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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Sedona
A building permit is required whenever building permit is required under Sedona City Code Article 15. The city provides separate permit packets for different project types.
Detached sheds, playhouses, and similar buildings only if the projected roof area is 120 square feet or less, not more than 7 feet high at the highest point, and has no electrical or plumbing installations
Freestanding fences and walls not supporting a structure, not over 30 inches high, and not in flood hazard areas
Retaining walls not over 30 inches high unless supporting a surcharge or certain liquids
Very small above-grade prefabricated pools less than 18 inches deep and less than 8 feet in all dimensions
Swings and other playground equipment
- Exempt Detached sheds, playhouses, and similar buildings only if the projected roof area is 120 square feet or less, not more than 7 feet high at the highest point, and has no electrical or plumbing installations
- Exempt Freestanding fences and walls not supporting a structure, not over 30 inches high, and not in flood hazard areas
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 30 inches high unless supporting a surcharge or certain liquids
- Exempt Very small above-grade prefabricated pools less than 18 inches deep and less than 8 feet in all dimensions
- Exempt Swings and other playground equipment
Note: CRITICAL: Sedona's exemptions are NARROWER than many Arizona jurisdictions. The city deleted the usual shade-cloth exemption and set much lower no-permit thresholds for fences and retaining walls. Always verify with the city before assuming any exemption applies.
Required documents
- Completed permit application specific to project type
- Construction plans and drawings
- Site plan
- Engineering specifications as required
- Building code
- 2018 IBC, IRC, IPC, IECC, IMC, IEBC, IFGC, ISPSC, and 2017 NEC, adopted September 24, 2019, effective October 25, 2019
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold appropriate state licenses and comply with city requirements
Source: City of Sedona Community Development / Building Safety ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by project type; plans processed first come, first served
- 01 Review the permit packet appropriate for your project type (remodels, additions, single-family homes, duplexes, commercial, demolition, pools, solar, fences, signs, tenant improvements)
- 02 Complete the permit application and gather supporting documents
- 03 Submit plans and applications through the city's permit system
- 04 City staff processes applications first come, first served
- 05 Pay application and permit fees
- 06 Respond to any correction comments and resubmit if required
- 07 Receive permit approval and commence work
Typical processing time: Varies by project type; plans processed first come, first served
Source: City of Sedona Community Development / Building Safety ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Sedona building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based under Sedona City Code 15.05.060
Additional fees may include development impact, wastewater, grading, and drainage basin fees
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Online permit system (online)
- Construction Inspection Hotline: 928-282-3268 (phone)
Source: City of Sedona Community Development / Building Safety ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Sedona permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Sedona, AZ? ▸
A building permit is required whenever building permit is required under Sedona City Code Article 15. The city provides separate permit packets for different project types.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Sedona, AZ? ▸
Building permit fees in Sedona, AZ are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based under Sedona City Code 15.05.060.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Sedona, AZ? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Sedona, AZ, follow these steps: 1. Review the permit packet appropriate for your project type (remodels, additions, single-family homes, duplexes, commercial, demolition, pools, solar, fences, signs, tenant improvements) 2. Complete the permit application and gather supporting documents 3. Submit plans and applications through the city's permit system 4. City staff processes applications first come, first served 5. Pay application and permit fees 6. Respond to any correction comments and resubmit if required 7. Receive permit approval and commence work
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Sedona, AZ? ▸
Building permit processing times in Sedona, AZ typically run Varies by project type; plans processed first come, first served. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Sedona, AZ? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Sedona, AZ. The following work is generally exempt: Detached sheds, playhouses, and similar buildings only if the projected roof area is 120 square feet or less, not more than 7 feet high at the highest point, and has no electrical or plumbing installations; Freestanding fences and walls not supporting a structure, not over 30 inches high, and not in flood hazard areas; Retaining walls not over 30 inches high unless supporting a surcharge or certain liquids; Very small above-grade prefabricated pools less than 18 inches deep and less than 8 feet in all dimensions; Swings and other playground equipment. Note: CRITICAL: Sedona's exemptions are NARROWER than many Arizona jurisdictions. The city deleted the usual shade-cloth exemption and set much lower no-permit thresholds for fences and retaining walls. Always verify with the city before assuming any exemption applies. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Sedona, AZ? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Sedona, AZ via: Online permit system, Construction Inspection Hotline: 928-282-3268.
last verified April 2026
source City of Sedona Community Development / Building Safety ↗
entry id permits/arizona/coconino/sedona
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Sedona Community Development / Building Safety before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.