Noise Complaints Over Pickleball Courts Spark Lawsuit

A homeowners association near San Francisco’s Embarcadero has taken legal action against the Bay Club, citing noise complaints related to its pickleball courts. The lawsuit alleges that the six courts at the private waterfront facility generate excessive and disruptive noise, causing a nuisance for residents of the adjacent 155-unit condo complex.

The pickleball courts, converted from two tennis courts nearly two years ago, have been at the center of the controversy. The homeowners association demands the immediate cessation of what it terms “offensive noise pollution” caused by the distinct sound of pickleball play.

The issue echoes broader concerns in the area over pickleball-related noise. In another high-profile case, residents near the Presidio Wall courts pushed to reduce pickleball activity, resulting in the city shutting down six of the 12 courts there. Similar discussions about regulating pickleball courts are underway in Ross, Marin County.

Club + Resort Business reported on similar complaints at clubs in Missouri, Connecticut, and Michigan. But Editor-in-Chief Rob Thomas wrote that pickleball isn’t the lone culprit in the noise category.

In the current lawsuit, the homeowners association claims the noise from pickleball play exceeds permissible levels, citing a consultant’s findings that ambient noise in the area averages about 53 decibels, while pickleball noise frequently surpasses 70 decibels. The club had previously implemented measures to address complaints, such as limiting playing hours, installing noise-dampening curtains, and monitoring court activities. These steps, however, were deemed insufficient by the association.

The Bay Club’s courts are a popular venue for pickleball enthusiasts, and their potential closure could add strain to an already limited number of facilities in the city. San Francisco’s pickleball community has been vocal about the growing demand for courts, noting long wait times at existing locations despite recent expansions, including eight new courts in the Sunset District.

The lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions between the increasing popularity of pickleball and concerns about its impact on surrounding communities. As cities navigate these challenges, the balance between recreational opportunities and neighborhood tranquility remains a contentious issue.