Article X — PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SPORTS AND RECREATION COURTS

The purpose of this article is to establish regulations governing the construction of private residential recreation courts, accessory to a singlefamily residence (hereafter, "recreation court"). These regulations are intended to control the height, size, and location of recreation courts; ensure the compatibility of the development of recreation courts with associated land uses; provide for privacy and protection against hazardous conditions; and preserve neighborhood character; and protect access to light and air, and the privacy of residents. (Ord. 2881, §13)

A. Properties located within a residential zone may have one private recreation court, including associated walls, fences, and lighting. No new recreation court shall be constructed, and no existing recreation court shall be relocated, altered, or enlarged, except in compliance with the provisions of this article. The following development standards shall apply to all recreation courts:

1. Recreation courts are prohibited within any front or street side setback, or within any City-owned easement.

2. Recreation courts are prohibited within a yard, or other area, between the front plane of a residence and a street.

3. Recreation courts are prohibited within ten (10) feet of any interior rear or side property line, or any landscape, equestrian or pedestrian easement.

4. No recreation court, nor any fencing or poles related thereto, shall be elevated above the existing grade level.

5. Recreation courts shall not be used for commercial purposes.

B. A recreation court consisting of less than one thousand (1,000) square feet, without lighting, and with any fencing or other enclosure no more than six (6) feet in height, located no closer than ten (10) feet to the interior side and rear setbacks is permitted by right. Recreation courts may be sunk below the existing grade to meet these requirements; and for recreation courts sunk below the existing grade, fence height shall be measured from the pre-existing (higher) adjacent grade to determine the maximum height.

C. Any existing recreation court constructed prior to March 23, 2018, shall be deemed approved, despite any non-compliance with the provisions of this article, in its configuration existing as of March 23, 2018. Any alteration, expansion, replacement, or other modification to such a recreation court shall be subject to the provisions of this article, except that ordinary repair and maintenance may be performed. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this article, for a recreation court constructed prior to March 23, 2018, any existing fencing or lighting may be repaired or replaced subject to the following requirements:

1. The replacement fencing (if more than six (6) feet high) and materials and design are reviewed and approved by administrative use permit.

2. The height of any replacement fencing shall not exceed the height of the previous fencing, or ten (10) feet, whichever is lower.

3. The replacement lighting and design are reviewed and approved lighting is no more than twenty (20) feet above grade level.

4. An administrative use permit shall be required for new or replacement of fencing that exceeds six (6) feet high, and any new or replacement lighting, for recreation courts constructed prior to March 23, 2018. (Ord. 2881, §13)

A. Recreation courts consisting of one thousand (1,000) square feet or more in area are permitted only upon approval of an administrative use permit.

B. Recreation courts with lights up to and including twenty (20) feet, above grade level, are permitted only upon approval of an administrative use permit (and building permit if required), and subject to the lighting development standards below.

C. Recreation courts with fencing more than six (6) feet in height, above grade level. Grade level for purposes of this section is defined as the ground surface located at the base of the pole and/or where the footing is constructed.

D. Additions or alterations to a recreation court resulting in a total area of more than one thousand (1,000) square feet. (Ord. 2881 §13, 2019)

All fencing shall be no more than six (6) feet above grade level to be permitted by right. Fencing above six (6) feet and no more than fourteen (14) feet above court level may be approved with an administrative use permit.

1. Proposed fence height and/or light pole height may be required to be revised and re-submitted, if necessary, to reduce potential

nuisances and satisfy all applicable findings prior to an approval for an administrative use permit.

2. All recreation court fences made of metal shall be a dark matte color. Any chain link fencing shall be coated in a dark matte vinyl or similar material (such as dark green or black color). Any wind screen material, such as for tennis courts, shall be a non-reflective matte color such as green, blue, or black.

3. All fencing above six (6) feet in height shall be constructed of wire mesh, or similar material, capable of admitting at least ninety percent (90%) of light as measured on a reputable light meter. Transparency requirement does not include semi-transparent or perforated wind screen material, such as mesh for tennis courts.

4. Recreation courts with fencing more than six (6) feet in height shall be located no less than ten (10) feet from rear or side property lines. (Ord. 2881 §13, 2019)

A. Landscaping is required for all recreation courts greater than one thousand (1,000) square feet to screen any fencing, equipment or athletic apparatus from adjacent properties and all public rights-of-way. Such landscaping shall achieve its screening effect within three (3) years after planting. Landscaping plans shall be submitted to the Development Services Director for review and approval prior to the issuance of an administrative use permit.

B. Recreation courts may be sunken below grade, such as for visual screening or noise attenuation purposes, provided any on-site drainage requirements applicable to the property, and cross-lot drainage for adjacent properties, are satisfied.

C. Any recreation court with an impervious surface of greater than one thousand (1,000) square feet or more requires a French drain or similar percolation system to be constructed in conjunction with such court in order to provide for on-site drainage of run-off into the aquifer, and shall be reviewed and approved by the City prior to construction. The drainage plan for this system shall be submitted before the issuance of an administrative use permit. Said system shall be maintained so as to be functional. (Ord. 2881 §13, 2019)

All lighting, if permitted by administrative use permit, shall comply with the following restrictions:

A. All lighting shall be completely shielded or screened so as to direct or contain illumination on the property. Lights shall be focused downward and shall not wash or spill glare onto adjacent properties. Spillover prevention may require substantial shielding of the fixture and lens. Light fixtures shall be of full cut-off design with the bulb fully enclosed within the fixture. Low pressure sodium and mercury vapor lamps are prohibited.

B. No more than six (6) supporting poles are permitted. Light poles shall be not less than ten (10) feet from all property lines.

C. Lighting and light fixtures shall not be more than twenty (20) feet above grade level, and no more than twenty (20) feet above the adjacent prevailing grade for sunken courts.

• D. Light fixtures and supporting poles shall be coated with a low-reflective material.

E. The power rating of the lamp shall not exceed one thousand (1,000) watts per light fixture. Sources of illumination may be required to incorporate shielding to limit glare and direct illuminance within the property. Light trespass shall not exceed one-half (0.5) foot-candle at any property line.

F. No recreation court lighting shall be operated before 10:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m.

G. Installation or alteration of any light poles, fixtures, or bulbs shall require a photometric plan prepared by a qualified consultant approved by the City, and submitted with any application (including any subsequent building permit) which includes court lighting.

H. All recreation court lighting is subject to review, for the thirty (30) day period after installation, by the Development Services Director to determine compliance with the requirements of this Section 18.156.750. (Ord. 2881 §13, 2019)