Fact: Short-term vacation rentals will soon be allowed in Sedona.

Myth: There will be no regulations associated with this practice.

On May 12, Gov. Doug Ducey signed Senate Bill 1350 into law. Because Sedona’s ban on short-term rentals is no longer valid, the city is developing policies around areas like licensing, registration of an emergency contact and collection of taxes on properties permitted to operate under the provisions of the law.

On Tuesday, Oct. 11, the Sedona City Council will see a proposed ordinance that better defines what the city is allowed to require of those seeking to rent their homes on a short-term basis. The meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m. in council chambers. However, there are two items ahead of it on the agenda that are scheduled for a total of two hours.

“In an effort to ensure a smooth and seamless transition when SB 1350 goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2017, we are recommending a revised ordinance be adopted by Council so that all interested parties will know what is expected of property owners planning to engage in short term vacation rental activity,” City Attorney Robert Pickels said.

Since 1995, the city of Sedona has, by ordinance, prohibited the rental of residential properties for less than 30 days. In 2008, Chapter 5 of the Sedona City Code was amended to proscribe and identify penalties for various activities related to the rental of residential properties for less than 30 days.

The proposed ordinance includes detailed definitions of what a vacation rental or short-term rental means as well as transient lodging. It also addresses the city’s requirement to have contact information on file of those who choose to rent their homes.

A portion of the proposed ordinance states that the “city of Sedona is committed to maintaining its small-town character, scenic beauty and natural resources that are the foundation of its economic strength and quality of life. The purpose of this chapter is to safeguard the public health and safety of the residents of Sedona and their visitors and guests while preserving the residential character of neighborhoods, minimizing nuisance and providing equity with other residential and commercial uses.”

“The biggest concern I have is, as we adapt to what the law now mandates, the community doesn’t understand it,” Pickels said in a recent interview with the Sedona Red Rock News. “They don’t have unfettered use of all properties as a result of what this law changes. We still have the authority to regulate activities within certain zoning districts. That hasn’t changed at all.

“There’s a misperception by a lot of people in the community that it’s a free-for-all and they can do whatever they want with their properties and the city can’t do anything to regulate it. That’s just false.”