Palm Springs Planning Commission postpones decision on 16-court private pickleball complex

The Palm Springs Planning Commission postponed a decision Tuesday on a proposed commercial 16-court pickleball complex near Palm Springs International Airport, asking developers to address concerns about noise mitigation, parking and traffic circulation before returning for another hearing.

PPUSA, LLC, with Clifford Teston listed as managing member, is seeking approval to develop the recreational facility at the southwest corner of Avenida Evelita and Airport Center Drive, according to city planning documents. The project includes 13 competitive-sized courts and three recreational courts, along with a 1,231-square-foot concession building offering food, beverages and restrooms.

While commissioners expressed support for the concept, they voted 6-1 to continue the matter to a future date to allow the applicant to conduct acoustical studies and resolve several technical issues. Commissioner David Murphy cast the lone dissenting vote, preferring to approve the project moving forward Tuesday evening.

“We love the idea of the value of an additional sports court and having additional pickleball for residents,” said Chair Kathy Weremiuk. “This is the best site in the city for it. It’s a good location. It just needs tweaking to make it perfect.”

The commission’s primary concerns centered on potential noise impacts to nearby residential areas. Commissioners noted that pickleball generates a different type of noise than tennis, with harder paddles and balls creating sharper, more frequent sounds that can carry further than traditional sports.

The facility would operate from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, but commissioners questioned whether early morning and late evening hours would comply with the city’s noise ordinance, which has more restrictive standards between 6-7 a.m. and 10-11 p.m.

Staff initially recommended approval, finding the project meets zoning requirements for the M-1 industrial zone. The nearest residential properties are located approximately 200 feet south of Ramon Road, which staff argued was sufficient distance given existing ambient noise from traffic and airport operations.

However, public comments submitted before the meeting raised concerns about the cumulative impact of pickleball noise, particularly during extended hours of operation. While the city’s noise ordinance applies different standards to industrial zones, the commission has authority to impose additional conditions based on broader criteria for public welfare.

The commission directed the applicant to return with several modifications:

• Professional acoustical studies examining noise mitigation options, including the proposed combination of masonry walls and decorative metal fencing versus solid eight-foot sound walls
  
• Technical analysis of noise levels during restricted hours under the city’s noise ordinance
  
• Resolution of parking circulation issues, including concerns about a dead-end parking lot and the number of proposed bay parking spaces along Airport Center Drive
  
• Clarification of traffic access at the intersection of Ramon Road and Avenida Evelita
  
• Consideration of shade structures over some courts and enhanced landscaping for additional sound buffering

The project would include court lighting for nighttime play, 55 parking spaces and perimeter landscaping. Developers are requesting a minor modification to reduce required parking by 10%, from 60 spaces to 55 spaces.

The facility is planned as a private recreational club open to the public with paid memberships and day passes for visitors. The applicant also plans to pursue an alcohol license for serving beer and wine, which would be processed separately by state authorities.

The project reflects growing demand for pickleball facilities in Palm Springs. That demand has been apparent as local players face crowded conditions at existing city park facilities.

The City Council recently approved temporary pickleball courts at College of the Desert property on East Baristo Road to serve players during an eight-month renovation and expansion of courts at Demuth Park beginning later this year. The Demuth Park project will double the number of city courts from 12 to 24 when completed.

This isn’t the first time a private pickleball project has been proposed. In December 2022, an ownership group led by local entrepreneur Lauri Kibby announced plans for a 12-court indoor facility called “PickleClub” off Farrell Drive, with hopes of opening in June 2023. That upscale facility, which would include a fitness center, bar, spa and plunge pool, did not move forward through the approval process.

No date has been set for the currently proposed project to return to the Planning Commission.

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