City exploring how to insulate residents from pickleball noise

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BELLE MEADE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Pickleball has become a phenomenon, with many communities building courts, but a city in Tennessee wants to pump the brakes a bit.

In September last year, the city adopted a new zoning ordinance for sports facilities, and some Belle Meade residents have complained about noise ever since.

The average noise level coming from pickleball play is 60 to 70 decibels. The maximum decibel level allowed in Belle Meade is 55 decibels.

Because of this restriction on noise level, the city is now considering a rule requiring any new courts be built at least 500 feet away from any property line.

The draft ordinance will be heard by the municipal planning commission on July 15, and the public is invited to come make comments.

The Board of Commissioners will vote on final approval for the plan about a week later, following a public comment period.

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