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Encinitas officials say Bobby Riggs pickleball facility violated noise rules; city, owner to seek solutions
Summary
Encinitas city staff told the council they found the Bobby Riggs pickleball facility in violation of local noise rules after residents filed complaints. Staff said they will work with owner Steve Dawson on permitting, possible sound mitigation and enforcement; supporters and neighbors clashed during an extended public comment period.
Encinitas city staff said on Jan. 22 they found that the privately owned Bobby Riggs pickleball facility violated the city’s noise ordinance and city officials will work with the owner on permitting and solutions after weeks of public complaints and two dozen speakers at the council meeting.
"We did find that the facility did violate our noise ordinance," the City Manager told the council in response to dozens of oral comments. The city said code‑compliance staff issued warnings and violations and planned to meet with owner Steve Dawson to address permitting and controls.
The issue prompted a large public turnout and lengthy public comment. Supporters of the facility — which operates 22 courts in Encinitas and draws regional players — said Bobby Riggs brings business and community benefits. Kevin Neebs, who identified himself as a teaching professional at the club, said the sport and the venue created social, fitness and economic benefits: "Pickleball used to be considered an old man's sport... it's the fastest growing sport in the United States," Neebs said.
Neighbors and nearby residents told the council they have endured repeated noise, crowding and parking problems, and called for enforcement and mitigation. Roberta Miller, a neighbor, said social media interactions reflect the strain: "As a neighbor of Bobby Riggs for the past 25 years, we have endured the noise pollution...screaming and shouting, profanities and music," Miller said.
City staff said the original facility permits date to 1975 with an update in 1995, before the site’s current pickleball scale. Staff told the council they would work directly with Dawson on updating his permit to reflect the current use — a process that could include additional conditions, sound‑mitigation measures and enforcement consistent with the Encinitas Municipal Code.
"Staff is currently working with Mr. Dawson. He's coming in this week to go ahead and update his permitting for the pickleball that he has," the City Manager said. Staff added they would pursue measures to resolve parking, crowd control and noise, and would coordinate with neighbors on near‑term steps.
The council did not act on regulatory changes at the meeting. Instead, the city manager said staff would pursue code enforcement steps already taken and meet with the owner to seek a solution that addresses noise, parking and permit compliance while exploring options to preserve local recreational opportunities.
Ending: City staff asked neighbors and facility operators to submit details and evidence of impacts and to work with code compliance and planning staff as the city explores permitting updates and mitigation options. The city said final proposals or enforcement actions will be presented to the council as needed.
