grand opening or something, kicking it up and touting it as the finest Sedona has to offer. And it must be true based on the number of Sedona city limit businesses relocating not only to the VOC but Cottonwood as well. Such a deal. They will get the tourists first and not add to the long line of traffic coming into incorporated portion and at the same time avoid collecting city sales tax.
Yep, this latest “Gateway” makes your concern about short term/vacation rentals pale in comparison to the potential economical effect on city coffers. So better scratch those heads and figure out a way to sock it to the legitimate city based residents who really all they want is to live in peace and quiet minus your cockeyed big city ideas. Oh, yea, and didn’t the VV Bd. of Realtors also move to Cottonwood after unloading their Sedona property by getting paid a pretty penny or two from City Hall? And yet you claim you cannot afford to operate a legitimate city owned visitors center? The stench grows more putrid.
Eddie M. says:
The logical thing is to rent it out – bring in city revenue. Performing arts and entertainment rightfully should remain in the private sector to support privately owned facilities and withdraw from biting the hands of tax collecting businesses that feed city coffers The Sedona Hub
Look Cottonwood has a city event center they rent out\Community Events Hall: Total capacity of 260 people, catering kitchen, may be separated into three smaller rooms each with a sink and preparation area,
rooms available to rent
The Community Events Hall and Party Rooms are available to rent for banquets, receptions, seminars and classes. Please pick up a rental packet for more information and pricing.
If Sedona managed the hub if would be at least one and ½ city employees $100,000 a year and just like Cottonwood it can be rented out for parties and events.
Smart move by city
The Sedona Hub
Traffic: 14 months 5.2015 – 5.2016 the last 6 Months 1-6 2017
Total People: 4,856 2,629
pr month: 346 438
pr week 86 109
pr day 12 15
$pr head $5.78 $4.56
(Note: July and August the 2 street festivals brought in about 700 people)
Breakdown by Activity:
Public Performance (concerts, plays etc): 1,706
Classes/workshops: 1,537
Rehearsals: 523
Art Openings (w/performance): 265
Other: 825
(Meetings, gatherings, festivals, talks-discussion panels)
Staffing
$2,000 the City gets this available at the Hub:
• Staff available 24/7 day or night to work with people in the space, provide in-person/on the ground
support for events, and/or meet when it suits people’s schedules (including weekends, evenings)
• Personalized booking – working out the best way to meet individual event needs, planning advice,
finding additional performers if needed
• Assistance with or actually doing Special Event Permits
• A dedicated website with a calendar that is updated weekly (or more)
• Basic PR per event – to the papers and online including a FB Event and some posting in local FB
groups
• Poster design – used online and hard copy in the space
• Technical (light/sound) support if requested – equipment and operators
• All cleaning of the space
• Front garden beds taken care of
• Improvements, upkeep and additional items for use
• Free Community Arts festivals (3 so far)
• A venue that now has 100 chairs, 6 long tables, curtains both in theatre and the ‘Classroom’, a
‘stocked’ kitchen ready to use, a piano, and sound and lighting equipment.
Between all of us we probably put in 50 hours a week! (sometimes more and sometimes less in terms of
being with people.) Most of our events are in the evening and we usually have a presence. We do a lot of
weekend work with people.
The basic City pay is $20 an hour, not including weekend and evening hours
= $1,000 per week/$4,000 a month
The Hub is great idea and saves money for city just like cottonwood
ss
You are nuts!
Cottonwood doesn’t pay. You are really a big old jerk. Insane
Bullshxt
The following is an e-mail from Sedona City Manager Justin Clifford advising of a change of venue for the event planned by the democrats on November 8:
Subject: Re: USE OF THE HUB – CONSENT AGENDA
Good morning, Eddie. Just so you are aware, The HUB does occasionally rent the facility for events that still have a performing arts component. Evidently this event started with that intent. However, I learned that since they have moved more toward a private celebration and not an open event with performing arts, Kate has decided not to host the event at the HUB. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Kind Regards
Justin
If this city applied the money ($2.01 million) recently given to the regional chamber of commerce to promote the entire Verde Valley (including the Collective in the VOC) and spent in on a real “Sedona Visitor’s Center” they could also afford to operate what’s now call the HUB without paying Red Earth Theater to do so. And, yes, that would indeed qualify adequately as a legitimate return to the lodging council for agreeing to the .5% bed tax a few years back. It would be a win-win for incorporated Sedona but, of course, not to those Chamber members outside city limits.
