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Council adopts 250-foot setback for large private sport courts after noise study review
Summary
After a moratorium and Planning Commission review, the Council adopted Ordinance No.1698 creating a 250-foot setback for private sport courts over 800 sq ft based on studies showing pickleball noise drops to ~60 dB at that distance; staff noted the change may render existing courts noncompliant as most yards are too small.
Planner Jill Clifton told the Council the sport-court ordinance responds to resident complaints about pickleball noise. The Planning Commission recommended a 250-foot setback for private outdoor sport courts larger than 800 square feet, drawing on Noise Pollution Clearinghouse and Environmental Protection Agency findings that pickleball noise falls to about 60 decibels at 250 feet. Clifton said Mission Hills has an estimated 28 private sport courts; only about five meet current setbacks and the new rule would likely make all existing large courts nonconforming.
Resident Mr. Cole thanked the Council for the moratorium, saying it gave neighbors time to study the issue and he expressed hope the ordinance would prevent future conflicts. Councilmembers discussed repair-versus-replacement thresholds (25% rule) and whether major repairs could force a gradual reduction in courts through the variance process. The Council voted 5-0 to adopt Ordinance No.1698.
Staff said certain mitigation measures used elsewhere—like acoustic fencing or silent paddles—are difficult to regulate on private property and that enforcement would rely on neighbors bringing complaints and decibel measurements under the City's noise ordinance.
