Do I Need a Permit for a Pickleball Court? 

You love pickleball so much that you’re considering installing a permanent court in your backyard. Sounds easy—just call some professionals and have them do everything, right?

Well, it’s a little more complicated than that. Depending on where you live, you may need permits and HOA approval. If you’re wondering, “Do I need a permit for pickleball court construction?” we’ll explain what you need to know.

Why Pickleball Court Approval Matters Before You Build

Your HOA may have the power to stop you from installing a pickleball court. As part of an HOA, you sign a contract that states what you can and cannot do with your property. Some of these rules may include not being able to modify your home—whether it’s as simple as changing the exterior paint or as complicated as installing a pickleball court. 

Even if your HOA approves, your local government may have separate regulations for installing a pickleball court in a residential area. You may need to obtain permits before installing your court. 

Not getting approval from either of these entities can lead to fines, halting the project halfway—never to be finished—or even requiring removal of the court after completion. 

Make sure to plan carefully, get any necessary approvals, and consider all costs involved in installing a pickleball court before starting.

Do You Need a Permit to Build a Pickleball Court?

Whether you need a permit for a pickleball court depends on your area’s ordinances. It’s best to check with local authorities before construction. Construction professionals should know who to check in with before starting a project, so don’t be afraid to ask them questions.

Projects That Typically Trigger Permit Review

Projects that require a permit can include those that:

• Install large structures (like fences or lighting systems)
• Make permanent changes (like creating a hard flat surface)
• Evacuate any area
• Change or add drainage systems
• Cover a large square footage
• Are built near property boundaries
• Significantly change the landscape

Do You Need HOA Approval for a Backyard Pickleball Court?

What’s in your HOA’s bylaws will determine whether you need its approval. It’s best to reach out to the HOA to see if you need to submit a request. 

HOA Rules That Commonly Affect Pickleball Courts

Here are some typical HOA rules that can affect whether or not your pickleball court will be approved:

• Exterior standards: Some HOAs prefer for a neighborhood to look cohesive and may believe that a pickleball court will ruin that look.
• Noise levels: Pickleball is a noisy sport that could disturb neighbors.
• Water drainage: If you alter the drainage system, it could cause runoff problems for others and even damage their yards.
• Size restrictions: The HOA may only allow a specific court size in your yard due to concerns about overdevelopment. 
• Placement: The court may need to be a certain number of feet away from property lines or other structures.
• Approved materials: There may be specific materials and colors allowed for your court. 
• Lighting curfew: You may have rules about how long your court lights are on.
• No permanent structures: The HOA may not allow any permanent sports structure. 
• Usage limits: The HOA may say who can and can’t use your court, like only household members—not friends or neighbors.
• Maintenance rules: You may have to keep your court pristine to prevent a negative impression of the neighborhood.

How to Find a Professional Pickleball Court Construction Company

If you’ve gotten all your permissions and still haven’t hired a construction company, you should find one ASAP. Creating a permanent pickleball court isn’t something easily done through DIY. 

In addition to providing a quality installation, experienced pickle installers can help you answer the following questions:

• Do I need a building permit for the slab or surfacing?
• Will lighting require an electrical permit?
• Are there HOA restrictions on hardscape additions?
• How close can the court be to the fence?
• Is a multi-sport design more practical and approval-friendly?

Find experienced pickleball installers.

Can an Installer Help Design My Court?

Some installers with the right experience can also help you with your court design. If you need assistance with this process, you can turn to Dominator. 

The Dominator team has the expertise to help design a court that works for your property and needs. We can help determine factors like: 

• How far the court lines should be from the property lines
• Where to place setback lines
• Choosing the right lighting and pole height to prevent neighborhood light spill

Temporary vs. Permanent Pickleball Setups

With the rules and hurdles a permanent court installation can face, you may consider a temporary pickleball court instead. Both setups have their pros and cons—the best one depends on your needs and what regulations in your area allow for. 

Temporary Court

Pros	Cons
Flexible	Has to be set up and taken down repeatedly
Low upfront cost	Needs storage space
Portable	Less stable
Indoor/outdoor use	May need occasional replacement

Permanent Court

Pros	Cons
Long lifetime	Immovable
Weather resistant and durable	May require permits/HOA approval
Easy to use	More complex installation
Low maintenance	Higher upfront cost

Get Pickleball Equipment That Always Performs

If you’re creating a permanent court, you need high-quality equipment. Get high-performance pickleball equipment from Dominator. 

If you’d rather use a temporary pickleball setup, our portable pickleball nets can help with that.
From nets to paddles, we offer everything you need for your best pickleball game. Browse our catalog today.