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Neighbors, players clash over Bobby Riggs pickleball courts; code compliance cites noise violations
Summary
Dozens of residents and players packed the Jan. 22 Encinitas City Council meeting to air complaints and support for Bobby Riggs Racket & Paddle. Code compliance has found violations of the city's noise ordinance; staff said it is working with the operator, who must update permitting for pickleball operations.
A large crowd of residents and pickleball players packed the Jan. 22 Encinitas City Council meeting to air months of disputes over the Bobby Riggs Racket & Paddle facility in Leucadia. Speakers included neighbors who complained about sustained noise, late‑night shouting and parking impacts on adjacent streets, and players and community groups who said the facility is an inclusive community hub that provides exercise, social connection and fundraising space for local nonprofits.
Staff and code‑compliance update: City staff said that following complaints, code‑compliance officers investigated and found that the facility violated the city's noise ordinance. City staff told council that violations and warning notices had been issued and that the operator, Mr. Steve Dawson, has been asked to update his operating permits and meet with staff to identify solutions. Staff said they will work with neighbors and the operator to pursue options including permitting updates, sound‑mitigation measures and parking management.
What residents said: Neighbors described sustained court noise — paddle impacts, shouting and amplified music — occurring nearly every day from early morning through evening, and said unpermitted parking on nearby residential streets impeded emergency‑vehicle access at times. Several neighbors asked the council to direct staff to require sound mitigation and to ensure enforcement of parking restrictions.
What players and community groups said: Dozens of players and event organizers described the facility as a regional draw and a community asset. They said the club promotes exercise, mental health and social connection for residents across age groups, raises funds for charities and supports small businesses. Players said they are willing to help pay for mitigation efforts and to partner with the city on parking and traffic solutions.
Council and staff next steps: City manager's staff recommended working directly with the facility owner to update permits and plan sound‑mitigation and parking management solutions. No formal council action was taken; staff said they will continue enforcement of the municipal code and pursue a permit update with the operator.
Why it matters: The dispute highlights common tensions between a successful private sporting facility that draws regional visitors and immediate residential neighbors concerned about quality of life, noise and safety. The case also shows how code enforcement and permitting are the city’s principal tools for resolving such conflicts.
What's next: Staff will continue enforcement and meet with the operator and neighbors to identify mitigation measures and update permitting as needed; council asked staff to keep the issue on the radar and report back with proposed solutions.
