Pleasanton's Planning Commission voted unanimously Wednesday, Oct. 28, to recommend new citywide rules for private sport courts and for lighted canopy signs, Pleasanton Weekly reported. Both packages of code changes now go to the City Council, which is expected to take a final vote at a later date.
Sport courts
Under the recommendation, newly built backyard courts could be used only between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Fences would top out at 15 feet, though the zoning administrator could allow up to 20 feet when needed to keep balls in, as long as the extra height would not create what the proposal calls an "unreasonable" visual impact.
Courts would have to sit at least 10 feet from property lines, and up to 15 feet depending on how close neighboring homes are.
Courts already in place would not be affected.
City staff said the effort grew out of neighbor disputes over a backyard tennis court. About a year ago, the council voted 3-2 to deny a homeowner's request for six 15-foot court lights on Martin Avenue.
Associate Planner Eric Luchini told commissioners the aim is to balance recreation with protecting neighbors. Vice Chair Anurag Jain raised concerns that the setbacks could be a burden for families on small lots who want a place for children to play. Commissioner Dave Jagoe responded that the limits are a tradeoff that comes with buying a small lot.
