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Council tables Falcon Ridge driving-range site plan after safety, liability objections
Summary
The Mesquite City Council postponed approval of a proposed Falcon Ridge driving range after residents and council members raised safety and liability concerns about a 12-foot fence, potential golf balls reaching Pioneer Boulevard, and whether nets or a taller barrier (council discussion centered around a 75–80-foot protection height) are required.
Mesquite — The City Council on Sept. 9 tabled a site-plan review for a proposed driving range in the Falcon Ridge Planned Unit Development after extended debate over public-safety risks, fencing height and liability.
City planning staff presented site-plan case ASR25009 for a 13.52-acre driving range on west Pioneer Boulevard, saying the developer proposed a 5,550-foot chain-link fence 12 feet high and would use limited‑flight golf balls to reduce distance. Staff recommended approval with conditions including a liability/indemnification waiver in favor of the city and requirements to shield lighting and avoid pedestrian‑vehicle conflicts.
“By the time you get to the 200‑yard mark, you’re up 60 feet,” Rob Wors(t/son), Falcon Ridge general manager, told council in defense of the design, adding the developer intends to use limited‑flight balls and denser chain‑link mesh that “golf balls will not go through.”
Council members and many speakers from the public challenged that assessment. Councilwoman Patty Gallo said 12 feet was inadequate on a major thoroughfare and warned of serious injuries or property damage if balls reached Pioneer Boulevard. “I think we need a higher fence,” she said. Council members repeatedly asked staff and the applicant whether nets or a substantially taller barrier could be installed instead.
Several residents described personal experience with errant balls. “I live on the 7th fairway … I have a huge 25‑foot net,” Councilman Nunez said, recounting damage he’s observed and urging greater protections. Public commenters and technical speakers referenced driving-range net heights used elsewhere; one member of the public cited industry guidance that range net heights often run between 45 and 65 feet and that commercial installations can exceed 100 feet.
Staff and the applicant emphasized site topography and berm height as part of the protective plan. “That 12‑foot high fence plus the berm onto that…by the time they get to the middle of that, you’re looking at the true elevation is gonna be 35 feet to the top of that in relation to the tee box,” a city planner explained during the meeting. The applicant added that the layout favored tee boxes oriented uphill to reduce the number of balls traveling toward the road.
After extended questioning and public comment, Councilman Ennis moved to table the site-plan review so the applicant could consult owners about increasing barrier height; Councilwoman Fielding seconded the motion. The motion passed. Council directed the applicant to return with a clearer, owner‑approved proposal on fence/net height and other mitigation measures.
Next step: the applicant will report back to council with owner direction and any revised designs or commitments on protective structures; the matter remained tabled at the end of the Sept. 9 meeting.
