Sedona Council to Revisit Short-Term Rental Rules Amid Ongoing Housing Strain:

Investigative | Community News By Nick Falsetto

Sedona City Council will once again consider changes to its short-term rental ordinance during its October 14 meeting, marking the second round of revisions to Chapter 5.25 of the city code this year. The new item, listed as AB 3258, proposes amendments to Sections 5.25.030 and 5.25.110, which regulate operating requirements and penalties for license suspension or revocation.

The move comes only months after the city’s last updates to the same ordinance, a sign that enforcement challenges and public frustration have not eased. Council members are expected to review the changes in regular session following several executive and consent items. According to the agenda, the proposed ordinance amendment is open for discussion and possible action, meaning the council could vote on the measure the same night.

Short-term rentals remain one of the most divisive issues in Sedona. Residents have voiced repeated concerns about the loss of long-term housing, neighborhood disruption, and a widening gap between wages and local rents. Although state law limits how much control cities can exercise over these properties, Sedona’s ordinance attempts to strengthen local oversight through permits, penalties, and compliance checks.

Sections 5.25.030 and 5.25.110 are key to that framework. They establish the basic operating standards for license holders and outline how and when the city may suspend or revoke a license for violations. Even modest changes to these sections can have real consequences for property owners, neighbors, and enforcement staff. Council discussion is expected to center on how best to balance enforcement consistency with legal constraints.

The council’s latest action reflects a continuing struggle to maintain livability for residents while navigating the state’s preemption of local short-term rental restrictions. City officials have previously described enforcement as an ongoing process that requires both fine-tuning and sustained public input. Many locals say those adjustments cannot come soon enough.

With Sedona’s housing shortage worsening and colder months approaching, pressure is mounting for stronger regulation and meaningful progress. Public comment is expected to be robust, and several residents are already planning to address council during the open forum. The outcome of Tuesday’s meeting could set the tone for how Sedona handles short-term rentals heading into 2026.

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