Regulating Noise Near Residences

Significant setbacks are key to neighbor well-being 

To effectively protect residents from pickleball noise, zoning, planning, and law enforcement should adopt and enforce substantial setback distances (e.g., 800 feet as recommended by Noise Pollution Clearinghouse) as this practical measure is easily understood, enforceable, and significantly reduces noise impact. 

Any courts closer then 800 feet must undergo a professional sound/noise impact study to analyze mitigation options. Experts agree that courts less than 100 feet away cannot be dampened or attenuated without a full enclosure by walls, i.e., indoor courts. 

We recommend 100 feet as a "no fly zone" for outdoor courts.  

Advocating for local planning and zoning laws

• Planning and zoning must acknowledge that pickleball is not a compatible land use with nearby residential areas due to the unique, frequent, and impulsive noise generated by the ball hitting the paddle. Proper planning and zoning are essential to prevent unnecessary conflicts.

• Be prepared, understand existing ordinances, build relationships with council members and focus on the real-life impact of noise on residents.

Sound level meters and law enforcement

• Purpose: Law enforcement agencies use sound level meters to objectively measure noise levels in response to complaints and to enforce local noise ordinances. These ordinances often specify permissible noise limits based on zoning (residential, commercial, industrial) and time of day.

• Measurement Parameters: When taking measurements, officers typically use the "A-weighting" (dBA) on the sound level meter, which filters the sound to approximate human hearing sensitivity. They may also use different time weightings (Fast, Slow) depending on the nature of the noise.

• Procedure: Officers will usually calibrate the sound level meter before taking measurements. They will position the microphone at a specific height and distance from reflective surfaces as per the local ordinance or standard procedure. Multiple measurements might be taken and averaged.

• Noise Ordinances: Noise ordinances vary significantly by jurisdiction. They may specify decibel limits at property lines or within certain distances, and they can have different rules for continuous noise, intermittent noise, and specific types of noise sources.

• Subjective vs. Objective Measurement: Some noise ordinances might include subjective criteria (e.g., "unreasonably loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noise"), but objective measurements with a sound level meter provide quantifiable evidence for enforcement.

• Challenges: Enforcing noise ordinances can be challenging due to factors like fluctuating ambient noise levels, the transient nature of some noise sources, and the need for proper training and equipment for officers.

While Class 1 meters offer superior accuracy, Class 2 sound level meters are the more practical and commonly used tool for general noise enforcement by most law enforcement agencies. They provide sufficient accuracy for typical noise ordinance violations at a more reasonable cost and with greater ease of use in the field.