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Board allows two pickleball courts at University‑adjacent site with shorter hours and green buffer
Summary
The Board of Adjustment approved a special exception May 4 permitting two pickleball courts at the Catholic Student Association’s University of South Alabama site, conditioned on operation ending by 8 p.m. and creation of a south‑side green buffer to mitigate noise and light.
The Mobile Board of Adjustment on May 4 approved a special exception to allow two outdoor pickleball courts at 6051 Old Shell Road, a site used by the Catholic Student Association at the University of South Alabama.
George Coles told the board the courts would expand recreational opportunities for students and fit into an area composed largely of student housing and university athletic facilities. Staff and Coles proposed operating hours from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; during discussion board members raised concerns about noise and proximity to adjacent apartments.
Board member Mr. Metcalf suggested earlier hours and a green buffer along the south property line to help mitigate sound and light intrusion; the applicant said the association would be amenable to reduced hours and landscaping. The board voted to approve the special exception with a condition reducing operating hours to 8:00 p.m. and also requiring coordination with urban forestry or a similar city unit to establish a green‑space buffer on the property’s south edge.
Staff noted the site will be lighted but that lights would be turned off at the end of scheduled play; the approved conditions were intended to balance student recreational needs with nearby residents’ expectations for reduced nighttime disturbance.
The board’s decision included findings of fact A–L and standard site‑plan compliance. The association may proceed with required permitting and site modifications under the approved special exception.
