City Council Shuts Down Plans for Private Sports Courts

The Sedona City Council has unanimously approved a new ordinance modifying the Land Development Code to regulate the construction of private sport courts. This decision was made during the council’s meeting on April 22.

Noise Concerns

The council’s directive for the ordinance originated from complaints raised by neighborhood residents regarding noise levels associated with a private pickleball court under construction. Concerns were expressed about the potential negative impact on both residents and pets.

Planning Manager Cari Meyer clarified that Sedona currently lacks any noise complaints linked to the city’s 13 existing private sport courts. However, resident Becky Hofer previously asserted that pickleball activities reach noise levels of 110 dB at the paddle, diminishing significantly at varying distances.

Amendments Defined

The ordinance redefines a sport court as a designated area surpassing 20 feet by 30 feet intended for athletic use, which includes but is not limited to basketball and tennis courts. Notably, pools and driveways used solely for garage access are excluded.

Under the new guidelines, sport courts will be conditional accessory uses on properties, requiring a minimum 200-foot setback from property lines. This setback can be reduced to 25 feet if specific criteria are met, such as incorporating sound mitigation strategies.

The ordinance stipulates that a property must be at least 4.15 acres to accommodate a sport court under the 200-foot setback requirement. Properties eligible for the 25-foot setback must meet a minimum of 5,600 square feet. Additionally, sport courts must be enclosed by a fence or wall and cannot be rented separately from the property.

Operating hours are also regulated; courts cannot be used before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m. without a conditional use permit. Moreover, the installation of any lighting for courts on single-family properties is prohibited.

Conditional Use Permit Discussion