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Council approves backyard half‑court at 18222 Fernando Circle with lighting limits
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Summary
A conditional‑use permit for a 1,800 sq ft half‑court and attached solar hoop light at 18222 Fernando Circle was approved 5–0 with standard conditions on noise and lighting (lights to be directed inward and subject to an off time). Staff said the fixture emits 4,000 lumens at 10 watts and complies with code.
The Villa Park City Council voted unanimously to approve a conditional‑use permit that will allow a 1,800‑square‑foot half‑court basketball court at 18222 Fernando Circle.
Assistant planner Caden Likens described the site and plans: the court would be 60 by 30 feet, be located toward the rear of the lot and include a single solar‑powered hoop light attached above the rim. The staff report noted the light is a “goal rilla solar hoop light” that emits about 4,000 lumens and draws approximately 10 watts, and that it is designed to direct light down toward the court and not beyond property lines. Staff concluded the use is compatible and cited standard time and noise conditions; the council added a condition that lighting be turned off at 10 p.m.
The applicants were present but did not speak at length; councilmembers asked clarifying questions about setbacks, existing perimeter walls and how the CUP relates to the property’s pending ADU work (the ADU is a separate ministerial application). "Standard conditions of approval in relation to noise and use of the recreational court and lighting have been applied with time frames," the planner said.
Councilmember Miles said she appreciated staff’s inclusion of photographs and site plans; another councilmember noted similar courts exist on neighboring parcels. The motion to approve conditional use permit 2026‑01 passed 5–0.
Next steps: With council approval, the applicants may proceed with grading and building permits, subject to the conditional‑use conditions and engineering approvals. The grading permit for the court remains pending engineering sign‑off.
Why it matters: The decision clarifies how the city will apply lighting and noise conditions to backyard recreational courts and balances property‑owner recreational use with protections for nearby residents.
