Sonoma planners approve house and gate but deny raised pickleball court after neighbor outcry

The City of Sonoma Planning Commission on Jan. 15 approved a design review permit and a use‑permit exception for a new two‑story residence, pergola and 7‑foot‑6‑inch entry gate at 138 4th Street East, but unanimously denied the applicant’s request to build a raised pickleball court on the same parcel.

The commission’s vote followed more than two hours of testimony and technical presentations. Planning staff said the project meets design‑review standards for the historic overlay and recommended approval with conditions; applicants Mike and Margaret Moriarty described the court as a private amenity and said they would screen it with landscaping and use it only occasionally. “This is a single private backyard court intended for occasional use, with our family and friends,” said Mike Moriarty.

Neighbors strongly opposed the…