(a) Scope of Provisions. A sports court is a dedicated hard surfaced area purpose-built for playing tennis, basketball, shuffleboard, or other similar such sporting activities on a residential lot. A residential driveway or paved parking area occasionally used for such activities is not considered to be a sports court. A sports court may be constructed and maintained on a residential lot in addition to permissible detached accessory structures.
(b) Permit Application.
(1) Permit Requirement. An accessory building zoning permit per Section 13-1-200(a) is required for all sports courts prior to construction.
(2) Application Requirements. In addition to the required application information prescribed in Section 13-1-200(a), permit applications for sports courts shall include the following additional information:
a. Court dimensions;
b. A site plan drawn to scale showing the location of the court on the Jot, and the distance from other structures and property lines;
c. Lighting plan;
d. Landscaping plan;
e. Fencing plan, including information on the height and type of proposed fencing; and
f. Any other information deemed necessary by the Building Inspector.
(c) Standards for Sports Courts.
(1) Number. A residential lot is permitted to have one (1) sports court. A sports court may only be constructed on a Jot after the principal structure is under construction or present.
(2) Location. Sports courts may only be located in rear or side yard areas. No sports court may be constructed in a front yard or over an easement.
(3) Setback Requirements. A sports court, and attendant facilities (example: equipment structure), shall be located a minimum of ten (10) feet from any property lines or residential structure.
(4) Lighting. If a sports court will have lighting, such lights shall be extinguished by 10:00 p.m., shall be directed onto the court, and shall be shielded and directed downwards to minimize light migration and glare onto adjacent properties. All such lighting shall comply with Village of Edgar lighting ordinances.
(5) Fencing.
a. Fencing enclosing a sports court on a residential parcel shall use either purpose- manufactured sports netting or utilize corrosion-resistant #9 gauge woven wire mesh similar to chain link design. No such fence shall exceed exceed ten (10) feet in height. Fence posts shall be decay-resistant.
b. Upon application for consideration, the Plan Commission may modify such fencing requirements where structures or vegetation provide a substantial equivalent of the fencing required by this Section. However, such waiver shall not permit a sports court enclosure fence to serve as a lot line fence governed by Section 13-1-202.
(6) Drainage. Adequate provisions, satisfactory to the Building Inspector, shall be made to prevent drainage of surface water from the sports court onto adjoining properties.
(7) Additional Requirements. The Building Inspector shall have the authority when granting a permit to require such design changes, additions and safeguards which he/she determines to be necessary.
(d) Miscellaneous Requirements.
(1) Hours of Operation. No sports court located within one hundred (100) feet of an adjacent residence shall be used between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
(2) Private Use Only. Sports courts on residential parcels shall not be used for commercial purposes.
(3) Noise Limitations. No excessive, loud or unnecessary noises from a sports court which disturb the comfort and quiet of neighboring residents is permissible. Village noise ordinances shall be complied with.
(4) Nuisances. No sports court shall be maintained or operated in such a manner as to create a hazard or nuisance or in other ways be detrimental to the public safety, health and welfare or result in substantial adverse effect on neighboring properties.
(e) Complaints. In the event complaints are received regarding a sports court, the Building Inspector shall refer such complaints to the Plan Commission. Following written notice to the property owner with the sports court and public hearing, the Plan Commission may issue an order to terminate the objectionable activity complained about or impose appropriate changes.