Noise Complaints Could Shut Down Pickleball in Ross: The Town of Ross is facing a critical decision: whether to ban pickleball courts on private property due to increasing complaints about noise disturbances. At the Town Council meeting on Thursday, staff presented a report addressing the growing concerns related to noise generated by home pickleball courts, setting the stage for a broader debate about balancing recreational needs with residential peace.
Pickleball, a fast-growing sport in Marin, has become a flashpoint in Ross, where its popularity is met with equal parts enthusiasm and frustration. As Mayor Bill Kircher noted, after a lengthy discussion, the council deferred its decision until its October meeting to allow town staff to gather more data and develop potential regulations. The delay highlights the complexity of the issue and the need for a thoughtful approach in a town known for its quiet, residential character.
“After an extended discussion, the council decided to continue the matter to the council’s October meeting so that staff could respond to requests for additional information requested by council members.” – (Kircher)
Noise at the Heart of the Debate
The crux of the matter is noise. Pickleball’s distinctive paddle-and-ball interaction has triggered noise complaints from residents, leading the council to explore possible regulations. Ross has strict noise limits, with exterior areas capped at 55 decibels—yet pickleball games on private courts can easily exceed this threshold, especially when played within proximity to homes.
Councilmember Mathew Salter acknowledged the split opinions from the community during the meeting, with some in favor of more pickleball access and others advocating for restrictions. While some pushed for an outright ban, Salter suggested a middle ground, emphasizing that quieter equipment—such as newly designed paddles and balls—could mitigate the noise issue. “The issue is not the sport, the issue is the noise,” Salter said, indicating the council’s focus on finding a solution that could satisfy players and concerned residents.
The council’s hesitation to ban the sport outright reflects a broader trend seen across Marin, where towns like Corte Madera, Mill Valley, and San Anselmo allow private pickleball courts without requiring permits. However, Ross’ strict noise limits make it harder for courts to comply with regulations unless they are built at least 250 feet from nearby residences, an almost impossible distance in densely populated neighborhoods.
Potential Regulations and Comparisons
The staff report cited other towns in Marin, like Tiburon, where regulations have been crafted to address noise concerns. Tiburon conducted an extensive study in 2022 to assess pickleball-related noise, requiring that courts undergo audibility tests before construction. This approach has been cited as a potential model for Ross, where audibility and noise mitigation may soon become central to pickleball court development.
Yet soundproofing efforts come at a high cost. The staff report detailed that soundproof walls, a potential solution, can cost up to $90,000 for materials and installation. Corte Madera, which is constructing two new pickleball courts at Town Park, has committed to a $350,000 project that includes soundproofing to address the noise issue upfront. While Ross residents have voiced concerns over noise, the financial burden of such mitigation efforts could present another hurdle.
The council’s forthcoming decision in October will likely depend on whether these kinds of expensive mitigation measures are feasible for private property owners, or if the town will push for a ban as the only viable option.
A Balancing Act for the Town
The ongoing pickleball debate in Ross raises deeper questions about how communities balance recreational opportunities with the rights of residents to enjoy peace. Pickleball’s surge in popularity has not only put a spotlight on the sport but also on the shortcomings of municipal noise regulations that may not be equipped to handle this new source of disturbance.
News in Brief: Noise Complaints Could Shut Down Pickleball in Ross
As the council grapples with the issue, the challenge will be finding a compromise that allows for pickleball’s continued growth while addressing the valid concerns of nearby residents. Whether through innovative equipment, strict audibility regulations, or the costly installation of soundproof barriers, Ross must decide how to manage the rise of pickleball in a way that maintains the town’s character while accommodating it’s evolving recreational landscape. The October meeting will be a pivotal moment in shaping that future.
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