The Complete Homeowner's Resource
Before you pour a single cubic yard of concrete, you need to know what your city, county, and HOA actually require. This is the only site built specifically to answer those questions — for free, without a contractor pitch.
Find out if residential sport courts are permitted in your zone and what setbacks apply.
Determine whether the court's footprint will exceed your lot's impervious surface limit.
Submit an architectural review request before you pull a permit — not after.
File for a building permit (and often a drainage or grading permit) with your local authority.
Four things every homeowner must understand before breaking ground on a backyard pickleball court.
Most permanent outdoor courts require at least one permit. Learn what triggers the requirement and what to expect from the process.
HOA rules can stop a project even after city approval. Here's how to read your CC&Rs and submit an approval request that actually works.
Cities from Laguna Beach to Newport RI have enacted pickleball-specific noise rules. Find out what applies where you live.
Setbacks from property lines, impervious coverage limits, and accessory structure rules — explained clearly for homeowners.
This is the hidden rule that stops more backyard courts than any other. Learn how to calculate your lot's coverage and whether you need a variance.
A full walkthrough of the permit process from first phone call to final inspection — so you know exactly what comes next.
Enter your yard dimensions and existing paved area. Our calculator instantly tells you whether a standard pickleball court will fit within typical setbacks AND whether you'll likely trigger an impervious coverage variance.
Use the Calculator →Standard Court Dimensions
Total footprint with margins: ≈ 3,256 sq ft
Permit requirements, typical setbacks, and key contacts for each state — written for homeowners, not contractors.
A printable, step-by-step checklist covering every permit, approval, and compliance item you need before hiring a contractor. Covers zoning, HOA submission, building permits, drainage, lighting, and noise pre-checks.
Download Free Checklist →Stormwater runoff rules that apply to concrete slabs and what drainage systems are typically required.
Adding lights for evening play? Here's what electrical permits, height limits, and neighbor notification rules typically apply.
When your court doesn't fit the standard rules, a variance may be your only path. Here's how to make the case.
Already have a tennis court? Converting it to pickleball may still require a permit. Here's what typically changes.
Does a portable tile court need a permit? The answer depends on your municipality — and it may surprise you.
Quiet paddles, acoustic fencing, and court placement strategies that satisfy noise ordinances before complaints arise.
Combining pickleball and basketball on one slab? Permit requirements can stack. Here's what to plan for.
How to find the exact provisions in your HOA's governing documents that apply to sports courts and hard surfaces.
Some cities require you to notify adjacent neighbors before building. Learn what's required and how to do it.