Those wishing to do business within city of Sedona parks have to now remember one thing — get permission or risk being fined.

The Sedona City Council unanimously voted on Tuesday, June 14, to change an ordinance within the city code regarding vendors operating without permission in city parks. The more inclusive code will allow staff to better monitor and operate the parks and city facilities.

“This problem is not running rampant in the parks so don’t worry,” Parks and Recreation Manager Rachel Murdoch said. “But our rule was very vague. So we want to change the language to give us a little more backing when people are trying to do business in the park. This makes it very clear they need to get our permission to do so.”

The city’s current code states, “Commercial distribution or sales of food, beverages or any other item is prohibited at parks and recreation facilities, unless written authorization is
obtained from the parks and recreation department.”

Murdoch said this rule is no longer adequate to manage current situations within the parks. Individuals and businesses frequently request to teach classes in the parks. Examples are tennis lessons, yoga classes and fitness classes. Presently, staff tells them that, if they are collecting a fee or running a business, they are not allowed to teach on city property [without city consent].

Revision to city code will more clearly define what is allowed and what is not allowed in regard to concessionaires, instructors and selling in general, Murdoch said. The revised code will now read:

“No person may use a city park or recreation facility, including but not limited to tennis courts, bike skills park, fields or swimming pool, for the purpose of giving a lesson or hosting a program for compensation or fees of any sort, except when lessons or programs are offered as part of a recreation program sponsored by the city or when offered by a concessionaire who has been permitted by the city manager or his/her designee. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in a commercial sales activity in a public park without first obtaining approval by the city. ‘Commercial sales activity’ means the displaying for sale, selling, vending, peddling or transfer of possession or ownership of an item or food sales for a price or for a stated minimum donation.”