5.05.020  It is unlawful for any business to operate if it is (1) physically located within the city limits, or (2) participating in a temporary special event, without first having procured a current business license from the city and complying with any and all regulations of such business specified in the Sedona City Code (SCC), Sedona Land Development Code (SLDC), and Arizona Revised Statutes except as exempted pursuant to SCC 5.05.025. Said compliance shall include but not be limited to compliance with any and all zoning ordinances and specified building uses. A business license is in addition to the privilege tax license required by Section 8-300 of the Sedona City Tax Code.

Businesses that are physically located outside of city limits shall not be required to obtain a license, except when participating in temporary special events within the city limits. Businesses that are physically located within the city limits are required to obtain a business license. If you have questions, please contact the City Clerk's Office at  928-203-5113 or businesslicense@sedonaaz.gov. 

“Business” means all activities or acts, personal or corporate, engaged in by any person or entity (or agent or employee of such person or entity) conducted for the purpose of apparent gain, benefit, or advantage, either direct or indirect, but not casual activities or sales. The term “business” shall include any trade, business, game, amusement, profession or occupation. [Ord. 2018-10 § 1, 10-23-2018 (Res. 2018-30 Exh. A, 10-23-2018). SSC 5.05.010].

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Business License Application, Forms, and Information

The business license process is now entirely online, and we will no longer be accepting paper copies.

Click HERE to access the 2024 Renewal form. Please note the annual renewal fee is $35 per calendar year.  You will receive an email notification to make payment online via credit/debit card or e-check after the review process is complete. Late fees will begin February 1, 2024, ($5 per month).

Reminder notifications were sent to the email on file on November 1, 2023. You can view your application status at any time at https://app.civicreview.com/lookup.

Click HERE to access the Business License Application. Please note the fee is $70 per calendar year, and this application should not be used for Short-Term Rentals. Please visit www.sedonaz.gov/STR for information on Short-Term Rental licensing requirements. 

Click HERE to access the Special Event Business License Application. Please note that the fee is $10, and applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. 3 days in advance of the event (we recommend you submit your application as soon as possible, to allow time for review). Click HERE for the Business License Application if you plan to participate in 7+ EVENTS PER CALENDAR YEAR.

Click HERE to access the Change of Information Form (used to update information including business name, dba, mailing or physical* address). *There is a $10 fee to update the physical address. Change in ownership or a new Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) number requires a new license.  

Additional Forms & Information:

Download information regarding Home Occupations. 

Download information regarding Mobile Food Vending (Food Trucks). 

How Business License Applications are Processed (47 business days)

1. Submit your completed application through one of the links above. Once approved the applicant may pay online via credit card or electronic check.

Start of the seven-day administrative review

2. Applications are reviewed for completeness, affidavit of legal presence, payment, supporting documentation, and signature. If applications are incomplete, missing documents, or payment not made, the application will be returned. If all items are complete, the application proceeds.

Start of the 40-day substantive review 

3. Applications are typically reviewed within 10 days after the administrative review and the Finance Department will verify that there are no outstanding issues with a prior year's business license or past due payments for sales tax, utility billing, or other services. If everything is in order, the application proceeds. 

4.  The Community Development Department reviews for compliance with all City Codes, Land Development Code; Building, Zoning, and any other applicable regulations. This review is typically completed within 20 days. The application then proceeds to the next step. 

5.  If an application is denied for any reason by either the Business License Division, the Finance Department, or Community Development Department the applicant will be notified via email with information about the denial. If the application is approved by all work units, the license/certificate will be issued. The applicant will be sent a notification email that they have been approved within the last 10 days of the substantive review process. The applicant may then print their certificate (paper certificates will not be mailed).

Transaction Privilege Tax

The Arizona Department of Revenue collects the city's Transaction Privilege Tax. Business owners use the Arizona Department of Revenue tax form and submit payments to that department.

Get your TPT license online at aztaxes.gov.

Sedona Business License Database

Download the most current list of business licenses here.   This table is updated periodically and information may lag a few months behind the current date; the information is subject to change. The table includes: License number, business name, DBA, location address and phone number. If you have questions contact the City Clerk's Office at  928-203-5113 or businesslicense@sedonaaz.gov.

Links to Other Resources

• Arizona Commerce Authority has a helpful online tool for sorting through the requirements to start, operate and grow a business. Visit azcommerce.com/smallbiz. The checklist tool will help you easily navigate information on what you need to know, who you need to contact and where you need to go to license your business. It also includes contact information for statewide resources and assistance to accelerate your business growth.

•  Model City Tax Code. The Model City Tax Code is a document managed by the Arizona Department of Revenue. It is designed to help business owners determine which items are taxed by each individual city and town, and which items are exempt from taxation.

• City of Sedona Business Checklist. 

Arizona Revised Statute § 9-495. Employees providing assistance; identification; communication; notice. In any written communication between a city or town and a person, the city or town shall provide the name, telephone number, and email address of the employee who is authorized and able to provide information about the communication if the communication does any of the following: 1. Demands payment of a tax, fee, penalty, fine or assessment; 2. Denies an application for a permit or license that is issued by the city or town; or 3. Requests corrections, revisions or additional information or materials needed for approval of any application for a permit, license or other authorization that is issued by the city or town. An employee who is authorized and able to provide information about any communication that described above shall reply within five (5) business days after the city or town receives that communication.