Carmel could become 1st California city to permanently ban pickleball

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CARMEL, Calif. (KGO) -- Carmel is preparing to implement what could be California's first permanent ban on pickleball.

Earlier this month, the Carmel City Council paved the way for making a temporary ban permanent at the only public court within Carmel city limits.

While there are other public and private courts on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel's ban on the city-run court essentially makes it a city-wide ban.

The ban stems from years of noise complaints by residents near Forest Hill Park, located in the center of the ultra-wealthy coastal hamlet south of Monterey.

In response to these complaints, the city council decided to impose a temporary ban on the sport at the public courts. However, that temporary move appears to be moving toward a permanent ban.

While other cities have considered restricted pickleball hours and bans, there are no records of any other California city completely banning the ultra-popular sport.

Meaning if and when Carmel's decision takes effect it could be the first full ban actually implemented in a California city.