Sedona, Arizona Drone Laws

Overview

Sedona is located in Arizona. Drone operations are governed by federal FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107) and may be subject to state and local ordinances.

State Regulations & Statutes

Arizona law under A.R.S. § 13-3729 governs unmanned aircraft systems statewide. Arizona generally preempts local regulation of drone flight paths and altitudes, but municipalities retain authority to regulate takeoff and landing on city-owned property. Sedona has enacted its own local ordinances (Sedona City Code § 10-5) that significantly restrict drone operations in the city's parks and scenic areas. The stunning Red Rock Country surrounding Sedona falls within Coconino and Yavapai National Forests, where USFS commercial use permits are required. Red Rock State Park (Arizona State Parks) prohibits drone operations without a special use permit. Sedona Airport (KSEZ) sits atop Airport Mesa at 4,827 ft MSL and creates a critical airspace concern — the airport mesa is one of the most photographed drone locations in Sedona yet flying near it requires LAANC authorization. Commercial operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• A.R.S. § 13-3729 — Arizona UAS statutes; state preempts local regulation of flight paths but cities may regulate takeoff/landing on city property
• Sedona City Code § 10-5 — City ordinance restricts drone operations in City parks and public spaces; permit required for commercial filming
• Coconino National Forest — USFS commercial use permit required; recreational flyers must follow 14 CFR Part 101
• Red Rock State Park — Arizona State Parks: drone operations prohibited without special use permit; apply through azstateparks.com
• Slide Rock State Park — Arizona State Parks: same prohibition as Red Rock State Park
• 14 CFR § 91.130 — LAANC authorization required near Sedona Airport (KSEZ) Class D airspace
• 14 CFR Part 107 — Remote Pilot Certificate required for any commercial drone operation

Permits & Registration

Commercial operators require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. USFS commercial use permit required for any commercial photography or filming in Coconino or Prescott National Forests — contact Sedona Red Rock Ranger District at (928) 203-2900. Arizona State Parks special use permit required for Red Rock and Slide Rock State Parks — apply at azstateparks.com. City of Sedona requires a special event or commercial filming permit for drone operations on City-owned property — contact Sedona Recreation Division at (928) 282-7098. LAANC authorization required for KSEZ airspace via FAA DroneZone or approved apps (AirMap, Kittyhawk).

Official Statute Links

• https://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/03729.htm
• https://www.sedonaaz.gov/city-services/parks-recreation
• https://www.fs.usda.gov/coconino
• https://azstateparks.com/red-rock/
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/

Local Ordinances

Sedona is one of the most drone-regulated small cities in Arizona due to the extreme visitor pressure on its scenic landscapes. Sedona City Code § 10-5 prohibits drone launches and landings in all City parks and recreational areas without advance written permission. The City actively enforces these rules and has partnered with the USFS Sedona Red Rock Ranger District on joint enforcement. Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and other iconic formations sit primarily on National Forest land with their own restrictions. Commercial filming — including drone photography — in the City of Sedona requires a City filming permit. The combination of city ordinances, USFS regulations, and KSEZ airspace makes Sedona one of the most complex drone environments in Arizona.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• Sedona City Code § 10-5 — drones prohibited in all City parks without written permit from Recreation Division
• Cathedral Rock — Coconino National Forest: USFS commercial permit required; popular but legally complex for drone work
• Bell Rock / Courthouse Butte Loop — Coconino National Forest: USFS commercial permit required
• Airport Mesa — within KSEZ Class D airspace; LAANC authorization required before any flight
• Red Rock State Park — AZ State Parks: drones prohibited without special use permit
• Slide Rock State Park — AZ State Parks: drones prohibited without special use permit
• Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village — private property; drone flights prohibited without owner authorization
• Oak Creek Canyon — USFS land: commercial permit required; sensitive riparian habitat area

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: Sedona Recreation Division — (928) 282-7098, sedonaaz.gov/city-services/parks-recreation

Nearby Airports & Airspace

Airspace restrictions apply near airports. Always check B4UFLY and LAANC before flying.

Local Flying Guide

Always verify conditions with local authorities and property owners before flight.

Potential Safe Flying Locations

• Private property with owner permission outside KSEZ airspace and outside National Forest — very limited in the Sedona area; always verify B4UFLY
• Cornville/Page Springs area (~10 mi southwest, outside Class D, outside NF — verify private land access)
• Verde Valley open agricultural land near Cottonwood (~18 mi southwest — outside Sedona restrictions; check KCTW Class G)

Areas to Avoid

• Cathedral Rock — USFS Coconino National Forest: commercial permit required; one of the most enforcement-active areas
• Bell Rock — USFS Coconino National Forest: commercial permit required
• Airport Mesa — within KSEZ Class D airspace: LAANC required, popular drone spot but legally requires authorization
• Red Rock State Park — AZ State Parks: drones prohibited without special use permit
• Slide Rock State Park — AZ State Parks: drones prohibited without special use permit
• All Sedona City parks — City Code § 10-5: drones prohibited without permit
• Oak Creek Canyon — USFS: commercial permit required; very narrow canyon with helicopter tour traffic

Weather Considerations

Sedona sits at approximately 4,350 ft elevation in a red rock canyon environment. Thermals are extremely active during spring and summer afternoons as the red sandstone absorbs intense solar radiation — these can cause unpredictable drone behavior. Spring winds (March–May) can gust 30–45 mph especially across exposed mesas. Afternoon monsoon thunderstorms arrive July–September. Winter brings mild, calm flying conditions with dramatically beautiful light on the red rocks. Check NWS Flagstaff (weather.gov/fgz) for Sedona-area forecasts.

Seasonal Tips

BEST: November–February — low winds, mild temperatures, spectacular golden light on red rocks, fewer crowds. October is excellent with fall colors in Oak Creek Canyon. AVOID: July–September monsoon afternoons (thunderstorms can develop very rapidly in the canyon environment). AVOID: March–May high wind events. Spring and fall mornings before 10 AM are the best light and calmest conditions.

Compliance Checklist

• ✓ Federal FAA Part 107 or recreational exemption
• ✓ Arizona state regulations
• ✓ Sedona local ordinances
• ✓ B4UFLY airspace check
• ✓ LAANC authorization if in controlled airspace
• ✓ Property owner permission
• ✓ Weather safety