It was then moved by Mrs. Gowdy that Application #24-7, to adopt the staff findings and approve the special use permit to change the existing use of a patio located at 1100 Ridgeway Road to a tennis (pickleball) court, be approved. Mrs. Gowdy seconded the motion.
SPECIAL USE STANDARDS
A.
The proposed use at the specified location is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
PRELIMINARY STAFF FINDINGS:
The Comprehensive Plan states that development should be compatible with the surrounding area. The addition of a pickleball court may have an impact on the surrounding neighborhood. The Planning Commission should consider the use of fencing or sound barriers to help reduce noise levels, and/or limiting the hours of use by linking this use to the city’s existing noise ordinance. The pickleball court will be set back by approximately 100 feet from Ridgeway Road and approximately 87 feet from the east property line bordering the homes on Raleigh Road. The current patio/ proposed pickleball court will be effectively screened with existing mature vegetation to minimize the impact to surrounding properties.
It is important to note that tennis courts may be installed in all residential zoning districts by special use permit.
B.
The proposed building or use will not adversely affect or change the character of the area in which it is located.
PRELIMINARY STAFF FINDINGS:
What is being proposed may have an impact on the surrounding neighborhood as it relates to noise. However, the proposed pickleball court is a reasonable distance away from other properties and the applicant has planted attractive landscape screening to soften the appearance of the pickleball court.
C.
That the establishment, maintenance or operation of the special use will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience or general welfare.
PRELIMINARY STAFF FINDINGS:
Continuous play and increased noise levels could be a cause for concern among neighboring properties.
D.
That the proposed use will not be injurious to the reasonable use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purposes already permitted, or substantially diminish and impair property values within the neighborhood.
PRELIMINARY STAFF FINDINGS:
As mentioned above, changing the existing use from a patio to a pickleball court may impact the enjoyment of surrounding properties in the immediate vicinity due to continuous play and increased noise levels.
E.
The proposed use at the specified location will not significantly adversely affect the use and development of adjacent and nearby properties in accordance with the regulations of the district in which they are located. The location, size and height of proposed buildings and other structures, and the operation of the use will not significantly adversely affect the