Wellington ARB approves alternative design for Draft Horse Lane sports-court cover

The Wellington Architectural Review Board on April 22 approved petition 2026-0012 (ARB-388), allowing an alternative design for a 70-by-30 shade structure to cover a residential sports court at a Paddock Park 2 property.

The proposed structure, on a 2.39-acre parcel owned by William Wilson and represented by agent Chanella Brooks of Bartley builder group, would sit behind the house and be screened from the street by mature hedges and palms. A staff member told the board the structure “would not be [visible] to the neighborhood as it is located directly behind the house and it has thick landscaping around the entire perimeter.” The cover rises from about 14 feet to 17 feet at the highest point.

The board’s discussion focused on how the structure would be used — members questioned whether the 14- to 17-foot height would suit tennis, pickleball or basketball — and whether the roofed area resembled a traditional sports court versus a storage or vehicle cover. Chanella Brooks, the applicant’s agent, said she provided enlarged photos to clarify placement and screening. The staff presentation noted the proposal meets zoning setbacks and recommended conditions of approval routinely applied to similar shade structures.

After opening the item for public comment and hearing no speakers, a board member moved to approve the petition based on staff findings; the motion was seconded and the chair announced the motion carries. Staff told the applicant the ARB would send a letter the next day and that the building permit should follow promptly.

The approval does not change the board’s stated standard: structures that exceed the limits proposed in the zoning-text amendment under discussion (including a separate 12-foot maximum under consideration) would continue to require ARB review.