BZA recommends approval for backyard sports court at 8282 Morningcrest Court

The St. John Board of Zoning Appeals voted 3-0 to recommend that the Town Council grant a special exception allowing a sports court and permanent basketball hoop at 8282 Morningcrest Court.

Petitioners sought the special exception after installing a concrete pad and a permanent basketball hoop in the backyard that, under the town's zoning rules, converts the pad into a regulated “sports court.” The board’s favorable recommendation will be forwarded to the Town Council for final action.

The petitioner’s representative told the board the homeowners installed a concrete pad and permanent basketball hoop and want to use the space for both pickleball and basketball. “My folks are both athletic. They love to be active, and they've set this up for both the pickleball court as well as they would like the opportunity to put a basketball court there as well,” the petitioner said. The representative said no variances for lighting or other site features were being requested and submitted photos showing similar backyard courts in the neighborhood.

Board members conducted a public hearing, received no public comments, and discussed the criteria the board must apply when recommending special exemptions. After deliberation the board made a motion for a favorable recommendation; the motion carried by a 3-0 vote. The board chair explained the recommendation would be forwarded to the Town Council, which has authority to approve or deny the special exception.

The petition record and photographs were made part of the application packet; the petitioner indicated the court would remain subject to the applicable time and duration limits the town imposes on special exemptions. The Town Council will receive the board’s recommendation and any additional materials before making a final determination.