No more cop outs – please – that are old, stale, boring and completely without merit. Cut to the chase and call it what it really is:
S C A M – to City of Sedona and State of Arizona.
SB 1487 – do the job which local officials apparently are incapable of performing because the best they produce is the constant “F” as in Failure to follow the rules of incorporated cities and towns.
Cottonwood also has many, many big box stores. How come you neglected to mention that, Steve Segner? And to my knowledge they do not give millions of $$$$ to their chamber of commerce. But, of course, they don’t claim to be the tourist town that Sedona is either. Your rambling (or the person that wrote it) makes no sense and once again you make irrelevant comparisons and spin them to suit your needs. And then you have the audacity to complain about competitive short term/vacation rentals that might give you a little unwanted competition? Hey, man, it happens on a daily basis to legitimate Sedona businesses and the competition stems from within the city itself. Something wrong with this scenario?
Cottonwood doesn’t pay. You are really a big old jerk. Insane
You are nuts!
Read my post. Cottonwood has paid city employees handle there facility rental
Sedona has a out side vender handle it for 1/2 the cost.
Please learn to read.
You know the city of Sedona is well run and you need to get over the Red earth thing,
ss
Great posting Eddie. It’s also nice to see that our new city manager listens to the public and is quick to reply to our concerns.
@Get Real
Cottonwood is good to look at. They are growing. Young families, good business in private sector. The city employees get paid significantly less than Sedona ones. They don’t allow outside residents to spend their money. They own their own library, airport, water company and fire. Their community area drives business into the city, and is a big money maker!!!! Unlike Sedona who owns natta and farms everything out. Lazy and not good at anything except spending money.
hahahaha funny Kate from Red Earth is now making policy. morons old farts
Sedona maybe considered a tourist town but when you really think about what attractions are within the city limits? Very few if any. Tourists can get everything they need outside the city limits.
The major attractions are outside the city limits. Pessimistic city, hit a homerun for those businesses outside the city limits. The incorporated city didn’t win the game.
There are so many negative comments… It looks like road rage on this thread.
I was having hard time finding people acrially on topic. It seems they used this article to post pent up frustrations from pervious actions in this city.
I found only a few posts on topic. It is frustrating to read viewpoints that do not stay on topic.
Since now I am off topic ,
Myself I will say goodnight
James
Wow I am sorry about the spelling. The auto fill is haywire
There are so many negative comments… It looks like road rage on this thread.
I was having hard time finding people actually on topic. It seems they used this article to post pent up frustrations from previous actions in this city.
I found only a few posts on topic. It is frustrating to read viewpoints that do not stay on topic.
Since now I am off topic ,
Myself I will say goodnight
James
Yes when one treats the residents as second class citizens, discredits residents, uses city coffers money to pay for special interests ADS (steve Suckner Jennifer WesselButt) Control city hall while the city manager defends such action has created a them against us. The council and managers have forgotten that they are there for the PEOPLE in the incorporated city limits and not their own county. Overpaid and pompous management. There be NO city if the PEOPLE didn’t vote it in. Why should those outside the city get MORE from the city then the residents? We didn’t move to a communist country didn’t know SEdona was a dictatorship.
Bottom line—— if the city treated the residents respectful and fair then they would get that in return. Meanwhile same old BS and the beat goes on.
Well….For anyone interested, please look at the front page of there RRN’s
You people that thing you can hide from the tax man, you were wrong again!
The beloved AirBB will collect tax for the State……Gee Im so surprised…
I should say I told you so…..but the ignorance is so over the top, I will let you hang yourself with your own rope……..Again!