Planning commission approves Racket Club Phase 2 with fence, monitoring and lighting conditions after noise complaints

The Murfreesboro Planning Commission on May 21 approved the site plan for Racket Club Lot 1 Phase 2, allowing the existing conversion of courts at River Rock Boulevard to remain as 11 outdoor pickleball courts plus four indoor courts, subject to conditions aimed at limiting noise and light impacts on adjacent housing.

The approval came after a resident, Amanda Stone of Riverchase Townhomes, told the commission she lives “literally 25 feet” from the courts and described tournaments, loudspeakers and extended hours that she said had driven her from her home. The commission and planning staff heard questions from multiple commissioners about lighting, buffering and the prospect of amplified sound.

Staff presentation and applicant response: Planning staff said phase 1 of the development previously approved other elements of the site and that some work on the courts had been done before final site-plan approvals were complete. City staff said the photometric plan now submitted meets the city standard of no more than 0.5 foot-candle at the property line but asked to review the photometric inputs (fixture specs, mounting heights, aim/cutoff) as a condition of approval. Staff also told the commission that lights on the courts must remain off until the photometric inputs are reviewed and approved.

Developer representatives said they had repaired courts and regraded areas after storm damage, that some original lights had been replaced, and that the additional courts occupy less area than the prior tennis layout. The applicant confirmed they could provide the Type D buffer the staff report calls for (three rows of evergreen plantings and a privacy fence) and said they had coordinated with waste haulers and others about site access and operations.

Concerns and conditions: Commissioners expressed concern about amplified sound (PA systems), tournament noise levels and spill light. After discussion, the commission approved the site plan subject to standard staff conditions and the following additional requirements: the developer must install an 8-foot solid (privacy) fence along the Phase 2 northern property line abutting residences, the developer must install and maintain a decibel monitor at the property line (monitoring equipment and installation to be at the developer’s expense), and the applicant must submit the photometric plan inputs for staff review before any sports-area lighting is energized. Staff also recorded that the small pro-shop/shed shown on the plan will be used for equipment storage and not open as a retail pro shop unless parking and use are re-evaluated through a revised site plan.

Vote and next steps: The motion passed with five votes in favor and one abstention (Mr. Harris). The approval requires the developer to install the buffer plantings and the fence, provide the decibel monitoring device, and submit full photometric inputs; staff will confirm inputs match the approved photometric plan and that lights comply with the 0.5-foot-candle limit at property lines before permitting them to be turned on. The noise ordinance cited in the meeting places lower allowable noise thresholds after 10 p.m.; staff noted the city’s ordinance specifies a 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily standard for typical neighborhood activity levels.

Background: The property (Racket Club Lot 1) exists adjacent to River Trace condominiums and Riverchase Townhomes. Phase 1 of the site was approved in 2023; Phase 2 documents the conversion of former tennis courts and related site changes. Planning staff said parking provided on-site exceeds the numerical requirement in the zoning code after the phase 2 changes.

What the commission did not decide: The commission did not adopt a new hours restriction beyond the city's noise ordinance nor did it ban PA systems outright; it required monitoring, a solid fence/barrier and review of lighting inputs and reiterated that amplified systems should be aimed away from residences and operated at levels consistent with the noise code. If amplified sound or light exceed allowed limits after the monitoring data is reviewed, enforcement would follow existing city noise and nuisance procedures.

Outlook: The approval allows the developer to complete required plantings, fencing and monitoring; staff will verify the photometric inputs and the decibel device before the courts' permanent lighting is turned on. Neighbors and the applicant may return to staff or the commission if monitoring or enforcement actions are needed.