Board Deliberates Variance for Pickleball Court Amid Neighbor Concerns in District 1

A contentious debate over a residential pickleball court took center stage at the Maricopa County Board of Adjustment meeting, as neighbors clashed over noise and property boundaries. The board discussed a variance request from homeowner Mr. Wylie, who built a sports court without a permit, prompting concerns from his neighbor about noise and stray balls entering their property.

The neighbor expressed frustration, stating, "It's not about who you are and your intentions. It's about the proximity of the court itself." He recounted an incident where balls ended up in his pool shortly after the Wylies moved in, highlighting the immediate impact of the court on his enjoyment of his property.

In response, Mr. Wylie acknowledged the issue, offering to remove the basketball court and adjust the netting to better contain the balls. He emphasized that the pickleball court was a key reason for purchasing the home, indicating a desire to find a compromise.

Board members expressed concern about the ongoing conflict, with one member suggesting a postponement to allow both parties to negotiate a resolution. "I’d like to see you work this out," he urged, recognizing the potential for ongoing neighborly disputes if the issues remain unresolved.

The board ultimately leaned towards continuing the discussion, aiming to facilitate a solution that respects both the Wylies' interests and the neighbor's concerns. The next steps will involve further dialogue between the parties, with the hope of reaching a mutually agreeable outcome before any final decisions on the variance are made.