SEDONA — The Sedona City Council on Dec. 9, 2025, denied a request to rezone two properties to allow multifamily housing, according to a city staff report and meeting record.
The request, titled the Rigby-Madole Multifamily Zone Change, sought to rezone approximately 9.5 acres located at 50 Tranquil Ave. and 80 Rigby Road from RMH (Residential Multi-Family High Density/Manufactured Home) to RM-3 (Residential Multi-Family).
The change would increase allowed density from four dwelling units per acre to 20 dwelling units per acre.
The City of Sedona Planning and Zoning Commission previously voted to recommend denial of the rezoning request. The City Council considered the application and voted to deny the zone change.
City staff said it recommended denying the project because it did not follow city rules and did not align with Sedona’s long-term plans for development, transportation, walking and biking paths, climate goals, or zoning standards.
The proposal also failed to meet the basic requirements needed for approval, as explained in the staff report and supporting documents.
The denial means the properties will retain their existing zoning designation, and the proposed multifamily development will not proceed under the requested zoning change.
Public Comments
Some Sedona residents opposed the rezoning, citing traffic congestion, insufficient septic service for higher-density development, and concerns that low-income apartments would detract from the character of existing homes.
“There is a reason that the history of the property was only to allow 40 units. And being that it is zoned for manufactured homes will allow for middle- to low-income to participate. 40 units on 10 acres is a reasonable request,” one resident wrote.
Others were more open to the idea.
“I strongly support adding low-cost housing for Sedona business employees, who currently live outside the city (Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Cornville) in order to find affordable housing,” a resident commented.
Future proposals need to address staff and council concerns
Any future proposal would need to address staff and council concerns, including traffic, septic capacity, and consistency with Sedona’s Community Plan, before it could be considered again.
