City Council Recap

Here’s a recap of recent City Council meetings and some decisions you might want to know about:

• On Feb. 14, 2023, City Council approved the zone change and option to purchase of 1294 and 1406 SR179 (North SR-179 Park & Ride Lot) which are currently being leased and used for the trailhead portion of the Sedona Shuttle routes to Cathedral Rock and Little Horse trailheads. The property was changed from Single-Family Residential zoning to Community Facilities. The exact purchase price will depend on the current fair market value determined by an appraiser and be a value that is acceptable to both parties. The purchase agreement will be brought to Council for potential approval at a future date.  
• On Feb. 14, 2023, City Council heard information from Arizona Game and Fish on the potential for a wildlife feeding ordinance in order to prohibit individuals from feeding certain wildlife in the City. City Council asked the City’s Legal Department to bring a draft ordinance for consideration at a future date.
• On Feb. 14, 2023, City Council heard an update on proposed State legislation, including:
  • Senate Bill (SB) 1100, a bill that proposes to increase weight limits on off-highway vehicles. City Council directed staff to not support this bill as it moves through the legislative process.
  • SB 1117, a bill that proposes legislation that would limit local government’s review authority on zoning and housing developments. City Council directed staff to not support this bill as it moves through the legislative process, because we want to preserve local authority in land use and continue to give our residents the opportunity to have a say in what happens with land use in our community.
• On Feb. 28, 2023, City Council heard an update on House Bill (HB) 2044, legislation that Representative Selina Bliss introduced on behalf of the City of Sedona to allow communities under 10,000 in population the flexibility to send approval of their Community Plan to the voters. Because the City’s population fell beneath 10,000 residents in the last census, it is against state law to send the Community Plan to the voters for approval. If passed, this bill would enable the City to seek voter approval of the upcoming Community Plan like we have in the past. HB 2044 has moved out of the full House and will now move to the Senate for consideration.
• On Feb. 28, 2023, City Council heard from staff about how HB 2047 has not moved forward through the legislative process. This bill would provide smaller, rural communities the authority to regulate the number of short-term rentals within their community. The legislation would also allow the local community to set their own limit based on their unique needs. While the hearing was being scheduled, opposition from the Arizona Association Of Realtors has stalled movement of the legislation. City Council and staff continue to work with the City’s legislative advocate to make progress on this important legislation.

Did You Know?

…that the city of Sedona recently made changes to its Down Payment Assistance Programs and Rent Local Programs with the hope of attracting more participants to both programs? First, the Down Payment Assistance Programs now offer up to $40,000 for down-payment and closing cost assistance instead of the original $25,000. This program, managed by Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona, provides all Sedona workers help with their down payment for a home purchase in the Verde Valley. Second, the Rent Local Program was amended so that now applicants must only refrain from short-term renting for one year instead of three. This program pays homeowners up to $10,000 per year to convert their short-term rental into a long-term rental.

Other News

Don’t miss these other announcements:

• The City invites 501(c) organizations to apply for city grants! Applications are due by noon on Thursday, April 27th. An optional applicant workshop will be held on Wednesday, March 8th, from 9 to 11 a.m.
• Through March 10th, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department invites Sedona’s youth to register for the spring season of Beginners Edge Sports Training, or B.E.S.T. Spring sports offerings include: a Basketball Clinic, Soccer Clinic, Football Clinic, as well as a special 4-Sport Multi-Sport Clinic where participants will learn skills in soccer, baseball, basketball and track and field. For more information and to register, click here!
• The City encourages all residents to read the 2022 Community Report and watch the annual State of the City video! Watch the video and read the report here.
• On March 1st, the City is adding a third park and ride location at 905 Upper Red Rock Loop Rd. to serve the trailhead route portion of the Sedona Shuttle. The new lot at the intersection of 89A and Red Rock Loop Road will offer free parking and free shuttle service to the Dry Creek Vista and Mescal trailheads. Additionally, between March 1st and April 17th, the Sedona Shuttle will operate seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• On Saturday, March 18th at 10:30 a.m. in Uptown, the annual St. Patrick’s Parade returns! The date to sign up to be a vendor in the parade was extended to March 5th. We’ll see you there!

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