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Council tables sports-court ordinance, approves resolution to pursue pickleball grant with local match
Summary
After heated debate about backyard sports courts, council sent the sports-court ordinance back to the planning commission for more oversight and simultaneously approved a resolution supporting a grant application to build pickleball courts with up to $25,000 local commitment.
Woodland Hills City Council on March 4 sent a proposed ordinance on private outdoor sports courts back to the planning commission for further work and adopted a separate resolution supporting a Utah Outdoor Grant application for pickleball courts at the city park with a maximum local commitment of $25,000.
The sports-court ordinance (agenda item 26) prompted extended discussion about permitting, property-line impacts, noise, and whether private owners should be allowed to install large cement slabs (pickleball, basketball, or skate features) in rear yards without more oversight. Several council members and residents said unrestricted slabs can create neighbor disputes and, in one instance discussed by a resident during public comment, place balls and activity immediately adjacent to a neighbor’s house.
Council asked staff and the planning commission to return with clearer standards addressing setbacks, size or percentage limits, site-plan review and procedures to prevent courts encroaching on neighboring lots. The motion to table and refer the matter back to planning commission passed on a recorded vote; staff said they expect to bring a revised proposal to council in coming months.
Separately, the council approved a resolution (agenda item 30) that authorizes the Parks/Trails/Rec committee to pursue a Utah Outdoor Grant for pickleball courts and states the city is willing to commit up to $25,000 as a local match or in-kind contribution if the grant is awarded. Council members clarified that any city commitment would be conditional on available funds and would be limited to that project specific purpose; the resolution does not obligate city funds unless the grant is awarded.
Council discussed lighting for the proposed courts; a public commenter and council members urged that any court lighting be shielded and meet the city’s lighting standards.
Staff noted the grant award would require identification of the funding source if the grant is successful; council asked parks staff to return with a proposed funding plan if the grant is awarded.
