Development in the Wildland-Urban Interface and the role Community Risk Reduction plays in building safety.

Serving as the Fire Marshal, the Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction (CRR) advises the SFD Governing Board on the promulgation of a fire code and is responsible for enforcing that code.  In addition to the fire code, the District follows a group of nationally recognized standards, mainly from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which have been approved by the Arizona State Fire Marshal’s Office and adopted by the District.  These codes and standards, including the Wildland-Urban Interface Code, apply to all new and existing buildings, all remodels and improvements, and all new subdivisions.

The Fire Marshal also oversees hazardous and potentially hazardous activities within the District and issues required permits for activities such as open burning, blasting, materials storage and handling, the use of flammable and combustible products, and special events.  See the related policies and guidelines below. 

  • Smoke from a wildfire east of Sedona.
  • Wildfire burns in a California neighborhood.
  • National Fire Protection Agency logo
Firefighter conducting roadside burnout to contain wildfire

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)

Among the codes and standards under the purview SFD’s Fire Marshal is the Wildland-Urban Interface, or WUI.

Use the Wildland Urban Interface Parcel Search to review whether a specific address or parcel lies within the Sedona Fire District or the Wildland Urban Interface.

The Sedona Fire District Adopted the 2018 International Wildland Urban Interface Code on November 16, 2021 through Sedona Fire District Resolution No. 2021-05 and SFD 2018 Wildland-Urban Interface Amendments.

The base 2018 International Wildland Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) is available for viewing or purchase on the International Code Council’s Website.***Please note: You will need to reference the adopted amendments document for the specific changes to the Base 2018 IWUIC***

Helpful websites and SFD Policies regarding WUI:
Building in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)
Alterations & Additions to Structures in WUI
Wildland Urban Interface Parcel Search
Sedona Fire District Resolution No. 2021-05 
SFD 2018 Wildland-Urban Interface Amendments
International Code Council’s Website

SFD can help you and your neighbors become Firewise, a national program to help homeowners and communities protect their home and property in the event of a wildfire by reducing combustible foliage and creating a barrier around homes and other structures.  To learn more about Firewise, visit Firewise USA.  To schedule a Firewise inspection for your home or community, email CRR@sedonafire.org.

Girder delivery

Plans Review & Permitting

All additions and new construction must go through a permitting and review process to ensure that your plans and fire system meet SFD’s adopted fire code.

**SFD uses Electronic Submittals –   Please submit all Plans and Supporting documents online as a PDF File to crr@sedonafire.org.  Plans may be submitted as a .zip file or through DropBox if they are too large for an email. **

The Sedona Fire District Adopted the 2018 International Wildland Urban Interface Code on November 16, 2021 through Sedona Fire District Resolution No. 2021-05 and SFD 2018 Wildland-Urban Interface Amendments.

Use this Wildland Urban Interface Parcel Search web app to review whether a specific address or parcel lies within the Sedona Fire District or the Wildland Urban Interface.

The base 2018 International Wildland Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) is available for viewing or purchase on the International Code Council’s Website.
***Please note: You will need to reference the adopted amendments document for the specific changes to the Base 2018 IWUIC***

Click to view or download a current Fee Schedule.

National Fire Protection Agency logo

Policies

The SFD Fire Marshal has prepared Policies, Restrictions, and Guidelines to explain applicable codes and standards.

The Fire Marshal also oversees hazardous and potentially hazardous activities within the District and issues required permits for activities such as open burning, blasting, materials storage and handling, the use of flammable and combustible products, and special events.  See the related policies and guidelines below. 

Please note that permits and applications associated with policies and standards must be submitted prior to beginning work on your project or event.  See the Fees Schedule and link to Permit Forms & Applications here.

Fire engine pumping water from a pool.

ISO Rating

Your ISO rating depends on your location within the Sedona Fire District.

The national Insurance Service Organization (ISO) collects information on municipal fire-protection efforts in communities throughout the U.S.  For each community, ISO analyzes relevant data and assigns a Public Protection Classification from 1 to 10. Class 1 generally represents superior property-fire protection; Class 10 indicates that the area’s fire-suppression program doesn’t meet ISO’s minimum criteria.  The program provides an objective, countrywide standard that helps fire departments like SFD plan and budget for facilities, equipment, and training.

ISO classification is based on location.  As of June 1, 2016, properties within the Sedona Fire District are rated as Class 3, unless they are located more than five (5) and less than seven (7) road miles from a staffed fire station, in which case the fire-protection rating is Class 10W.  The “W” distinction means the 10W risk (or property) is within 1,000 feet of a creditable water supply*  Creditable water supplies include fire protection systems using hauled water, a capability of SFD.

For properties located seven (7) or more road miles from a staffed fire station, the fire-protection rating is Class 10. Click here to see the addresses of SFD staffed fire stations.

*A creditable water supply is defined as one or both of the following:

  1. A water system capable of delivering 250 gpm or more for a period of 2 hours plus consumption at the maximum daily rate at a fire location.
  2. Fire department supply capable of delivering 250 gpm or more for a period of 2 hours at a fire location beginning within 5 minutes of arrival of the first-due engine.

Sedona Fire District is generally capable of meeting criteria #2 above at all addresses within 7 road miles of a staffed fire station. Special conditions may exist due to traffic, weather, call volume, or other unforeseen circumstances which could delay water delivery.

Policies, Restrictions, and Guidelines

Facilities Requirements and Access

Fire Life Safety Systems

Development & Construction FAQs

This process applies to new developments and subdivisions, fire hydrant and water distribution systems, water supplies, as well as commercial and residential construction. You must also submit plans for remodels and improvements. SFD has a fire sprinkler requirement for residential properties based on various conditions. Please contact Community Risk Reduction at (928) 282-6800 or email crr@sedonafire.org for clarification.

All engineering associated with fire detection and suppression systems is reviewed for compliance. Civil engineering plans are reviewed for fire-apparatus access issues concerning grades, roads, security gates, water crossings and bridges. Community Risk Reduction works with three building departments — Coconino and Yavapai Counties and the City of Sedona — during the plan review process because of the unique overlapping of jurisdictions within SFD boundaries.

 Community Risk Reduction provides fire code consultation to architects, developers, and homeowners concerning fire code requirements through the development review processes of both the city and counties that it serves. Preliminary plan review for any size project is available upon request. Contact us at (928) 282-6800 or email crr@sedonafire.org to discuss your project.

Visit the Forms & Applications link from the main menu.

SFD has adopted the International Fire Code, 2012 edition, and the International Urban-Wildland Interface Code, 2018 edition,
with 2012 IFC Amendments as approved by the Arizona State Fire Marshal’s Office.