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Commissioners back higher lighting levels for Feather Smash outdoor courts; recommend council review
Summary
The commission unanimously recommended an alternate lighting standard allowing up to 53 foot-candles for new outdoor courts at Feather Smash, citing industry guidance and staff measurements; the City Council will hold a final hearing Oct. 6, 2025.
The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted Oct. 1 to recommend that the City Council approve an alternate lighting standard for outdoor courts at Feather Smash on Vista Ridge Mall Drive, allowing light levels above the city's usual 20 foot-candle maximum for commercial uses.
The staff presentation described the request (Case No. 25-08-12-alternate standards) as an application by Saurabh Shah, P.E., of AARI Engineering LLC on behalf of Feather Smash LLC for outdoor courts on about a 1.1-acre tract. The applicant asked for authority to install lights up to 53 foot-candles, the level recommended by the USA Pickleball Association; staff noted the photometric sheets supplied by the applicant showed maximum on-field readings up to about 47 foot-candles.
Richard (planning staff) said the Unified Development Code currently caps commercial lighting at 20 foot-candles and lacks specific language for outdoor court lighting. He told commissioners his office asked Parks and Recreation to measure existing outdoor courts and found a highest reading of 49 foot-candles at a comparable facility.
When asked about glare and reflectivity, staff said the code does not include reflectivity language but does limit light at property lines next to single-family residential uses — and this project is not adjacent to single-family homes. “The highest it is at the property line is 0.9, but by the time it actually gets to pavement, it's 0.2, point 0.4,” Richard said, describing the photometric spread and noting fixtures concentrate light on the playing surfaces. Staff also reported operating hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. for the courts.
Commissioners discussed dark-sky considerations and fixture shielding; staff said Louisville uses directed and shielded fixtures as part of its lighting approach but that full dark-sky certification would be difficult to meet. Commissioner John (questioning) asked whether the lights would blind drivers on Vista Ridge Mall Drive; staff responded that the photometrics indicate concentrated light on the courts and low spill at the property line.
A motion to approve the alternate standard as presented carried 7-0 (motion by Commissioner Rick; second by Commissioner Josh). The Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council, which will hold a final public hearing on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, at 7 p.m.
