The homeowners association of a condominium complex near San Francisco’s Embarcadero has filed a lawsuit against the Bay Club, claiming that the six pickleball courts at the club’s waterfront facility produce “constant, unbearable, and offensive noise.”
The Golden Gateway Commons Residential Association, representing residents of the 155-unit condo complex adjacent to the Bay Club Gateway, states in the lawsuit that the pickleball courts — converted from two tennis courts nearly two years ago — have become a significant disturbance.
The association is demanding that the club “immediately stop the offensive noise pollution originating from its pickleball facilities.”
The complaint emphasizes the unique and disruptive sound created by pickleball, explaining:
“This complaint pertains to the defendant’s recently converted pickleball courts and the highly disruptive noise pollution they generate. The noise comes from the sharp ‘popping’ sound produced when a pickleball hits a paddle — a distinct noise unlike that of a tennis racket striking a tennis ball.”
At the time of writing, Bay Club representatives have not provided any comment on the matter.
Complaints about pickleball noise in San Francisco are nothing new, as the sport’s popularity has surged since the pandemic.
The ongoing controversy over the Bay Club courts follows a high-profile dispute at the Presidio Wall pickleball courts. Nearby residents, despite having their own private court, attempted to shut the public courts down. This dispute culminated in a partial victory for noise critics when, in January, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department closed six of the Presidio Wall’s 12 courts. The couple involved later sold their home at 3630 Jackson St. in April for $24 million, significantly below its initial listing price of $36 million.
Elsewhere, the town of Ross in Marin County is also considering restrictions on private pickleball courts due to similar noise concerns.
In the Bay Club case, the homeowners association representing 155 residents at the nearby condo complex has taken legal action after sending several letters demanding the club “cease and desist pickleball court operations.” According to the lawsuit, the association claims the courts violate state nuisance laws by producing “offensive” noise that disrupts the enjoyment of life and property.
In response to earlier complaints, the Bay Club outlined noise mitigation measures in May, including limiting play to after 9 a.m., installing noise-dampening curtains, and monitoring player behavior. However, the homeowners association dismissed these efforts as “performative and half-hearted.”
To bolster their case, the association hired a consultant in November to conduct a noise assessment. The findings indicated that ambient background noise in the area typically ranged from 52.6 to 53.3 decibels, while pickleball-related noise often exceeded 70 decibels. Local regulations limit noise levels to no more than eight decibels above ambient levels, according to the lawsuit.
Jim Oakes, a pickleball enthusiast living in the part of the condo complex farthest from the courts, suggested a compromise involving restricted hours and noise-dampening measures. “If they limit play from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., that could work for most people,” he said, though he acknowledged it might still pose challenges for residents working from home.
Other players worry about the potential ripple effects of court closures. Lisa Shaw, a pickleball coach and advocate, noted that existing courts in San Francisco are already overwhelmed. Despite the addition of eight dedicated courts at Larsen Playground in the Sunset District, long waits persist at all city play sites.
“Eliminating the Gateway courts would only worsen the situation,” Shaw said. “Demand for pickleball in San Francisco is incredibly high, and we simply don’t have enough courts to meet that demand.” She added that the San Francisco Tennis and Pickleball Planning Roundtable is currently surveying players to better understand their needs and challenges.
The lawsuit underscores the tension between pickleball’s growing popularity and the challenges of accommodating it in urban settings. For now, the future of the Bay Club’s courts—and the broader pickleball debate—remains uncertain.